The Science of Storytelling cover art

The Science of Storytelling

Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better

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The Science of Storytelling

By: Will Storr
Narrated by: Will Storr
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About this listen

SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘If you want to write a novel or a script, read this book’ Sunday Times

‘The best book on the craft of storytelling I’ve ever read’ Matt Haig

‘Rarely has a book engrossed me more, and forced me to question everything I’ve ever read, seen or written. A masterpiece’ Adam Rutherford

Why stories make us human and how to tell them better.

There have been many attempts to understand what makes a good story – but few have used a scientific approach.

In this incisive, thought-provoking book, award-winning writer Will Storr demonstrates how master storytellers manipulate and compel us.

Applying dazzling psychological research and cutting-edge neuroscience to the foundations of our myths and archetypes, he shows how we can use these tools to tell better stories – and make sense of our chaotic modern world.

INCLUDES NEW MATERIAL.

©2019 Will Storr (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Storytelling Human Brain

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Critic reviews

"One of my absolute favourite writers." (Decca Aitkenhead)

"There’s nothing else quite like Will’s approach, with its illuminating, scientific take on storytelling. All writers, no matter what their level of experience, are likely to go away with a new understanding that will deepen and nourish their work." (Craig Pearce, screenwriter of Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby)

"Storr is irascibly good company, and has something approaching genius for marshalling his material." (Sunday Times)
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Most relevant
I was working on a storytelling speech project for my Toastmasters club and thought this might make good research material. Really, I think it is much more about writing stories and understanding story structure and value, so it wasn't especially helpful to my project but it was profoundly interesting and insightful.
I haven't come across Will Storr before but I will definitely be checking out some of his other books now and also adding this to my re-listen list. Even if you're not a writer, we build our world and concepts of reality on stories and understanding that more is incredibly valuable.
One of my biggest passions is understanding why we are who we are and why we do what we do and to that end, this book delivered more than I had expected. Highly recommended and definitely essential reading to professional writers who want to be successful.

Fascinating and insightful

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Easy read with deep ideas.
With very organised chapter structure.
Lovely narration by the author.

Recommended

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Despite being fully downloaded, and progressing apparently at normal speed second by second, the recording skips words, and is impossible to listen to. Don’t buy until Audible have fixed this.

Probably a great book, but recording skips

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Decent presenting of many of the building blocks of story, narrative and dramatic journeys. Though was not quite as narratively spellbinding as I was hoping, especially considering the topic.

Pretty good book.

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as a performer and writer, I found this book fascinating and incredibility helpful. I'll certainly be using this structure and wisdom in my work from here on.

incredibly useful

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A myriad of useful information and examples blended in psychological science for anyone to enjoy

A fantastic listen!

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This was much more than I thought I was getting at the beginning: I went into this hoping for some solid pointers on fiction writing, I did not expect to have my own understanding of ‘self’ and the human condition dissected so effectively and yet with such warmth and humour by the author. Surprising, slightly unsettling and yet fascinating. Well worth it.

Fascinating and engaging

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A delightful insight into the craft and colouring of character and story telling.

No fidgety moments, well structured and well read.

Who am I?

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listened to selfie before, also read by the author. but this time it was a pain to listen. i felt as if someone told him to put more emotion in the Reading Which does not suit him. not authentic. pls keep reading as you normally do. love the story

reader was pretentious

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Another great read by Wil Storr. Focused and directional without being preachy. Richly researched. Applicable.

Genius

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