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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 Human Brain

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)
All stars
Most relevant  
Recommend for those wanting an insight into writing. I will listen again when I need a refresher. I’ve taken many notes.

Brilliant!

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Rather than imposing a set of rules, Will explains why these storytelling tools and techniques work based on how our own brains function and perceive reality. Well worth the read!

The best book on storytelling that I’ve ever read.

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Wonderful fascinating book! 👏 Very engaging and detailed! I loved it!!
highly recommend to everyone writing or studying psychology!

Incredible!

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Will Storr lays it out - wonderful guide if you have a work in progress.

Essential how to for writers

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Don’t get me wrong; so many great insights in here. Thoroughly researched. But too often are the authors conclusions traced back to assumptions about history and the nature of mankind. Too often in this book is theory declared as fact. The arrogance was so frustrating that I gave up 2/3rds in.

Too many assumptions

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Real, practical information and advice on how and why we connect with story. And how to write great stories.

best book on brains and story

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I really enjoyed this book, well written and very insightful. It outlines all aspects about storytelling.

Excellent

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Such good insight and explanation of how story works with reference to kids, animals, myth, movies, plays and novels. So great to listen to and think about. Thanks Will. You Rock.

Very entertaining and insightful

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This book on story telling provides one of the most impactful perspectives on human nature and the way we shape, and are shapes by, the stories in our life

Came for story telling, left with a new worldview

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Couldn’t recommend more. Interesting insights to popular stories and psychology in modern and older story making and the relationships between the two.

Great read!

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