This is what writers can learn from storytelling<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Storytelling, examples and personal stories help to involve your reader in your reasoning or story. Storytelling is not just for fiction books like thrillers or novels. It also makes non-fiction books such as business books and (auto)biographies much better.<\/p>\n
Anyone can explain a certain lesson or theory. What makes your book so special is YOUR take on it, YOUR experiences, personal stories and examples.<\/p>\n
So storytelling. But how? Here are five practical tips for better storytelling in your book.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"This](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/writing-hour.jpg\" "\\"This")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>1. Keep notes and use what you already have<\/h2>\n
If you’ve kept a journal, made social media posts, or regularly write blogs, emails, or letters, these are great resources for your storytelling. Here you have described that event, your emotions, exact statements and further details – at the time that something happened – which can now make your story much more alive.<\/p>\n
2. Use the hero’s journey for your storyline and suspense<\/h2>\n
We’re used to Hollywood movies and bestselling books following a certain storyline, and for good reason. You will recognize ‘the hero’s journey’<\/a> in all good stories.<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"the-heroes-journey](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-heroes-journey-template-1280x640-1.png\" "\\"the-heroes-journey")
<\/span><\/div>You don’t have to follow this structure exactly; the main thing is that the road to success isn’t a straight line. It has many ups and downs. Take your reader through all the stages.<\/p>\n
3. Break the chronology<\/h2>\n
Richard Branson’s biography begins with a hot air balloon about to crash. You have no idea who Richard is or how he ended up in that hot air balloon, but you are immediately drawn into the story. The first chapter ends with a cliffhanger. In the next chapter we learn how he set up his ‘Virgin’ empire and how he eventually survives that balloon crash.<\/p>\n
The first chapter of a successful biography never begins with “when I was born I was very young.” It usually hits the spot: the book starts the middle of a super exciting scene, which of course ends in a ‘cliffhanger’. The follow inge chapter is the perfect moment to tell the background and history of the main character. At a certain point, you will automatically end up in that exciting scene again, of which you now know the context, and you learn how it ends.<\/p>\n
4. Take the reader into what you knew THEN<\/h2>\n
In fiction books (and autobiographies) it often happens that you describe your first meeting with a person, who later in the story turns out to be not so nice at all. For example, a business partner who cheated on you or a love partner who was not who they seemed.
\nWhen you describe that first meeting in your book, try not to immediately pour out all your doubts and resentments about that person. Let the reader sympathize with you, with what you knew and felt at that moment. So that guy who later caused that ugly divorce ,gave you butterflies in your stomach the first time you met. Focus on that and take the reader step by step through all the fun things that attracted you to him. After a while, the first doubt arises, but you cover it (together with the reader) with the mantle of love. Over time, more and more doubts or irritations arise, until at a certain point, together with the reader, you end up at a point of doubt: will this work or not? Balance on that point with your reader for a while, with all the ups and downs that come with it. Only then will you arrive at the point where you are now: with all the knowledge and experience and the complete picture. Many writers go too fast here: \u201cI met Peter and immediately saw that he was a narcissist.\u201d Oh yeah? If so, why did you marry him?<\/p>\n
5. Process things that happened today<\/h2>\n
Have you just seen a movie, had a discussion, solved a client’s problem? That subject, which is still so vivid in your memory, has that fresh energy that can give the story a sparkle. Don’t wait until it ‘fits’ into your schedule; write it down right away. Catch that sparkle! Your readers will thank you for it.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Are you serious about writing your book?<\/h2>\nDon\u2019t reinvent the wheel, like I did. As the author and co-author of more than 30 books<\/a>, writing coach for hundreds of people<\/a> and organizer of 30 writing retreats, I have finally found the best system for writing a good book: the \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019 method<\/a>. If you begin at the end and create a good structure before you start writing, you will be able to follow your energy, instead of the page numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\nLearn all tips & tricks in the \u2018idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/h2>\n
Everything you need to turn your idea into a bestseller: practical advice, examples, and inspiration about writing, publishing, and promoting your book. Check out the \u2018from idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n![\"werboek](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/werboek-back-front-cover-1.jpg\" "\\"werboek")
<\/span><\/div>\nPersonal guidance<\/h2>\n
I have trained a GPT with all my book writing knowledge, to help you get started, answer your questions and give feedback on your writing. Try out EstherAI<\/a> for free!<\/p>\nPrefer personal 1 on 1 coaching? Private writing coaching is a unique opportunity to work on your book with my personal guidance and support. Book a single strategy session or plan a series of 1-on-1 calls. Do you want the best for your book?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nA writing retreat in an exotic location?<\/h2>\n
During the online writing retreat@home<\/a> or an all-inclusive retreat<\/a> in one of my favorite locations, you will work with like-minded people and get 1-on-1 guidance. The daily workshops help to get started, followed by focused writing time, delicious food, and personal guidance & feedback. Where will we go?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nThe book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/h2>\n
Learn my Reverse Writing method (start with the back cover) in my super-comprehensive book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/a> and the companion workbook. You will find a step-by-step explanation, lots of examples, inspiration, and practical tips about writing, promotion, and publishing your book.<\/div>
Storytelling, examples and personal stories help to involve your reader in your reasoning or story. Storytelling is not just for fiction books like thrillers or novels. It also makes non-fiction books such as business books and (auto)biographies much better.<\/p>\n
Anyone can explain a certain lesson or theory. What makes your book so special is YOUR take on it, YOUR experiences, personal stories and examples.<\/p>\n
So storytelling. But how? Here are five practical tips for better storytelling in your book.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div>1. Keep notes and use what you already have<\/h2>\n
If you’ve kept a journal, made social media posts, or regularly write blogs, emails, or letters, these are great resources for your storytelling. Here you have described that event, your emotions, exact statements and further details – at the time that something happened – which can now make your story much more alive.<\/p>\n
2. Use the hero’s journey for your storyline and suspense<\/h2>\n
We’re used to Hollywood movies and bestselling books following a certain storyline, and for good reason. You will recognize ‘the hero’s journey’<\/a> in all good stories.<\/p>\n<\/div> You don’t have to follow this structure exactly; the main thing is that the road to success isn’t a straight line. It has many ups and downs. Take your reader through all the stages.<\/p>\n Richard Branson’s biography begins with a hot air balloon about to crash. You have no idea who Richard is or how he ended up in that hot air balloon, but you are immediately drawn into the story. The first chapter ends with a cliffhanger. In the next chapter we learn how he set up his ‘Virgin’ empire and how he eventually survives that balloon crash.<\/p>\n The first chapter of a successful biography never begins with “when I was born I was very young.” It usually hits the spot: the book starts the middle of a super exciting scene, which of course ends in a ‘cliffhanger’. The follow inge chapter is the perfect moment to tell the background and history of the main character. At a certain point, you will automatically end up in that exciting scene again, of which you now know the context, and you learn how it ends.<\/p>\n In fiction books (and autobiographies) it often happens that you describe your first meeting with a person, who later in the story turns out to be not so nice at all. For example, a business partner who cheated on you or a love partner who was not who they seemed. Have you just seen a movie, had a discussion, solved a client’s problem? That subject, which is still so vivid in your memory, has that fresh energy that can give the story a sparkle. Don’t wait until it ‘fits’ into your schedule; write it down right away. Catch that sparkle! Your readers will thank you for it.<\/p>\n<\/div> Don\u2019t reinvent the wheel, like I did. As the author and co-author of more than 30 books<\/a>, writing coach for hundreds of people<\/a> and organizer of 30 writing retreats, I have finally found the best system for writing a good book: the \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019 method<\/a>. If you begin at the end and create a good structure before you start writing, you will be able to follow your energy, instead of the page numbers.<\/p>\n Everything you need to turn your idea into a bestseller: practical advice, examples, and inspiration about writing, publishing, and promoting your book. Check out the \u2018from idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n I have trained a GPT with all my book writing knowledge, to help you get started, answer your questions and give feedback on your writing. Try out EstherAI<\/a> for free!<\/p>\n Prefer personal 1 on 1 coaching? Private writing coaching is a unique opportunity to work on your book with my personal guidance and support. Book a single strategy session or plan a series of 1-on-1 calls. Do you want the best for your book?<\/a> During the online writing retreat@home<\/a> or an all-inclusive retreat<\/a> in one of my favorite locations, you will work with like-minded people and get 1-on-1 guidance. The daily workshops help to get started, followed by focused writing time, delicious food, and personal guidance & feedback. Where will we go?<\/a> Learn my Reverse Writing method (start with the back cover) in my super-comprehensive book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/a> and the companion workbook. You will find a step-by-step explanation, lots of examples, inspiration, and practical tips about writing, promotion, and publishing your book.<\/span><\/div>3. Break the chronology<\/h2>\n
4. Take the reader into what you knew THEN<\/h2>\n
\nWhen you describe that first meeting in your book, try not to immediately pour out all your doubts and resentments about that person. Let the reader sympathize with you, with what you knew and felt at that moment. So that guy who later caused that ugly divorce ,gave you butterflies in your stomach the first time you met. Focus on that and take the reader step by step through all the fun things that attracted you to him. After a while, the first doubt arises, but you cover it (together with the reader) with the mantle of love. Over time, more and more doubts or irritations arise, until at a certain point, together with the reader, you end up at a point of doubt: will this work or not? Balance on that point with your reader for a while, with all the ups and downs that come with it. Only then will you arrive at the point where you are now: with all the knowledge and experience and the complete picture. Many writers go too fast here: \u201cI met Peter and immediately saw that he was a narcissist.\u201d Oh yeah? If so, why did you marry him?<\/p>\n5. Process things that happened today<\/h2>\n
Are you serious about writing your book?<\/h2>
Learn all tips & tricks in the \u2018idea to book\u2019 workshop<\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/div>\nPersonal guidance<\/h2>\n
A writing retreat in an exotic location?<\/h2>\n
The book \u2018Reverse Writing\u2019<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/reverse-writing-3d-book-pdf-.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n