How Story Works: An elegant guide to the craft of storytelling

by Lani Diane Rich

“How Story Works is a writing encyclopedia, a road map, and a pep talk all rolled into one—the rare ‘How To’ that feels like you’re having a fun chat with an enthusiastic expert who can’t wait to read what you’ve created. If you have a story inside of you, this book can help you get it out of there and into the world where it belongs.”
—Josh Siegal, writer and producer, 30 Rock, The Good Place, Saved By The Bell

Almost two decades ago, Lani Diane Rich signed a two-book deal with Warner Books and panicked. She’d written one story, but had no idea how she wrote it. Right then, she started on a quest to learn everything about stories. Now, 12 novels and thousands of hours analyzing stories later, she’s ready to teach you not only how story works, but how to make it work for you.

Whether you’re writing novels, films, comics or video games, this theory will teach you what you need to know about craft so that you can get out of your own way and let your magic shine.

“Lani’s assistance was instrumental in turning my manuscript into an actual book that you can hold in your hands. She won’t just make you a better writer, she’ll inspire to you to work hard, love your creations, and be proud to take them out into the world.”
—Luke Arnold, star of Starz’s Black Sails and author of The Last Smile in Sunder City

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

179 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[Mad Hapa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starter book for people thinking about writing their first fiction novel, play or screenplay. Four stars for y'all. The info provided is less intimidating than the other tomes out there and her approach will appeal to writers who both seek and fear structure.

For anyone who's already read a half-dozen (or more) books about crafting fiction - three stars.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guidebook / companion read to Lani's amazing podcast of the same name from Chipperish Media!

[Shikhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a random pick for me on Kindle unlimited. I think amazon recommended me after I read On writing well - William Zinsser. Written in simple, engaging language this one was an instant hook. It was a revelation that Story writing could be broken down like this. Lani Diane Rich has broken down every facet of story writing be it building character or structuring story. These bite sized principles can be applied to any format of story from novels to film, comics or video games.
Well, I have not been a reader of fiction much. But after reading this one, I’m tempted to consume fiction with a new perspective - How and Why some stories work.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally had a chance to sit down and finish reading this. So much packed into such a short book. I've been listening to Lani Diane Rich's podcast for almost a decade now and I'm so excited to have all of her writing knowledge tucked into one place. Her podcast of the same name is a lot of fun, too!

[John Kerl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audience is wider than you might think. Incredibly insightful, eye-opening, and empowering for anyone who reads fiction. (And, it's a lot of fun!)

[Tagruvto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide is a fun read and full of writerly wisdom.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to write a book? Do you want to know how others write books? Do you want to understand story better? If you answered yes to any of these, you need to read this book. Even if you answered no you should read this book! The same charming personality that comes through in Lani's podcasts comes through in thus guide to story. Lani breaks down everything from character to story structure. And these bite size principles can be applied to any format of story from film to video games as well as the written word. Reading this felt like Lani came over to my house and talked me through the process of creating a story. Truth be told, I haven't written anything longer than a few lines in years, but this made me want to dust off those skills. This may get me to finally get back to it.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere between 4.5 to 5 stars, so I've obviously rounded up. I wouldn't say this is "perfect", but it's damn near and in general just an excellent take on story and narrative.

I love the way that Lani breaks down writing and storytelling in this book and makes all of that information digestible. This is a great reference tool and while I initially read this on Kindle Unlimited, I have since purchased a copy so that I can easily reference as I dabble in writing a novel. I would highly recommend this book if you plan on writing a story of your own, because I firmly believe that you can't have too many perspectives!

I also listen to her podcast, "How Story Works", and highly recommend that as well.

[Barbara Kellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This terrific resource deserves a spot on every writer’s shelf, along with the kind of acclaim seen by Save The Cat! Years ago, I took the author’s course on Revision and this book is like sitting in one of her classes - deeply informative, personal, funny and with lots of good tidbits that will take root and change your writing for the better. Highly recommended read for all storytellers, whether a plotter or pantser.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super generously, the author gives away ebook downloads from her website, or if audio is more your thing, it is loaded on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sH0...

And this is a very neat, well explained craft book.

She uses French Kiss as an example - as everyone SHOULD!

4 stars

[Diane Kowalyshyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I will continue to reference. Lani boils story down into its very essence. I think every writer strives for Narrative Transport through their magic. Great tips in the Character Toolbox.
Thanks for guide. It's a beacon in the storm.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stuff!

I enjoyed the book, but really loved the chapter about character. I haven't seen someone explain how to give characters depth the way she did and I will definitely be recommending this to my coaching clients.

[Eve Feigenblatt]

Lani is a pro, super clear and concise.

Could have done without getting jump-scared by mentions of J.K. Rowling and the franchise funding her ugly, murderous, eliminationist crusade. Hope the next edition takes care of that.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Jill Rattray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Lani breaks storytelling down into easy to understand chunks, a highly recommended read for anyone who wants to tell any kind of stories.

[Jeffry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a writer, BUY THIS BOOK. Well done, Lani!

[Lisandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,2 estrelas

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible, engaging, and invaluable guide to story structure that’s fun, clear, and not inflexible ❤️.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I talk about this book in this wrap up video.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have both the Kindle and paperback versions of How Story Works. Lani explains story structure easily and entertainingly. The book opened my eyes to the concept of narrative conflict.