A client asked:
“How can I write stories that make sense? Stories that have a clear point? I have so many stories from my life that I want to share, but whenever I start writing, it all just feels so disorganized and I can’t figure out what I’m even trying to say. Help.”
There are millions of ways to craft a story with a clear message that lands powerfully in your reader’s heart.
Here’s one approach that’s pretty simple to remember.
It’s a 3-part structure that goes like this:
1. This is what happened...
2. This is what I learned...
3. This is what I want you {aka: my reader} to do...
This is what happened...
Share what happened. The situation. The event. For instance:
- You went on a first date, but your date never showed up.
- You were in a classroom and the teacher criticized you harshly.
- You were grieving a loss and couldn't get out of bed.
- You were taking a road trip and got a flat tire.
- You discovered a bizarre secret that your partner had kept from you.
- You tried to accomplish an audacious goal, but got completely overwhelmed and gave up.
- Or whatever happened.
This is what I learned...
Share the main thing you learned from that experience. What did you gain? What did you realize? How did this experience change you? What is the "moral of the story" for you?
If you are not quite sure, try completing this phrase: “More than anything else, what I learned from this experience was ______________.”
This is what I want you {aka: my reader} to do...
Now that your reader has heard this story, now what? What do you want them to "do" with this information?
Do you want your reader to get off the couch and go pursue an exciting dream?
Do you want your reader to unplug for the rest of the day and go gaze into the heavens instead of starting numbly at a digital screen?
Do you want your reader to remember that life is short and every day is precious and tomorrow is never guaranteed?
If you are struggling to figure this out, try completing this statement: “When you finish reading this story, here’s what I want you to remember / carry away / do next ______________.”
. . .
To change someone’s mind, or change someone’s life, tell a simple story.
It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfect or impressive or wildly heroic.
It just has to come from the heart and be the truth.
-Alex
If you’d love to write and self-publish a short book—any topic, any genre, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, journal, workbook, cookbook, book for your kids, book for your clients, any kinda book—come join us.
Here’s a video where a few grads talk about how this course made a big difference in their lives.
There's nothing like that feeling of holding the finished book in your hands. Sweet victory! Hallelujah! "I DID IT!" Let's get you there!