The Science of Storytelling

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

By: Will Storr

Narrated by: Will Storr

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

**INCLUDES NEW MATERIAL**

‘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

‘A masterpiece. I am in awe’ 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.

‘A hugely compelling reading experience. Storr’s superb exploration of the enduring appeal of the novel offers a smart, fascinating exploration of the science and psychology behind our most sophisticated art form that also works as an effective how-to guide’ OBSERVER

‘It is clear, compelling and tightly shaped around one fascinating and productive idea … Storr wants to free writers from programmatic, plot-based writing guides, and his approach feels liberating’ SUNDAY TIMES

Critic reviews

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

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

‘Easily the best book I've read this year’ Hannah Fry

‘A hugely compelling reading experience. Storr’s superb exploration of the enduring appeal of the novel offers a smart, fascinating exploration of the science and psychology behind our most sophisticated art form that also works as an effective how-to guide’ Alex Preston, Observer

‘If you want to write a novel or a script, read this book. It is clear, compelling and tightly shaped around one fascinating and productive idea … Storr wants to free writers from programmatic, plot-based writing guides, and his approach feels liberating’ Sunday Times

‘Lucid, original, plausibly grounded in the science and proves once again just how much goodwill can be derived from a satisfying ending’ New Statesman

‘This short but punchy book is full of interesting classroom tips to help writers to grab and hold on to readers or viewers … Storr is clearly a good teacher and his advice is often memorably vivid’ The Times

‘In a world obsessed with facts (and mostly fake ones, at that), we need stories more than ever. Storr’s stories about story­telling, relayed in his inimitable way, reveal that we are the biased protagonists of our own stories – and that culture would be vastly improved by a recognition of our own cogni­tive flaws. Because stories are not about facts, but understanding’ Pandora Sykes

‘A brilliant, accessible and very human book not just for writers but for anyone interested in how the mind works – not least their own. Will manages to be both detached and compassionate on every page, sometimes within the same sentence. That such a complicated book is so easy to read is testament to his clarity of thought and skill as writer. A stupendous achievement’ Robert Webb

will is a master. his guide helps parents, too.

it requires a deeply researched fact-based story to tell the story of storytelling. will exemplifies exemplary application of evolutionary psychology and proven structuring techniques in this engaging and well-told (and narrated!) story.

I plan to utilize concepts the author details in order to guide my children while they're developing the story they tell themselves about themself.

Much deeper than I thought

I've read Will Storr before and think he writes clearly, with well put together ideas. He is both compelling and concise. So rare today!

The subject matter ended up being more than a handbook on story telling but rather told the story of human beings and how story makes us make sense.

Highly recommend!

Fantastic insights into the human condition

Brilliant, fascinating book. As useful and insightful for mom-writers as it is for those not inclined toward the pen. Long enough to be thorough, short enough to be neither daunting nor boring. Excellent listen.

Highly listenable and worthwhile textbook

Will Storr narrates his own work, and his animated delivery is both entertaining and illuminating. I have listened to this several times because I stop taking notes and sit back to enjoy the narrative. Lots of brilliant, actionable advice and lessons learned. It's authoritative and unconventional. Highly recommended for any serious fiction writer or journalist.