Story Genius
How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere)
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Story Genius
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Narrated by:
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Brittany Pressley
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By:
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Lisa Cron
About this listen
Following on the heels of Lisa Cron's breakout first book, Wired for Story, this writing guide reveals how to use cognitive storytelling strategies to build a scene-by-scene blueprint for a riveting story.
It's every novelist's greatest fear: pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into writing hundreds of pages only to realize that their story has no sense of urgency, no internal logic, and so is a page-one rewrite.
The prevailing wisdom in the writing community is that there are just two ways around this problem: pantsing (winging it) and plotting (focusing on the external plot). Story coach Lisa Cron has spent her career discovering why these methods don't work and coming up with a powerful alternative, based on the science behind what our brains are wired to crave in every story we read (and it’s not what you think).
In Story Genius, Cron takes you, step by step, through the creation of a novel from the first glimmer of an idea, to a complete, multilayered blueprint - including fully realized scenes - that evolves into a first draft with the authority, richness, and command of a riveting sixth or seventh draft.
©2016 Lisa Cron (P)2020 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Using brain science, Cron busts the myths of good writing to help you find the real story behind all that plot and metaphor." (The Writer)
"In [Cron's] new book, Story Genius, she picks up the...theme...that a protagonist's internal struggle makes the story work, and offers step-by-step advice on how to exploit this truth about neuroscience for richer, deeper, better first drafts.... Cron provides exercises and examples to keep writers on track, always highlighting the fact that emotions engage the brain faster than anything else.... The concepts are easy to understand and they are certainly important. Even if you can't go on a retreat, you should try to find time to do the exercises for your own blueprint." (PsychologyToday.com)
"It's a simple question: 'How do you write an effective, engaging story?' Ask Lisa Cron. An accomplished author and story coach, she has just published her second book, Story Genius. A manual of sorts, it teaches cognitive storytelling strategies and uses actual brain science to help make its readers into better writers." (Creative Screenwriting)
What listeners say about Story Genius
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- O. Lee
- 16-01-23
Loved everything about it
Really well written and informative book, with excellent narration. Can’t recommend it enough to those hoping to write a novel.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jessica
- 27-11-23
Masterpiece of Storytelling Wisdom - Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Story Genius by Lisa Cron is an absolute treasure trove for anyone who is passionate about storytelling. This audio book is a comprehensive guide that delves deep into the art and science of crafting compelling narratives. I have listened to it multiple times, each time discovering new insights and perspectives that have significantly enhanced my understanding of storytelling.
The narration is engaging and the content is well-structured, making it easy to follow along. The concepts are explained with clarity and depth, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned writers. The examples and exercises provided throughout the book are practical and thought-provoking, encouraging you to apply what you've learned to your own writing.
Having a physical copy of the book alongside the audio version has been incredibly beneficial. It allowed me to follow along as I listened, much like a read-along story for children. This immersive learning experience helped me to absorb the material more effectively. Now, I find myself switching between the two formats, using the text as a reference and the audio as a reminder.
Lisa Cron's expertise and passion for storytelling shine through every chapter of Story Genius. Her approach is not just about teaching you how to write a story, but also about understanding the psychological aspects of storytelling. This book has not only improved my writing skills but also deepened my appreciation for the power of stories.
In conclusion, Story Genius is a must-have for anyone interested in storytelling. It's a masterclass in narrative craft, delivered with wisdom, insight, and a genuine love for the art of storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, this book will undoubtedly enrich your storytelling journey.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tina
- 30-11-22
Masterpiece
You took me from a regular girl wanting to tell her story to a confident one who knows her story will land and evoke emotion. Thank you Lisa. I hope to show you my manuscript soon.
I have been listening to this book all year. I got frustrated at different points because I just didn’t have the answers to what Lisa wanted on the page. But as Lisa says, dig deep and indeed I kept uncovering it. I feel equipped to approach my story once again. Very grateful for this work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Happytimes
- 09-12-24
Loved It!
This is a very interesting perspective written in every day lingua and very well presented.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amanda Fullwood
- 28-08-22
Indispensable for writers
Fantastic, easy to follow book that is perfect for any writer or storyteller. It’s one of those books that I will reread again and again as I finely tune my stories. Great value and indispensable.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 26-06-24
It makes so much sense
I love the examples that show how to put theory into practice, I’ll definitely listen to this book again
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Iceni
- 15-06-24
Some golden nuggets
There are some immensely useful suggestions and tips that all writers would find extremely helpful.
The unfortunate element which loses stars in this rating, is that to demonstrate these writing techniques, half the book is given over to an example novel. The idea is to see the tips in practice alongside a story supposedly being written alongside. However, that book is so boring and uninteresting that it greatly reduces the powerful insights given in the tips.
I will listen again to use the suggestions, but the inner story will be skipped wherever possible, and hopefully not put me in a bad mood!
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