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The Science of Storytelling

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The Science of Storytelling

Written by: Will Storr
Narrated by: James Clamp
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About this listen

How do master storytellers compel us? There have been many attempts to understand what makes a good story, but few have used a scientific approach. In The Science of Storytelling, Will Storr applies dazzling psychological research and cutting-edge neuroscience to our myths and archetypes to show how we can tell better stories, revealing, among other things, how storytellers - and also our brains - create worlds by being attuned to moments of unexpected change.

Storr’s superbly chosen examples range from Harry Potter to Jane Austen to Alice Walker, Greek drama to Russian novels to Native American folk tales, King Lear to Breaking Bad to children’s stories. With chapters such as "The Dramatic Question" and "Plot, Endings, and Meaning" and a practical, step-by-step appendix dedicated to "The Sacred Flaw Approach", The Science of Storytelling is destined to become an invaluable resource for writers of all stripes, whether novelist, screenwriter, playwright, or writer of creative or traditional nonfiction.

©2020 Will Storr (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC
Education & Learning Entertainment & Performing Arts Writing, Research & Publishing Guides Storytelling Human Brain Film Storytelling
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What listeners say about The Science of Storytelling

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Solid tour through story building

This is great listen. Lots of familiar perspectives but ordered and reinterpreted in an accessible and well-delivered manner.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great book

One of the best non-fiction books I’ve listened to. As an avid reader of fiction and a new author, this book was an excellent introduction and summary of the art of story telling, regardless of genre or trope. Valuable tips and tools interlaced with the fundamental philosophy to building a great story. Loved it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Practical guidance

In the immense cottage industry of people who believe they can provide the rules to successful writing, this book stands out. Although it is not groundbreaking or even completely internally consistent, it is solid, and touches upon many of the traditional experts in the area. I have read/listened to any books on writing, and still came away from this one with some new practical tips.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Confusing at first, but brings it together

This book begins by throwing in terms from narrative theory at a fairly rapid pace. Next, it delves into evolutionary psychology,
the neurobiology of arousal, and the psychology of goal orientation. It further explores the role of unconscious motivation and biases as irrational drivers of myth creation and maintenance, a fascinating topic in itself. The author eventually brings much of this together with a combination of psychodynamics, cognitive psychology, and social cognition.
As someone familiar with these disciplines, I first experienced the book as a bit jumbled. However, it became more channeled especially in describing storytelling as variations of the "hero's journey." I liked the author's application to some popular narratives as literary examples. An updated edition might better integrate this approach and not leave much of it to the Appendix.
Overall, it was interesting and well researched. The author pointed out aspects I find useful in my own teaching and writing.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The science behind the best sentences and scenes.

Science, yes, but quality close readings of exceptional source material too. Analysis of plot, character, and psychological/neurological reality behind it was truly informative.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

way too long and boring. doesn't get to the point

this was a struggle, I liked it at first but it became repetitive and too boring

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

This sample catches the attention for another book

This book sucks. Narrator too fast. Content dodgy. A waste of time and energy snooze

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1 person found this helpful