Are you an avid reader who also loves books on storytelling? Are you ready to tour with us to a place where words come to life, creativity has no limits, and stories intertwine their magic? If yes! Then, we welcome you to the fascinating world of storytelling books!
These books are the key to understanding storytelling and polishing your storytelling skills; whether you’re a grabbing writer, an aspiring author, or just a fan of hypnotizing great stories, you can have a great time flipping the pages of storytelling books that can keep you glued to the last page and open you up to many adventures writing inspirations.
In this post, we’ll be sharing summaries of the best books on storytelling, and you’ll also find tips and tricks in these books that will inspire your imagination, take you to mind-blowing locations, and leave a lasting impression in your heart.
So, come with us as we take a long ride together exploring books on storytelling where the power of words is waiting to spark your imagination and leave you with ideas of how to write great stories.
Why Do I Need Books On Storytelling
You need to read books on storytelling because they offer guidance and teachings on the art of storytelling. These books contain information on narrative story structure, character development, basic plot development, dialogue, and other crucial storytelling components.
You can learn more about storytelling methods and hone your storytelling skills by reading these books. Your creativity and creative ideas can as well be sparked through reading these storytelling books.
Books on storytelling expose readers to various storytelling techniques using examples and case studies from well-known authors and master storytellers.
You can broaden your storytelling skills and develop your creative thinking by reading these books. Additionally, reading literature on storytelling enables you to fit out advice and answers for typical issues and storytelling mistakes.
Now, let’s take a look at summaries of some of the best books on storytelling below:
“The Storytelling Animal” By Jonathan Gottschall
How Stories Make Us Human
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“The Storytelling Animal” book uses psychology and other academic fields to teach readers about storytelling. Jonathan Gottschall wrote the book and details how Stories Make Us Human. The author discussed one of the essential parts of storytelling in human culture and society.
Gottschall explains why telling stories is a fundamental aspect of what made us human and has been ingrained in our nature. He said it’s a part of our entire being. In “The Storytelling Animal,” Gottschall explores the history, development, and effects of storytelling on human behavior.
He explores the realm of psychology and neurological processes that underlie the allure of stories and how they affect how we see the world. Jonathan Gottschall bases what he says on various academic fields, including anthropology, psychology, and literary evaluation.
Furthermore, the author talks about how stories teach moral principles, foster social norms, and how make sense of the world. Also, he examines the connection between storytelling and imagination, demonstrating how stories let us consider different realities and opportunities.
To make his ideas catch readers’ attention, Gottschall uses examples from a variety of storytelling mediums and life experiences, such as literature, film, and folklore, throughout the book. Also, He talked about how stories can influence our identities, choices, and perceptions of ourselves and others.
“Influence” By Robert B. Cialdini
The Psychology of Persuasion
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“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini is a book on storytelling published in 1984. It is one of the best books to hold if you want to read a book on storytelling. It explores the different strategies and principles that affect people’s decision-making processes and is a seminal study in social psychology and persuasion.
The book dives into the six fundamental persuasion concepts Cialdini calls “weapons of influence.” These ideas are based on cognitive biases and psychological characteristics that make people more open to persuasion. The following six approaches are documented in “Influence”:
- Reciprocity
- Commitment and Consistency
- Liking
- Social Proof
- Scarcity
- Authority
Psychology, marketing, business, and communication are just a few of the sectors that “influence” has had a significant impact on. The book has received high praise for its thorough analysis of the psychology of persuasion and its relevance in real-world situations.
The book gives great insight and explanations of how people behave and offers instructions on implementing these principles in diverse situations ethically.
“The Storyteller’s Secret” by Carmine Gallo
Why Some Ideas Catch On, and Others Don’t
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“The Storyteller’s Secret” is a book by Carmine Gallo, a communication and leadership expert. Published in 2016, the book explores the power of storytelling in business and provides insights into how great leaders and entrepreneurs use storytelling to captivate and inspire others.
In “The Storyteller’s Secret,” Carmine Gallo stresses the value of storytelling as a form of communication that may interest, sway, and persuade audiences.
The Author used the lives and professions of many prosperous people, such as business owners, CEOs, well-known speakers, and business legends, to illustrate the transformational power of storytelling.
There are various chapters in the book, each of which focuses on a distinct component of storytelling and story structure. For readers to use in their personal and professional efforts, Gallo presents storytelling ideas, tactics, and strategies.
Also, He highlights the elements of a compelling story and effective storytelling, such as a strong narrative, emotional connection, and authenticity, and guides how to structure and deliver impactful stories. If you desire to write great stories or you want to, I’m back on a writing journey; you should get this book.
“The Hero With a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell
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One of the best American mythologists, authors, and lecturers, Joseph Campbell, is the author of the book, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”. This book was first published in 1949, and it discusses the basic framework of mythical and heroic stories from many civilizations worldwide.
Campbell drew his inspiration from psychology, anthropology, and comparative religion. Joseph Campbell introduces the idea of the monomyth, or the hero’s journey, in “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”
Campbell claims that the hero’s journey is a recurrent theme that may be found in myths, stories, and religious stories from various cultures and historical eras. Also, He argues that despite cultural differences, these stories have a similar fundamental structure and concepts.
There are various sections in the book, each of which focuses on a distinct aspect of the hero’s journey. If you want to write better stories regardless of the niche or become a good storyteller, you can learn through reading this book.
“Contagious: Why Things Catch On” By Jonah Berger
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Contagious: Why Things Catch On is a book that teaches readers about the idea of virality and also explains why some products, ideas, or messages spread like wildfire while some don’t. Contagious was written by Jonah Berger, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
Jonah Berger published this book in 2013, a life-changing handbook for many. In this book, the Author introduced the STEPPS framework, which comprises six fundamental ideas that increase an idea’s contagiousness. These ideas include:
- Social Currency
- Triggers
- Practical Value
- Stories
- Emotion
- Public
Contagious: Why Things Catch On” presents an unconventional perspective on the phenomenon of viral marketing and delivers insightful information about the psychology of word-of-mouth, networking, and storytelling.
So, anyone interested in learning about the structure of social influence and how ideas or products can spread quickly using the art of storytelling in our connected world should read it.
“Made to Stick” By Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Why Some Ideas Survive, and Others Die
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The authors of “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive, and Others Die” are Chip Heath and Dan Heath. The book examines what makes ideas memorable and effective and touches on storytelling as one of them.
The book also discussed what determines what makes some ideas linger in people’s brains while others are quickly forgotten.
“Made to Stick” was published in 2007, and the Authors took their time to present the “SUCCESs” framework to readers, which lists six principles for coming up with ideas that stick and they include:
- Simple
Ideas must be stripped down to their core and presented straightforwardly and concisely. Simplicity helps people understand and remember the idea easily.
- Unexpected
Capturing people’s attention requires surprising them and breaking their pattern of thinking. Skilled storytellers have also learned to hook readers unexpectedly using storytelling techniques. UneRandomements in an idea can also pique curiosity and generate interest.
- Concrete
Abstract ideas are difficult to grasp and remember. Making ideas concrete using vivid and tangible examples or stories helps people visualize and connect with the concept.
- Credible
For an idea to stick, it must be believable. Credibility can be established through various means, such as using data, statistics, expert opinions, or personal stories.
- Emotional
People are more likely to remember and act on ideas that evoke emotions, and in this book, Made to Stick, the Author used storytelling to achieve that. By appealing to emotions, thoughts become more relatable and memorable.
- Stories
Stories have a unique power to engage and inspire. Using storytelling techniques to convey ideas makes them more compelling, relatable, effective, and memorable.
Throughout this book, Chip and Dan Heath use numerous scenarios and instances that illustrate these ideas and show how they can be used in various settings, including business, education, advertising, and social causes.
“Wired For Story” By Lisa Cron
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If you want to learn how to write a compelling story, Lisa Cron’s nonfiction book “Wired for Story ” is one of the best storytelling books you need. This book was published in 2012, and it teaches readers how to explore the brain science of storytelling.
It also gives tips on creating short stories that captivate readers or audiences. According to story consultant and writing instructor Lisa Cron, telling stories comes naturally to people.
She explores the cognitive and emotional principles that underlie storytelling’s powerful impact and explains how being aware of these mechanisms can help one produce more compelling and great stories.
In “Wired for Story,” Cron stresses the value of concentrating on the brain’s reaction to storytelling rather than merely employing standard writing methods. She argues that compelling stories appeal to readers’ basic wants, including the yearning for belonging, love, and survival.
The term “story brain,” which describes the mental operations that take place when we interact with stories, was first used by Cron. Furthermore, the Author looks at how the human mind continually looks for patterns and uses stories to assist us in making sense of the outside world.
Writing long and short stories that connect more deeply with readers requires grasping these fundamental mechanisms. If you desire to become a master storyteller and write a good story that your audiences will love, go for this book.
“The Anatomy of Story Quote” By John Truby
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“The Anatomy of Story Quote”: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller is a book on storytelling by John Truby, a renowned screenwriter and story consultant. The book discusses the essential things a storyteller is supposed to know when starting their storytelling journey in addition to the numerous story quotes provided.
In this book, Truby also analyzes storytelling from many genres and media, delving into the essential components of storytelling. He stresses the significance of telling audience-resonant stories that are well-structured and compelling.
Take a look at some of the key ideas that the author shared in this fantastic book:
- The Seven Key Steps
- Character development
- Story structure
- Theme and Symbolism
- Genre and Archetypes
The book “The Anatomy of Story” provides an extensive structure for writers of intriguing stories. For authors, screenwriters, and anybody interested in learning about the basic forms of storytelling, it offers valuable insights and techniques.
Also, you should read this book because it contains all you need if you are looking to write a book that will hook readers.
“On Writing” By Stephen King
A Memoir of the Craft
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Stephen King is a renowned American author best known for his works in the horror, suspense, and fantasy genres. His non-fiction book “On Writing” is about the craft of writing. The book, published in 2000, doubles as a memoir and instructional guide for writers. It provides insightful information about King’s hardships, writing career, and personal life.
There are various sections in the book. In the first section, King describes his early years and offers anecdotes about his family, upbringing, and path to becoming a writer. He highlights the value of reading and how it helps people become better writers.
This book serves as a writer’s guide, so you need it because the author took his time to detail the essential things that can help a writer with story construction.
The second part of the book delves into the actual craft of writing. King discusses various aspects of the writing process, including basic plots and plot development, character creation, and dialogue.
Furthermore, he believes that good writing comes from a combination of talent and hard work, encouraging aspiring writers to hone their storytelling skills through practice and perseverance.
The Author explains everything the readers need about grammar, vocabulary, and style. He emphasizes the need for editing and revision and points out that writing is rewriting.
King advises against overusing adverbs and extraneous details in writing and favors simplicity and clarity. So, if you want to become a good storyteller who teaches your audience important lessons, check out this book.
Frequently Asked Questions On Books On Storytelling
How Can a Person Become Skillful In Storytelling?
To become a skillful storyteller, you should learn to combine practice, knowledge, and creativity. Follow these steps to expand your storytelling skills the more:
- Read and listen to stories
- Understand story structure
- Study different storytelling techniques
- Observe and learn from experienced storytellers
- Seek feedback
- Develop your imagination
- Practice storytelling etc.
What Is Storytelling?
Storytelling is simply the art of telling stories that captivate both the storyteller’s and the audience’s imagination, feelings, and experiences. Characters, settings, narratives, and themes in stories usually captivate readers and give them a satisfying experience.
What Are Some Popular Books On Storytelling?
There are several popular books on storytelling that are highly loved by readers, which include:
- “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell
- “Save the Cat! By Blake Snyder
- “Stealing Fire from the Gods by James Bonnet
- “Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting” by Robert McKee
Final Thought On Books On Storytelling
Lastly, books on storytelling help you understand what storytelling is all about, and how you can hone your storytelling skills and tell your own stories. We’ve looked at some of the best storytelling books you need to start your storytelling journey.
These books can help you tell a great story that can captivate customers, thereby helping you boost sales. These books can help you cultivate the art of compelling storytelling.
It doesn’t matter if you are a self-made merchant; you can use your skill as an excellent storyteller to market your goods. Also, you can tell historical stories and teach your audiences so many things through that. Check out some of the summarized books and begin your journey to storytelling. Tell better stories, hook your readers, and boost your customers’ clientele.
