Writing genre: inspirational

 

Inspirational genre's popularity is on the rise in recent years. Just have a look at how many self-help books or books diving info philosophy exist out there. Today, I'll try to easily explain the main points of how they function.

And the absolutely main thing about them... They're supposed to inspire. To teach. To pass on a certain idea which is supposed to open the reader's eyes.

Most usually, the main character in such a book is being tested or goes through a hardship which is then overcame and the character succeeds. HOW they do it is the important part. Their success is meant to uplift and inspire the reader and give hope for the same outcome.

Outside of that, the works could focus on more theoretical concepts - such as soul, karma, good and evil.

Therefore, a lot of self-help literature - for example on mindfulness - falls under inspirational genre.

Inspirational genre should be wholesome, comforting and providing a safe space for readers, embracing them in a metaphorical hug. It's also often relatable, for example by exploring feelings like despair or loss - ones we all felt at a certain point.

This genre bridges fiction and nonfiction, and can lean more into one or the other depending on the work.

For a perfect example of this genre look at Paulo Coelho's "Alchemist".

Different cultures have their own versions of inspirational stories:

• Japanese literature: themes of endurance (gaman) and subtle beauty (mono no aware)

• African oral traditions: tales of resilience, survival, and community strength

• Latin American works: magical realism with deeply inspirational undertones

• Native American: inspires resilience by showing humans as part of a larger spiritual ecosystem

SUBGENRES:

THEOLOGICAL FICTION - engaging specifically with theoretical ideas of a particular belief system. One example of it would be Christian fiction.

VISIONARY FICTION - focuses on personal or spiritual awakening. The story often follows a character expanding their consciousness, discovering higher truths, or unlocking hidden potential

GENTLE FICTION - novels exploding everyday's joys and frustrations with charm and humor, typically lacking mentions of explicit sex or violence

MOTIVATIONAL NONFICTION - e.g., Atomic Habits by James Clear (bridging psychology and inspiration)

TROPES:

Second chances: a character gets the opportunity to make a positive change or build a better future, often after a period of difficulty or a generally grim outlook

Coming of age: a young person goes on a journey towards adulthood, learning crucial life lessons along the way

Break the chains: overcoming addiction, despair or toxic relationships

Man vs himself: internal struggle with doubt, guilt or temptation as the main conflict

Road to Damascus: a sudden life-changing epiphany or conversion

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