The User's Guide to Storytelling
The User's Guide to Storytelling is a fun, accessible book with light, sometimes humorous, text and lots of illustrations that will help the reader learn to write a good story and how to tell a good story well.
“A Terrific Intro to the Art and Craft of Storytelling“
- David Gonzalez
Storytelling is huge in America today. From live events like The Moth and Risk! and the National Storytelling Festival, to radio broadcasts like The Moth Radio Hour, This American Life and innumerous podcasts, people have rediscovered the simple yet powerful art of storytelling. But it doesn't stop there. Executives are hiring storytelling coaches to hone their delivery for board meetings, advertisers use long-form stories in their online marketing, and budding screen writers flock to Robert McKee's Story seminar all over the world.
This book is perfect for the person who just heard a 5-minute story on the Moth Radio Hour and thinks to themself, "I want to do that."
It is perfect for the nervous 29-year-old who has to give a toast as best man at his brother's wedding.
It is perfect for the business woman who is crafting a presentation for her next meeting and wants to make her message stick.
This book is an easily accessible, yet practical book that answers the question, "how?"
How do I take that experience I had and fashion it into a narrative that holds the audience spellbound and delighted?
This book will show you how.
Choose Your Storytelling Experience
Everyone has a different way they like to read. So we’ve created three ways for you to get The User’s Guide to Storytelling. Pick the one that fits you best.
Order on Amazon
Fast. Reliable. Familiar.
Buy directly from Amazon and get your copy delivered with all the ease and speed you’re used to. Great for Prime users and Kindle fans.
- Available in print or digital format
- Ships fast with Amazon delivery
- Easy to order with your existing account
Download the Enhanced PDF
Designed to delight
This full-color, fixed-layout PDF is made for tablets like the iPad. It’s not a stripped-down ebook—it’s the real thing, rich with visuals and beautifully formatted.
- Perfect for tablets
- Full-color experience
- Portable, instant access
Get a Signed Copy – Direct from the Author
Personal. Limited. Special.
Want something more meaningful? Order here and receive a signed copy from Doug himself. It’s $5 less than Amazon, with shipping added at checkout.
- Signed by the author
- $5 off retail price
- A keepsake for your bookshelf
Non USA Resident
Bundle: Signed Copy + Ebook
Personal. Limited. Special.
Want something more meaningful? Order here and receive a signed copy from Doug himself. It’s $5 less than Amazon, with shipping added at checkout.
- Signed by the author
- $5 off retail price
- A keepsake for your bookshelf
- Download the Enhanced PDF
Non USA Resident
Testimonials
O'Brien's book is both inspiring and practical, offering advice that can be applied to everything from writing fiction to creating persuasive marketing messages. His writing style makes it a joy to read and learn from.
-Â Barbara K.
For writers, The User’s Guide to Storytelling is an invaluable resource. O'Brien simplifies complex storytelling concepts and gives practical guidance on how to develop narratives that captivate readers.
- Brooke Fowler
The User's Guide to Storytelling is as captivating as it is practical. Doug O’Brien offers a wealth of advice on how to craft stories that connect with readers, making this book a true treasure for storytellers.
- Ricardo J. Law
The user’s guide to storytelling is delightfully accessible, and a wonderful introduction to so many beautiful facets of how story weaves itself through our lives. I took away some real gems; I imagine you will too, and I doubt they will be the same. I would love to see this book become part of high-school curricula around the country. As O’brien shows, stories and storytelling are a deeply human need and experience, not something merely reserved for novelists and screenwriters.
- Mark Andreas
Doug O'Brien has given us a marvelously wide-open and practical introduction to the art and craft of storytelling. It is rare to find a book at once so breezy yet with breadth and insight. The work of storytelling is offered up in all it's varied facets; from public speaking, to stand up, to song, to a professional teller holding an audience spellbound. I recommend THE USERS GUIDE TO STORYTELLING to anyone interested in becoming a better communicator, public speaker, and a practitioner of this noble, ephemeral and joyful art form.
- David Gonzalez
This book is so chock full of helpful guidance around storytelling for the stage, for podcasts, for the boardroom, for guided meditation, for creative writing and creative non-fiction, for wedding toasts or eulogies. There's interesting tidbits about the history of storytelling across various fields and formats. You will absolutely come away inspired and with new ideas on how to hone your communication chops and you'll have a lot of fun in the process.
- Kevin G. Allison
