THOU SHALT NOT MORALIZE
When I was in school, we had plenty of children’s books that often read like a sermon disguised as a story, with too-good-to-be-true kids and naughty ones who got their “just desserts” in ways that would make us cringe now.
Most of those preachy tales have gone the way of the corset, overshadowed by better books where kids act like real kids—flawed, fun, and capable of growth.
My siblings and I grew up under a “do as I say, not as I do” regime—a classic hand-me-down from our parents’ generation and cultures, where asking questions just wasn’t a thing.
I flipped that script in my family, though it wasn’t always easy. I questioned everything—mostly because my parents seemed way stricter than all my friends’ folks.
But here’s the thing: kids, just like adults, hate being lectured. They’ve already got enough of it at home with the “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” and “Don’t touch that!” routine. Books are their escape, and if they feel a lecture coming on, they’ll ditch it in a heartbeat. So, when it comes to writing, keep the preaching light.
Picture this: you’re an agent or editor scrolling through your slush pile, and you get a pitch for a book about a sweet old lady telling parents how to reform their misbehaving kids. What child would want to read a book like that? Snooze, right? And what editor would be crazy enough to publish it?
Actually, publisher J.B. Lippincott took the chance, back in the 1940’s – and somehow “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” by Betty MacDonald, a book with that exact premise, became a three-sequel classic.
So, why did it work? Because Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle isn’t just another cookie-baking granny with all the answers. She’s the grown-up every kid wants to be—quirky, imaginative, and always on their level. She turns chores into games, never judges, and believes there are no bad kids, just fun “cures” for bad habits. From magic potions that make kids cry actual buckets to turning selfishness into a joke, her solutions are as clever as they are hilarious.
The takeaway? If your characters are fun and your story is engaging, the lessons will seep in naturally. No lectures required.
Practical Principles for Everyday Writing
In fact, very few writers can nail stories where adults swoop in to save the day without it feeling clunky. The golden rule? Your main characters should be around the readers’ age and figure things out on their own.
These principles are your toolkit for all kinds of writing and will help you dodge the dreaded overly moralistic trap.
Principle 1: Make Your Characters Relatable, Not Perfect.
A perfect hero? Seriously… I’m snooze. Readers don’t connect with flawless characters; they’re drawn to the messy, imperfect, and sometimes downright annoying ones. Your main character needs some quirks—maybe it’s a bad habit, an annoying personality trait, or a little incompetence that throws a wrench into things. I’m dating myself, but I think back to: Dennis the Menace, who wasn’t a bad kid, but his never-ending antics and pesky questions drove adults up the wall. And that’s why we loved him—he was real.
But your protagonist doesn’t need to be all sunshine and roses either. A hero who’s too good is just as forgettable as one who’s too evil. Striking the balance is key: give them a relatable flaw, like fear or stubbornness. I tapped into my own quirky Self and passed it on James Dawson, who’s obsessed with knowing every little fact. It’s his superpower—and his downfall—where his ‘bookiness’ gets him both into and out of trouble.
Remember characters might grow, but don’t make them shed every imperfection. The coward who finds bravery in a crisis isn’t suddenly a daredevil, and the cocky character doesn’t lose all swagger overnight.
Even your side characters deserve some love. Avoid the cookie-cutter tropes: the bumbling dad, the heartless bully, or the stick-in-the-mud teacher. Add a twist—a stay-at-home mom who’s also a die-hard sports fan, or a grumpy teacher with a secret love for cheesy rom-coms. The key? Make them feel human, flaws and all, because perfect characters belong in fairy tales, not on your pages.
Principle 2: Keep It Snappy and Stay on Track.
Don’t let your story drift into long, preachy paragraphs. Use description sparingly—just enough to set the scene and mood. Blend it naturally into the storyline to keep things moving. And steer clear of deep philosophical detours; you’re writing a story, not a TED Talk.
Modern writers know not to pause the plot for a two-page moral lecture, but some still sneak them in through characters. Remember, dialogue should keep things lively, not turn into a monologue. If one character’s speech drags on for more than a paragraph or two, it’s no longer dialogue—it’s a snooze fest.
If your character must deliver a speech, do it with emotion and energy. Make them feel human, not like a walking lecture. Break up longer dialogues with actions or interruptions from other characters to keep the scene dynamic and real. Short, punchy paragraphs keep the story rolling and the reader engaged..
Principle 3: Stay Out of the Spotlight—Let Your Characters Shine.
Resist the urge to play the all-knowing narrator or speak directly to your readers unless you’re a pro at it. If readers don’t want to hear lectures from your characters, they definitely don’t want them from you. The “now, reader” days are long gone; today’s author should be almost invisible.
When writing in the third person, keep the narrative rooted in your character’s perspective, tinted with their opinions, fears, and quirks. Ditch the omniscient narrator—it’s too tempting to start moralizing. Let your characters’ voices lead the way; your job is to blend into the background.
Principle 4: Keep Your Emphasis in Check—Less is More.
Skip the parenthetical comments in fiction—they’re like secret side chats with the reader that don’t translate well in storytelling. And while you’re at it, go easy on the punctuation that screams for attention: italics, dashes, semicolons, and excessive quotation marks. Keep the flashy stuff for dialogue and first-person narratives, and even then, use it sparingly. The goal? Let your words do the talking without all the extra flair.
Principle 5: Use Scripture Sparingly—Show, Don’t Preach.
If your story has a religious theme, avoid turning it into a scripture recital. Too many quotes can make your fiction read like a memory verse list. Instead, weave religious principles into your characters’ actions and the consequences they face. Save direct quotes for moments that truly matter and keep them relevant. And unless it’s a defining character quirk, resist having your character quote scripture every other line—show faith through actions, not just words.
Principle 6: Don’t Assume Your Readers Are Religious Scholars.
When writing religious stories, remember your audience might not have scripture on speed dial. These days, you can’t count on readers knowing—or even understanding—religious texts, even if they follow the faith. Cultural and language differences can add to the confusion.
Storytelling is a great way to explore religious principles but keep it smooth. Weave quotes naturally into the plot and avoid vague references like – no one’s pausing to search verses mid-read. Keep it clear and keep it flowing; your job is to enlighten, not send your readers on a scavenger hunt.
Principle 7: Nonfiction Deserves Storytelling, Too.
Just because you’re writing nonfiction doesn’t mean it has to read like a textbook. Whether it’s history or biography, use storytelling techniques to bring your narrative to life. Let events and consequences do the talking—no need to make up dialogue to keep things interesting. Think of it as telling a true story that reads like a page-turner.
Principle 8: Keep the Story Alive, Even in Nonfiction.
Never write a chapter—or even a page—without some story in it. Whether it’s a how-to guide or advice piece, sprinkle in anecdotes with real or imaginary scenarios that readers can relate to. Straight-up advice can get dry fast, but stories keep readers hooked and learning by example.
If you’re sharing tales about your own kids, be careful with the “my son” or “my daughter” bit—nobody wants a lecture from a parent. And always get your kids’ okay before sharing their stories, even in disguise. Trust me, people always figure it out.
Principle 9: Embrace Your Imperfections and Relatability.
You’re not perfect, and your readers don’t expect you to be. Share a story from when you were about their age, especially if it involves a good faceplant moment—they’ll see you as a peer, not some untouchable expert. Worried your tale might sound ancient? No problem. Feel free to update the tech, fashion, and speech in the retelling. A little writer’s license goes a long way in keeping your stories relatable and relevant.
Principle 10: Write Like You’re Chatting with a Friend.
Write as if you’re giving advice to a good friend, sharing what’s worked for you, not lecturing from a podium. If you come off as the all-knowing teacher, it’ll show—and your readers will either tune out or roll their eyes. Keep it conversational, relatable, and friendly, like you’re in this together.
Principle 11: Skip the Condescending Phrases—Show, Don’t Tell.
Ditch lines like “of course you know,” “for your own good,” or “your parents will be disappointed.” They sound preachy and make you come off as a know-it-all—or worse, like a scolding parent. Phrases like “you must” or “I’m going to prove to you” just turn readers off.
Instead, focus on showing through your story or facts without announcing it. Over-explaining what you’re about to do will lose your audience before you even get started. Keep your job simple: tell the story well, and the lessons will naturally shine through.
