Storytelling Skills for Non-Fiction Writers
Craft your story to attract readers, clients and customers
Your story is your showcase ...
You want to be heard in the world. You want to grow your audience. You have a message to share, a vision, a passion, a mission.
This course is for you if ...
- you want to write a non-fiction book. That includes memoir, autobiography, biography, history, science, health and business. All these genres thrive on story!
- you need to write human-centred copy, structured to make readers curious and keep them interested, whether you're writing a full-length book, an article, a blogpost or newsletter
- you want your writing style to be vibrant and memorable
- you're not sure how to go about shaping your narrative
- you're new to this writing game – or you've been stopped in your tracks by overwhelm and loss of confidence
- you've struggled up till now – your argument gets lost, your words are flat, there's no energy, no shape, no pace. Worst of all – there's no you!
- you're writing fiction and want to add non-fiction to your repertoire, or you're simply interested in learning great writing skills
Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make but the stories you tell.
Seth Godin
If you have a message you're passionate about or a business to promote, the best way to get the attention you want is to write a book that's as individual as you are. A book that:
- reaches out to readers, making them want to spend time in your world
- shares your hard-won expertise and knowledge
- blends authority with enticement
- gives them valuable insights but in your unique voice
- has a powerful, compelling approach that keeps them hooked
Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.
Robert McKee
Storytelling Skills for Non-fiction Writers will teach you how fiction writers attract their readers, creating an emotional response and a lasting connection with them, and how you can apply those key techniques to your non-fiction writing.
Why does storytelling matter? Telling stories is one of the oldest forms of human connection there is. In ancient times we told stories to comfort us, to keep the dark at bay. We still do that. Stories make us laugh, make us gasp. Stories teach us about the world and our place in it. Stories give us meaning. Stories bring us together.
By tapping into the skills I'll teach you, you'll gain the confidence to weave a spell of words that will hold your readers transfixed, eager to know more! You'll learn how to structure your story, bring events and people to life and discover the uniquely compelling voice your reader needs to hear.
We are, as a species, addicted to story.
Jonathan Gottschall
Here's what we'll cover in Storytelling Skills for Non-fiction Writers:
- how to clarify your intentions, whatever the form of non-fiction you're writing
- the 'business book' and its role in your business ecosystem
- how to select material and plan your book
- the key techniques writers use to craft a compelling story, including structure, characters, dialogue, setting, tone – and more
- how to find your voice and make it individual and irresistible – this is crucial
What the course includes:
- a detailed, comprehensive 90-minute recorded masterclass, packed with practical advice and inspiration. For convenience of viewing, this recording is also split into a series of lessons, so you can make your way through the course at your own pace.
- a bonus recording of the live Q & A session I held when the masterclass launched, which has now been uploaded to the course curriculum.
- access to any additional materials and upgrades at no extra cost, for as long as the course is available
Your Instructor
Lorna Fergusson is a novelist, award-winning short story writer, editor, speaker and writing coach who has run Fictionfire Literary Consultancy since 2009. Apart from her own day courses, workshops and retreats, she has also taught on various Oxford University writing programmes since 2002. One of K.M. Weiland’s top recommended editors, she is currently working on a book on mindset for writers. You can sign up for pre-publication news and sneak peeks and you can contribute to making this book as helpful as possible by taking her short anonymous survey. You can also visit her author site.
"She is one of the best instructors I've ever had, sharing a depth of understanding that I could immediately apply to my own stories. She combines her master with a hearty sense of humour that makes learning easy, rewarding and fun."
- JoBeth McDaniel, author and journalist