Holly Ostrout
Updated October 4, 2026

How to Use 9 Purpose Points to Write a Page-Turner Nonfiction Book

Purpose Points are the key narrative scenes in your book that’ll have your readers nodding along and saying, “Yep, been there.” They make the book cohesive, and when you’re teaching your reader something (which you always are!), Purpose Points are essential for making your lessons stick.

Here’s how they break down and how the align to the Heroine’s Journey stages, which you’ll find in the parentheses to the right of each Purpose Point’s name. At the end of each description, you’ll find an emoji to help you remember them.

Hook — (Forced Adaption): This is where you show your readers they’re not alone. Maybe you’re killing it at work, but your “self-care” consists of dry shampoo and yesterday’s yoga pants. Sound familiar? ✨
Inciting Incident — (Too Much): Something’s gotta give. Your doctor gives you a wake-up call, or maybe your partner sits you down for a “we need to talk” moment. Whatever it is, it’s time to face the music. 🔥
1st Turning Point — (Shattered Glass): You know you need to change, but old habits die hard. You might book a spa day, but you’re still answering emails between massages. Baby steps, right? 🔃
1st Pinch Point — (Cut Fingers): Your first attempts at change don’t quite stick. That meditation app? It’s gathering digital dust next to your unused fitness tracker. 🤌🏻
Transformation — (Who Am I?): Here’s where it gets real. You look in the mirror and wonder whose life you’ve been living. It’s uncomfortable, but honey, it’s growth. 🌋
2nd Pinch Point — (The Underworld): Time to dig deep. Maybe you take that solo trip you’ve been putting off, or have that brutally honest conversation with yourself (or your therapist). 🤌🏻
2nd Turning Point — (I Understand): The lightbulb moment. You start setting boundaries that would make your people-pleasing past self gasp. It feels good, doesn’t it? 🔃
Climactic Moment — (Balanced Adaption): This is your “I’ve got this” moment. That work crisis that would’ve sent old you into a tailspin? You handle it with grace, and still make it to your kid’s recital. Look at you, finding that balance! 🧯
Resolution — (The Heroine): Welcome to your new normal. You’re not perfect (who is?), but you’re real, you’re authentic, and you’re inspiring the heck out of everyone around you. ✨

Weave these Purpose Points into your book, and you’ll have readers staying up way past their bedtime, highlighter in hand, because your words are speaking their language. They also help you apply the Heroine’s Journey much easier because they offer a self-check for the work you did last time.

Check Out: 7 Triggers of Writing Imposter Syndrome: Reclaim Your Confidence

Add Purpose Points to Your Book

Go back to the note you took on your Heroine’s Journey last time and double-check that each stage of the Heroine’s Journey meets the requirements of its associated Purpose Point. If it doesn’t quite hit the target, this is the time to see how you can strengthen that moment.

Remember, these moments will make or break your book!

So don’t try to breeze past this exercise; I cannot stress enough how critical it is to get these right! Spend the half hour or so you need to do this exercise properly before you move on.

Hook: What’s that “I’m fine” facade your readers are all too familiar with?
Inciting Incident: What’s the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back?
1st Turning Point: How do you take a stab at change without really changing?
1st Pinch Point: What well-meaning attempt at self-improvement falls hilariously flat?
Transformation: What makes you realize you’ve been wearing a mask, and it’s time to take it off?
2nd Pinch Point: How do you reconnect with the ‘you’ you used to be (or always wanted to be)?
2nd Turning Point: What new boundary makes your inner people-pleaser squirm (in a good way)?
Climactic Moment: How do you navigate a major challenge with your newfound balance?
Resolution: How has your journey created a ripple effect in your world?

Spend quality time on this exercise. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating moments that resonate deeply with your readers. These Purpose Points are the difference between a book that sits on a shelf and one that changes lives.

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Remember, your book isn’t just sharing information; it’s taking your readers on a journey. Purpose Points are your roadmap for that journey. They ensure that your readers don’t just learn from your book, but experience it.

By nailing these Purpose Points, you’re not just writing a book; you’re crafting an experience. You’re giving your readers those “aha” moments that will keep them engaged, inspired, and coming back for more. And isn’t that why we write in the first place?

So, as you craft your nonfiction masterpiece, keep these Purpose Points in mind. They’re your secret weapon for creating a book that doesn’t just inform, but transforms. Now, get out there and start writing. Your readers are waiting for those life-changing moments only you can provide.

You’ll be so glad you put the effort in here when you get to the writing stage!

Your nonfiction book bestie

Hi, I'm Holly.

I’m Holly Ostrout, a nonfiction book and publishing coach. I’ve worked on books since 2014 and coached nonfiction authors since 2018. I help entrepreneurs (mostly women) write one Damn Good Book™ that brings in clients, lands speaking gigs, and makes their business simpler, smarter, and more visible.

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purpose points, writing nonfiction, writing tips