How to Write a Compelling Story That Grips Readers From Start to Finish
Clarence Cheong
Author of "More Than 100%" | Insightful & Funny | Wielder of Dad-Jokes | MDRT | CFP | DLI | Senior Group Financial Services Director | Podcaster | International Speaker | Woah what a mouthful... Still reading? ??|
Introduction
You've probably heard the saying, "show, don't tell." This is especially true when it comes to writing a compelling story. If you want your readers to be hooked from start to finish, you need to give them a story that's packed with excitement, intrigue, and suspense.
Unfortunately, many writers struggle with this. They spend too much time describing the setting or the characters (or main points) and not enough time building up the tension and creating a sense of suspense. As a result, their stories tend to be dull and uninspiring (and do not convert).
If you want to write a winning story, you need to learn how to deliver a page-turning tale that keeps readers engaged until the very end. In this Newsletter, you'll read about some tips for how to do just that.
Why Storytelling Is Important
Do you know why storytelling is so important? It's because when we hear a story, you immediately put ourselves in the shoes of the protagonist. You feel what they feel, and you become emotionally invested in the outcome.
In order to write a compelling story, you need to evoke strong emotions in your readers. You need to make them care about what happens to your characters (or product). And you need to hook them from the start and keep them engaged until the very end.
It's not easy, but it's definitely worth it. When you can pull off a well-told story, you'll have your readers hooked for life.
The Difference Between a Good Story and a Great Story
Do you know the difference between a good story and a great story? A good story is one that's entertaining and well-written. A great story, on the other hand, is one that's so compelling it grips readers from start to finish.
What makes a great story? It's all about the suspense. You need to create a sense of anticipation in your readers, so they can't help but keep turning the pages. You want them to be so engrossed in the story they lose track of time.
How do you achieve this? By making sure your characters are well-developed and your plot is tightly woven. Your writing needs to be fluid and easy to read, with a distinct voice that draws readers in. Above all, you need to ensure your story is authentic—the reader should feel like they're right there in the thick of it.
If you can create a story that does all of these things, you're on your way to writing something truly special.
The Elements of a Great Story
There are certain elements that make up a great story.
First, there needs to be a sense of urgency. You need to create a story that's fast-paced and full of suspense. You want your readers to be on the edge of their seats, wondering what's going to happen next.
Second, your characters need to be believable and likable. Nobody wants to read about a bunch of jerks. Your readers need to feel like they can connect with your characters, and they need to root for them to succeed.
Last, but not least, your story needs to have a clear resolution. The ending needs to be satisfying and complete. Readers need to feel like they've been on a journey, and that the journey has ended in a way that's satisfying and makes sense.
Now, imagine doing that for your [coaching program] [product] [service], and see the difference in the results!
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The Importance of a Strong Opening
You know that old saying, "you can't judge a book by its cover"? Well, people do judge a book by its cover. Its a story after all. So, it’s important to hook your readers from the very beginning, and keep them hooked until the very end.
Do that by crafting a strong opening that immediately draws them into the story. You want to introduce your characters and setting in a way that makes them want to know more. You want to tease them with a conflict that's begging to be resolved.
Above all, you want to make sure your opening is captivating and irresistible. If you can do that, you're well on your way to writing a winning story.
How to Keep Your Readers Engaged
Here are a few tips to keep your readers engaged:
The Importance of a Strong Ending
When it comes to storytelling, the ending is just as important as the beginning. In fact, it's the ending that can make or break a story.
A strong ending will leave readers feeling satisfied, like they've just completed a journey. It should be climactic, with a sense of resolution. And most importantly, it should be memorable.
So how do you achieve all of this? Well, it's not easy, but it is possible. You need to think about your story from beginning to end, and make sure that everything is leading up to that unforgettable finale.
The best way to achieve this is by planning out your story in advance. know exactly where you're going and what you want to say. This will help you ensure that your ending is both powerful and satisfying.
Conclusion
Everyone loves a good story, and when you can write one that's compelling and captivating, you're sure to have a reader winner. But how do you go about doing that?
It all starts with having a strong idea and a clear plan for your story. Once you've got that down, it's important to focus on your characters and make them as real and relatable as possible. Setting is also key, so make sure your scene descriptions are vivid and evocative.
Most importantly, don't forget to hook your readers from the start and keep them engaged until the very end. A riveting story is a thing of beauty, and it's definitely worth the effort it takes to write one.
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People-Centered Communications
1 年A riveting story is a thing of beauty indeed!
Outsourced Sales & Marketing Department for Manufacturers | Building & Nurturing Customer Relationships at Scale for Our Clients
1 年I did wonder when you would start to share some of your writing insights ??
Executive Director | Co-Founder of Infinity Financial Advisory (SME 500)
1 年It takes actual skill to be able to hold your readers' attention from start to end....but it's definitely learnable. Great article Clarence Cheong ??
Author of the best selling ???????????? ?? ???????? Positive People Leadership Skills You Wish Your Manager Had | Mentor | Leader of positive cultural change | Keynote speaker
1 年Yes indeed Clarence, often people mistakenly believe storytelling is limited to fiction however, it is a very compelling approach to garnering the engagement of our colleagues - I call this "taking them on a journey" which is essentially, story telling!