The Science of Storytelling

A compelling, ground-breaking guide to creative writing that reveals how the brain responds to storytelling. Storytelling is an essential part of what makes us human and The Science of Storytelling applies psychological research and cutting-edge neuroscience to our myths and archetypes to show how we can write better stories and be more attuned to moments of unexpected change, which helps create new worlds. Examples range from Harry Potter to Jane Austen to Alice Walker, Greek drama to Russian novels to Native American folk tales, King Lear to Breaking Bad to children's stories and provides practical advice, revealing just what makes stories work. An invaluable resource for writers of all stripes, whether novelist, screenwriter, playwright, or writer of creative or traditional nonfiction.