Story structure is my favorite lesson to teach.
It’s not a one-and-done lesson.
It’s a topic that bears repeating often.
We review story structure when we read a story written in class.
Or a passage from a book.
We talk about it when we’re discussing a movie or a TV show.
Sometimes, even song lyrics.
Even though we revisit this lesson often, it never gets old.
Why?
Because, although every story has the same basic structure, no two stories are quite alike.
The structure gives us a framework. What we do with it is what makes each story unique.
I’ve taught this lesson so many times that I thought it was time to put it into a workbook.
My classes rely heavily on discussion and interaction, so translating a classroom lesson into a workbook wasn’t exactly a piece of cake.
But my classes are mostly full, and there are plenty of people who want to learn the same things.
I decided to create this lesson in the form of a workbook.
Here’s where every good story begins. Three questions:
- What does the character want?
- What’s standing in the way?
- What happens in the end?
That’s it. Three questions.
Of course, there’s a little more to it than that.
But answering these questions gives you the foundation of a good story.
These questions help you move beyond simply recounting an event to turning an ordinary experience into a story that people want to hear.
There’s a huge difference between telling someone what happened and telling them a story.
You don’t need to be a professional writer to do this.
You just need a few basic tools.
The How to Tell a Story workbook is a practical, step-by-step guide to turning a real experience into a meaningful story. You’ll explore the essential elements of storytelling and practice putting them together at your own pace.
No writing degree required.
Just a story worth telling.
Because everyone has a story to tell. Even you. Especially you.
Ready to find yours?
Explore the How to Tell a Story workbook here.
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