| Think about it...why is a reader reading your | | | | article into one that has a story in it. The |
| article? Why isn't he or she clicking it off and read | | | | inspiration to start with 'once upon a time...' is hard |
| something else? Is there something in it for him | | | | to find when you are trying to pummel facts and |
| or her? If it is a book, then why doesn't he or | | | | figures into someone's head. |
| she stop reading it? | | | | But let's take a moment to reflect on a self-help |
| There are many possibilities but here are just | | | | book that we have recently read. Can you think |
| three of them for the sake of explanation. | | | | of one? There are many really awesome stories |
| | | | and how-to books in the market that tells a |
| 1. There is something in it for him or her. If he or | | | | wonderful story despite it being classified under |
| she continues to read your article or book, he or | | | | 'self-help' section in a bookstore. Ever heard of |
| she will derive a sort of benefit or learn | | | | Dale Carnegie? How about Anthony Robbins? |
| something new; | | | | These are master tale-spinners who tells you |
| 2. Your article or book is magnetic. It is interesting | | | | stories that has very down-to-earth logic behind |
| to read because it is funny, sad, entertaining, | | | | them. |
| informational, etc; | | | | The authors know how to keep the readers |
| 3. One thing leads to another and he or she wants | | | | hanging onto every single word and every time |
| to link it all together - this is what a good story is | | | | the topic gets boring, something else comes |
| all about. | | | | along...and the reader continues reading. Authors |
| Oh, there are many more reasons why people | | | | with the ability to pen down an article the way a |
| continue to read the stuff that you write...endless! | | | | story unfolds is invaluable. He or she is a magician |
| But if a writer knows how to find a plot, a twist | | | | with words, weaving in and out of facts, keeping |
| or keep the readers from closing the book on | | | | the readers on their toes. |
| you, then this writer is indeed a master of this | | | | Learning how to become a writer like that is a |
| craft. | | | | work-in-progress for the rest of us, so, don't be |
| Of course, someone out there is probably crying | | | | disheartened. For every few hundred writers out |
| foul over this because it isn't always possible to | | | | there, there is only one master storyteller with |
| tell a story with an article. It is a HUGE challenge | | | | the ability to spin a story with ANY a topic easily. |
| to switch on the computer and turn a factual | | | | |