“I make things up and write them down.” — Neil Gaiman
Stories are everywhere.
Went on a walk?
It’s a story.
You barbequed hamburgers for your family, accidentally dropped one on the ground, and put it back on the barbeque, hoping nobody would notice.
It’s a story.
Everyone has a story. Everyone has a story that connects people. Stories create a shared language. The best stories make you root for characters you never thought possible.
But how do you write a great story?
You write about life. You observe the world. You keep notes. And you let your imagination run wild. Let’s dive a bit deeper.
Make Time for Your Imagination
Our imagination was born with our curiosity.
When we’re young, we’re curious. We live to learn. We’re explorers of everything unknown to us. The older we get, the less imaginative we are. We become creatures of habit. We love what’s familiar to us.
To be a storyteller, you need to find time for your imagination. Let your mind wander. I like to go on walks without my phone. I listen to the wind against the trees. My mind wanders.
Your imagination is your treasure chest. Don’t lock it up forever. Show the world your rich imagination.
Document Your History
Every experience you’ve ever had is unique to you.
When you record your history, you’re more likely to remember something that’s happened to you. You’re recording your emotions. The good and bad parts of a day.
Your experience is your story. Write about it. Share it. Document it. It’s your unique story.
Study Stories
Great storytellers study great storytelling.
Learn how J.K. Rowling outlined Harry Potter. Learn how Tolkien created new worlds. Learn about Stephen King’s writing habits.
Every author has something to teach us. You may not adopt their methods in your writing, but you can learn about their dedication to telling a story.
You learn how hard they are willing to work at it.
Do Something Out of the Ordinary
Christopher Nolan tries to do something out of the ordinary when he makes movies. It’s out of his comfort zone.
He wants to create an unforgettable story.
“I try to be all about story. Then, as I’m writing, I try to create visuals or situations that I don’t know how to do… Through that challenge, you find something fresh and different.” — Christopher Nolan
What can you do out of the ordinary? If you’re writing a story, create visuals, even if you’re terrible at drawing (like me).
Put your characters in situations that may seem unusual. Stretch your imagination.
Do something that challenges you and your story.
Ask “What If…” Questions
What if this happened…
What if trees and birds were in a secret club?
What if Charles decided he didn’t want to be a hero?
What if there was a secret passageway underneath your house to a cave of dragons, castles, and purple mountains?
“What if” questions open your mind to new possibilities. They give you a sense of hope and wonder.
Write a Story and Write Another
Stories are events or experiences you decide to share with the world.
Nobody writes the perfect story. Because it doesn’t exist. Perfect writing doesn’t exist. Perfection isn’t more real than Gandalf, the wizard.
We write, and we let our readers decide. They decide if it’s perfect. We write stories because we want to share real or made-up events with the world.
To be a great storyteller, you must let your imagination be free of constraints.
You have to live life. Experience it. Document it.
Then write about it. Tell stories. Tell them over again.
That’s how you become a great storyteller.