What is compelling about stories?
They do this: Stories help audiences and readers make sense out of their lives. It matters not what the genre is: romance, thriller, science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, all serve to mine human experience for meaning and value. The truth is that humans hunger for that kind of fundamental understanding of “purpose”. You can add that to the dwindling list of the basic differences between homo sapiens and all other critters.
Manuals delineate the storytelling mechanics, which are important, but storytellers are more magicians than mechanics. Theirs is the art of controlled revelation of nothing less than the meaning of life, not all of it but some of it. These magi cast the spells that seduce the audience into suspending its disbelief in fictional characters and plots. They are aided by the audience’s eagerness to suspend disbelief.
There is much to learn about casting these spells, even if some of it is reducible to formulaic plug-in modules. Yet even the Hollywood hack who buys storytelling modules off the shelf needs to learn the logic behind it all to be any good. For it does all make sense. It all works together. Once you know the internal logic of storytelling, the formulas are just not very important.
If it is expedient to follow the conventions of editors and producers, do it. You can still deliver meaning to your readership or audience. In fact, you must. Because that is the sacred trust of the storytelling magi.
“The Story Of The Story is a life saver! Lawrence…Thanks for breathing life back into my script!” - R. Colson
“The Story Of The Story is One of the most insightful and ingenious books on the subject. It’s chuck full of effective advice for any writer! LK by far is the best in the business.” - Michael Lasky
“A brilliant book with lots to say and lots to offer to anyone who is serious about writing and becoming a good writer.” - Austin Rand
“Kurnarsky's perspective on the intuitive nature of storytelling, where characters and plots seem to develop organically once you grasp the underlying theme, was particularly insightful. It made me realize that good storytelling isn’t just about following formulas; it's about understanding the core message and letting the narrative flow from there. This book is a must-read for any budding screenwriter or fiction writer like me who wants to delve deeper into the craft and understand the magic behind effective storytelling.” -Kieth Holland, Writer/Director
“Money well spent! His objectivity is as merciless as a ruby laser beam. He cuts through the BS to the essence with more ease than any screenplay advisor in the business.” - J. Watson
“As a visual artist and content maker, I value the power of good story telling and this book has been of great help to me with its wealth of profound insight into why and how of the art of storytelling. Absolutely brilliant!” - Z. Davis
Kickstart your life planning process and design the life you really want—which you can do in about a day.
When you help your team live with purpose, you see the results in your business, ministry, or organization. This package not only strengthens you as a leader, but also equips you to share the life-planning process with your team. For each copy you buy:
For press and publicity inquiries regarding The Story of the Story, please contact Ellie Partovi at Ellie@PositiveMediaProductions.org.
