How to tell your story
Before I wrote my latest book The Mouse That Roars, I didn’t think I had a story. Ironically it took bravery and courage to realise that I had a story to tell.
For many of my clients, they are also telling their story through their books.
Even those who are writing a self-help, business book or a how-to guide, they’re still sharing their experiences and why they do what they do. Interwoven into their tips and step-by-step strategies, this will bring their work alive.
Other clients are writing more of a memoir style book, where they are sharing their journey. Often they are writing the book that they wished they’d had whilst going through the experience that they narrate through their writing.
For some of these people, they’ve been asked to write their story and share their experiences. Peppered with advice and resources, this will allow their readers to have the strategies they need to take a new path or make different decisions.
Whether you’re writing a book or sharing your story through talks, your blog or your website, then here’s how to tell your story.
Understand your turning points
There have probably been moments in your life that are turning points. These are particular experiences that may have triggered change.
In my experience, these include throw away comments that people have made, significant incidents that have challenged my thoughts about life, and new experiences that have been a catalyst for change.
You probably have something similar.
What things have happened to you that have been significant?
What have you learnt from them?
What do you do differently now?
Why do you do what you do?
What has prompted you to make some of the decisions you’ve made?
What has changed?
Follow the ‘hero’s journey’
If you’re writing or thinking about writing a memoir style book, you may well follow the ‘hero’s journey‘ format for your manuscript.
In this structure, you’ll be taking people from the old you, through these turning points to the change that you’ve made, ending with the climax and close. Devised by Joseph Campbell, this gives you a framework for your book, and it is followed in many fiction books and films.
If you have old journals relating to the experiences, then this is a great resource to help you.
Make it relevant to your reader
Whichever style of book you’re writing; make it relevant to your reader.
If you’re sharing your story in narrative, what have you learnt that could change the way they could approach a situation?
What nuggets of information or resources could help them?
Although it may be cathartic to write down or share your story, consider how it will help you to grow your business and the link to your future vision.
If you are interspersing your story into a practical book, think about the stories and the relevance to your individual chapters. You may choose to include other people’s experiences too, when they lend themselves bringing your writing alive.
Inspire others
The purpose of your book is probably to inspire others with your wisdom.
When well-written, your stories will make a big difference to your book. They’ll bring alive the emotion behind the experiences and will touch and inspire your reader.
Your story does matter.
Your experiences are important.
Please go and tell them.
Get support
To get support to tell your story, please do check out our writing and marketing events this year, or contact me to discuss how I can help you personally.