WIRED FOR STORY

My Take

This book is great as an introduction to the craft of storytelling. It goes into why we love stories and what it takes for a story to hook us from beginning to end.

The way the book is structured makes it easy to read and implement the information you learn. It provides a solid overview of storytelling in a conversational tone that makes what you’re learning seem simple when in fact it’s delivering a ton of valuable information.

WHO I’D RECOMMEND IT FOR:

• beginners

• seasoned authors

• for those about to self-edit their book

Wired For Story is great for beginners and seasoned authors alike. If you’re just starting out, it teaches you about all the elements of storytelling you’d need to know in order to write a great novel. And for seasoned authors, it’s a great reminder of how powerful and impactful storytelling basics truly are.

This book is also great for those who are about to self-edit a novel. So if you’ve just finished your book, and you’re looking for insights on how to improve your next draft, this book is a fantastic resource that will help you ensure that you cover all angles of your story.

Official Description

This guide reveals how writers can utilize cognitive storytelling strategies to craft stories that ignite readers’ brains and captivate them through each plot element.

Imagine knowing what the brain craves from every tale it encounters, what fuels the success of any great story, and what keeps readers transfixed. Wired for Story reveals these cognitive secrets—and it’s a game-changer for anyone who has ever set pen to paper.

The vast majority of writing advice focuses on “writing well” as if it were the same as telling a great story. This is exactly where many aspiring writers fail—they strive for beautiful metaphors, authentic dialogue, and interesting characters, losing sight of the one thing that every engaging story must do: ignite the brain’s hardwired desire to learn what happens next. When writers tap into the evolutionary purpose of story and electrify our curiosity, it triggers a delicious dopamine rush that tells us to pay attention. Without it, even the most perfect prose won’t hold anyone’s interest.

Backed by recent breakthroughs in neuroscience as well as examples from novels, screenplays, and short stories, Wired for Story offers a revolutionary look at story as the brain experiences it. Each chapter zeroes in on an aspect of the brain, its corresponding revelation about story, and the way to apply it to your storytelling right now.