May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
22 minute read
Storytelling is the art of conveying events, ideas, emotions, or experiences through narrative. It is a fundamental human activity, a social and cultural practice of sharing stories that can involve improvisation, theatrics, or embellishment. At its core, storytelling is about creating a connection with an audience, weaving a message into a narrative that captivates and resonates. This process can be as simple as a conversation between friends or as elaborate as a feature film production.
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Find a path to becoming a Storytelling. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Storytelling.
This comprehensive guide by award-winning professional storyteller Jamie Cat Callan covers a variety of topics essential to the craft, including story structure, character development, and performance techniques.
By Jonathan Gottschall, a professor of English and director of the Center for Storytelling, explores the evolutionary and psychological roots of storytelling and its impact on human culture and cognition.
This guidebook by David Armitage, a professional storyteller and educator, emphasizes the power of storytelling for positive social change. It provides practical tips and techniques for using storytelling in education, conflict resolution, and community building.
This classic work by mythologist Joseph Campbell explores the universal patterns and archetypes found in storytelling across cultures and time. It provides insight into the structure and significance of heroic journeys.
While primarily focused on fiction writing, this book by professor and writing instructor Janet Burroway provides valuable insights into the principles of storytelling, including character development, plot structure, and point of view.
This timeless guide to writing by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White offers clear and concise advice on storytelling principles such as clarity, brevity, and simplicity.
By game designer Robin D. Laws delves into the techniques of storytelling in interactive media, providing insights into how to create engaging narratives for games and immersive experiences.
This guide by editor Shawn Coyne presents a systematic approach to analyzing and improving stories, addressing elements such as plot, character, and theme.
By screenwriter Christopher Vogler explores the mythic structure found in successful stories, providing a framework for writers to craft compelling and resonant narratives.
This step-by-step guide by John Truby provides a structured approach to storytelling, covering aspects such as plot development, characterization, and dialogue.
By professor James W. Brown examines the impact of digital technologies on storytelling and provides practical guidance for creating effective narratives in digital formats.
This biography of Edgar Allan Poe by Jeffrey Meyers provides insight into the life and work of a master of storytelling, exploring his techniques and the psychological underpinnings of his stories.
By novelist Chuck Palahniuk offers a provocative and unconventional approach to storytelling, challenging traditional notions of plot, character, and form.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/big46t/storytellin
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