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The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers
Every reader has a story inside them.
Laura Oliver has been teaching aspiring writers how to plumb emotional contradictions for insight for more than a decade in workshops and university classes. Now she has written the book her students have been asking her for, a book that aspiring writers of every genre can use to guide, coach, and encourage them on their journey.
"The Story Within" employs the compelling art of memoir to illuminate craft and touches on nuanced subjects only a teacher who is herself actively writing knows to address. Each chapter offers excerpts from Laura's own stories, as well as those of students and published authors and then provides fresh advice and clear instruction on the subject of writing.
Laura Oliver has been teaching aspiring writers how to plumb emotional contradictions for insight for more than a decade in workshops and university classes. Now she has written the book her students have been asking her for, a book that aspiring writers of every genre can use to guide, coach, and encourage them on their journey.
"The Story Within" employs the compelling art of memoir to illuminate craft and touches on nuanced subjects only a teacher who is herself actively writing knows to address. Each chapter offers excerpts from Laura's own stories, as well as those of students and published authors and then provides fresh advice and clear instruction on the subject of writing.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
16 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 16, 2013
Laura Oliver’s The Story Within is not your every day craft book. This is a whooping roller coaster over the highs and lows of the vocation of writing. Every writer has heard “Show, don’t tell.” I never thought I’d find an entire book on the craft of writing that page after page did just that over 26 topics of writerly discussion.
Full disclosure – Laura sent me the book, after I sent her my book No Red Pen: Writers, Writing Groups & Critique. We have never met, I’ve never been in her workshops, or as best I recall heard her speak. I don’t particularly like craft books as in general they make me sleepy and thus can only read them in small doses. (I’m on my second month reading a book on Poetics.) I was professionally interested in her work. I might learn something, more likely, I’d find something I might be able to use as I develop my own professional writer and teacher persona.
The Story Within is a page turner, can’t put down, tour de force packaged in of all things, a writing book. The entire book is a treasure trove.
Oliver starts with science, physics to be exact. Wow. The theme to that sitcom with the brainy nerds soundtracks the introduction for me. I picked up the book off a stack of a dozen or more waiting for my attention to read for a few moments in the bathroom as I was too lazy on my way to bed to turn on the bedroom light. Twenty minutes beyond the two minutes I’d allotted to read the intro I’m in bed, wondering how I can carve out time the next day, a non-preschool day, to read more. I find a way. While the toddler runs the electronic device’s battery down with games, videos and interactive books and we are cuddled together on the couch, I read the first half. Quiet Time after lunch gets me to the end of the book. I’ve laughed, cried, and been on the edge of my metaphorical seat. Along the journey, for it was as tumultuous a journey as any novel that has kept me way past bedtime, I kept experiencing ‘ah ha!’ moments. These were then filed away because what I was reading was what I could use in my own writing practice. Sometimes new ideas, sometimes just a different perspective, sometimes a reminder of something I already knew about but perhaps had forgotten or misplaced.
Laura Oliver is a skilled, imaginative writer with clear confidence, regard, and respect for her calling. This is important as her writing is matter of fact not presumptuous. Each chapter is a conversation in a best friend’s or long time neighbor’s kitchen. She interweaves her prose with quotes and passages from other authors’ work in such a way that a tapestry of craft emerges. Threads from the page link with the reader’s own experience creating what every writer I believe is seeking – connection. The individual is the collective universal experience. She adroitly creates doorways and windows into the writing process, each one an invitation. When a passage to illustrate the navigation of a story depicts a mother gathering her son in her lap, I am transported to my daughter’s bed, holding her safe so she can quiet and let herself be sleepy. Then I lay her back down, leave her to get there on her own, walking out to a quiet whisper of “Good night mommy.” The chapter’s point, the story entry is a direction not a conclusion, resonates.
I’ve always considered, no wait, I’m pretty damn proud, of my ability to create dialogue that is realistic. That’s not a chapter I expect to get much from when reading a craft book. I learned three new ways to consider and create better dialogue from Chapter 7. And, I have to hunt down a copy of Alan Elyshevitz’s story, “Noah’s Ark” from which Oliver drew for example. I have to know what happens.
In chapter 17 I've become so emotionally attuned to the examples and writing passages that in this chapter entitled “Spirit: Caring for the Writer” when she encourages “So get it all down now even if you don’t know what you are going to do with it. Capture on paper the first time you heard your son laugh, your parents harmonize to ‘Moon River,’ the smell of a dog who has rolled on a dead fish.” I am instantly transported. My daughter’s laugh, my mother’s voice, my favorite dog who rolled on a dead fish in January and stank so bad I had to give her a bath standing in a tiny shower because it was too cold for her to sleep in the truck. And was instantly overcome with grief because she has been dead and gone for almost ten years. “Write the damn book,” Laura Oliver says. Because memories fade with the living.
The Story Within promises “New Insights and Inspiration for Writers.” Laura Oliver delivers. Read the damn book. Because this is the book you will dog ear and mark up, will recommend and lend out or because you don’t want to lose, will buy and give away. This is the book for every cohort of writing students, and every emerging writer out there to invest in because it’s one that will not be sold back or garage saled.
Full disclosure – Laura sent me the book, after I sent her my book No Red Pen: Writers, Writing Groups & Critique. We have never met, I’ve never been in her workshops, or as best I recall heard her speak. I don’t particularly like craft books as in general they make me sleepy and thus can only read them in small doses. (I’m on my second month reading a book on Poetics.) I was professionally interested in her work. I might learn something, more likely, I’d find something I might be able to use as I develop my own professional writer and teacher persona.
The Story Within is a page turner, can’t put down, tour de force packaged in of all things, a writing book. The entire book is a treasure trove.
Oliver starts with science, physics to be exact. Wow. The theme to that sitcom with the brainy nerds soundtracks the introduction for me. I picked up the book off a stack of a dozen or more waiting for my attention to read for a few moments in the bathroom as I was too lazy on my way to bed to turn on the bedroom light. Twenty minutes beyond the two minutes I’d allotted to read the intro I’m in bed, wondering how I can carve out time the next day, a non-preschool day, to read more. I find a way. While the toddler runs the electronic device’s battery down with games, videos and interactive books and we are cuddled together on the couch, I read the first half. Quiet Time after lunch gets me to the end of the book. I’ve laughed, cried, and been on the edge of my metaphorical seat. Along the journey, for it was as tumultuous a journey as any novel that has kept me way past bedtime, I kept experiencing ‘ah ha!’ moments. These were then filed away because what I was reading was what I could use in my own writing practice. Sometimes new ideas, sometimes just a different perspective, sometimes a reminder of something I already knew about but perhaps had forgotten or misplaced.
Laura Oliver is a skilled, imaginative writer with clear confidence, regard, and respect for her calling. This is important as her writing is matter of fact not presumptuous. Each chapter is a conversation in a best friend’s or long time neighbor’s kitchen. She interweaves her prose with quotes and passages from other authors’ work in such a way that a tapestry of craft emerges. Threads from the page link with the reader’s own experience creating what every writer I believe is seeking – connection. The individual is the collective universal experience. She adroitly creates doorways and windows into the writing process, each one an invitation. When a passage to illustrate the navigation of a story depicts a mother gathering her son in her lap, I am transported to my daughter’s bed, holding her safe so she can quiet and let herself be sleepy. Then I lay her back down, leave her to get there on her own, walking out to a quiet whisper of “Good night mommy.” The chapter’s point, the story entry is a direction not a conclusion, resonates.
I’ve always considered, no wait, I’m pretty damn proud, of my ability to create dialogue that is realistic. That’s not a chapter I expect to get much from when reading a craft book. I learned three new ways to consider and create better dialogue from Chapter 7. And, I have to hunt down a copy of Alan Elyshevitz’s story, “Noah’s Ark” from which Oliver drew for example. I have to know what happens.
In chapter 17 I've become so emotionally attuned to the examples and writing passages that in this chapter entitled “Spirit: Caring for the Writer” when she encourages “So get it all down now even if you don’t know what you are going to do with it. Capture on paper the first time you heard your son laugh, your parents harmonize to ‘Moon River,’ the smell of a dog who has rolled on a dead fish.” I am instantly transported. My daughter’s laugh, my mother’s voice, my favorite dog who rolled on a dead fish in January and stank so bad I had to give her a bath standing in a tiny shower because it was too cold for her to sleep in the truck. And was instantly overcome with grief because she has been dead and gone for almost ten years. “Write the damn book,” Laura Oliver says. Because memories fade with the living.
The Story Within promises “New Insights and Inspiration for Writers.” Laura Oliver delivers. Read the damn book. Because this is the book you will dog ear and mark up, will recommend and lend out or because you don’t want to lose, will buy and give away. This is the book for every cohort of writing students, and every emerging writer out there to invest in because it’s one that will not be sold back or garage saled.
September 4, 2022
It's a good, quick read for anyone interested in writing. A lot of the information within is very similar to things I have been taught by my college professors in the English program. Laura Oliver's style is rather engaging and she is full of insight. I just did not learn very much from reading it, personally.
June 24, 2018
This is one of the better writing books I've read. The author, Laura Oliver, starts with basic questions and addresses them on a practical, but also personal, level. She discusses craft, but also "Why we write" and covers daily living considerations, such as writing with children and handling jealousy and doubt.
Some of her most valuable insights come in the final chapters--"Maintaining Magic" and "Principles for Mind and Heart." I like her suggestion of writing a review of your book before it's written. That can give the writer a goal, something to live up to.
Though published in 2011, the chapters on taking classes, publishing and writers conferences are still relevant.
The Story Within is worth picking up whether you are in the midst of your career or just starting. In addition to teaching writing, Oliver has clearly suffered through the writer's trials and tribulations. That adds to the value of her insights and suggestions.
Some of her most valuable insights come in the final chapters--"Maintaining Magic" and "Principles for Mind and Heart." I like her suggestion of writing a review of your book before it's written. That can give the writer a goal, something to live up to.
Though published in 2011, the chapters on taking classes, publishing and writers conferences are still relevant.
The Story Within is worth picking up whether you are in the midst of your career or just starting. In addition to teaching writing, Oliver has clearly suffered through the writer's trials and tribulations. That adds to the value of her insights and suggestions.
August 22, 2022
While still inspiring, it was a tad bit obvious at times. Other than that, pretty good read about writing.
March 17, 2020
Book Review || The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers by Laura Oliver, MFA
Today I’m sharing another one of my favorite, most helpful books. Laura Oliver’s book has done as promised for my writing practice. Writer’s Digest recommended Laura Oliver’s book a few years ago; I grabbed a copy and spent time reading, taking notes and absorbing Laura’s message.
Laura’s delivery style is refreshing and upbeat. As a published author, Laura teaches fiction and essay writing to university students. We are all fortunate to have access to her instructional messages in this book. The book includes tips, delving into why we write, lessons to go with the flow of your story, the significance of journaling deeper, and guidance for growing skills.
Journaling deeper is my favorite message of Laura’s. I must be more diligent to journal, free write, and dig deeper into the heart of my stories.
The Goal of the book is to build a writer’s confidence and to just begin writing; no need to know the whole story first.
I highly recommend this book. It’s refreshing and empowering with insights that inspire our writers' journey.
Thank you Laura Oliver!
Today I’m sharing another one of my favorite, most helpful books. Laura Oliver’s book has done as promised for my writing practice. Writer’s Digest recommended Laura Oliver’s book a few years ago; I grabbed a copy and spent time reading, taking notes and absorbing Laura’s message.
Laura’s delivery style is refreshing and upbeat. As a published author, Laura teaches fiction and essay writing to university students. We are all fortunate to have access to her instructional messages in this book. The book includes tips, delving into why we write, lessons to go with the flow of your story, the significance of journaling deeper, and guidance for growing skills.
Journaling deeper is my favorite message of Laura’s. I must be more diligent to journal, free write, and dig deeper into the heart of my stories.
The Goal of the book is to build a writer’s confidence and to just begin writing; no need to know the whole story first.
I highly recommend this book. It’s refreshing and empowering with insights that inspire our writers' journey.
Thank you Laura Oliver!
November 5, 2017
Not only is this book interesting, it is also a valuable resource for all writers. I highly recommend this for the novice and skilled - I devoured it.
October 5, 2018
Wonderful book, spot on with some great advice. Highly recommend
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed andappreciated the wisdom, advice, humor and insight that this book offered. It was a great introduction into the world of writing and publishing. It was encouraging.
November 1, 2024
Not my favorite craft book. For a full review - check out my blog - Blind Date with a Book at Virginia-Gruver.com
February 17, 2025
A must-read for any writer seeking inspiration, advice, curiosity, or a good laugh. Each chapter was clearly labeled, thorough, and informative. 10/10 would recommend!
January 5, 2020
One of the wonderfully inspiring books I chose to read as I worked on my NaNoWriMo project in 2019. This book has been out for a while but the lessons are universal. Ms Oliver’s message includes the strong encouragement to take care of yourself, nurture your dreams, and work hard to achieve them. Always nice to have these thoughts in mind when working intensely on a project. Highly recommended!
July 12, 2024
"The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers," by Laura Oliver is a comprehensive guide writing book filled with concise and valuable information. She presents many ideas on how to get started, maintain plots and gives beneficial advice to enhance one’s writing skills.
I enjoyed the examples she shared and insightful tips and tricks which will help with common writing challenges such as, writer's block, self-doubt, and lack of inspiration.
This 228 page book was a fast and easy book to read with many concepts learned in each chapter.
I enjoyed the examples she shared and insightful tips and tricks which will help with common writing challenges such as, writer's block, self-doubt, and lack of inspiration.
This 228 page book was a fast and easy book to read with many concepts learned in each chapter.
February 23, 2012
Overall, this is a great book. Lots of good advice for beginning to intermediate writers. It's organized in short, easy-to-consume sections that lend themselves well to reading in fast bursts, and her advice runs the gamut, from getting started to distributing your work. For the most part, the advice is solid and her analogies really help her examples hit home.
The one complaint I have came toward the end of the book, where the author seemed to recommend sending editors a "rejection" of a rejection letter. I believe this was intended as sarcasm, but the author didn't close the loop to say "Never ever EVER send a nastygram to an editor. You never know if you're going to need to send them something in the future." It's a small detail, but it's also a mistake I see writers make all too often.
Other than that, I loved the writing style of this author and would likely read another book by her. It's well worth the read.
The one complaint I have came toward the end of the book, where the author seemed to recommend sending editors a "rejection" of a rejection letter. I believe this was intended as sarcasm, but the author didn't close the loop to say "Never ever EVER send a nastygram to an editor. You never know if you're going to need to send them something in the future." It's a small detail, but it's also a mistake I see writers make all too often.
Other than that, I loved the writing style of this author and would likely read another book by her. It's well worth the read.
Want to read
June 11, 2012The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers was recommended by The Writer magazine, and since I usually always enjoy reading books on writing, I bought it. I'm only in early chapters, so I don't yet have a sense of the whole. So far, though, Oliver's approach reminds me more of a Cameron, Goldberg, Lamott book than one by Burroway, Gardner, or Clark. She may go more deeply into strategies and craft further in the book. In these bleak days of early winter, though, I appreciate her warm tone and encouragement to writers. And who doesn't need a little encouragement, now and then?
April 30, 2012
This book wasn't bad. It had a good presentation and covered a lot of material. I don't think I was really the right audience, though. A friend picked it up as a gift and I read it for that reason. It read a little too "chicken soup" for my tastes, but that is purely personal and I don't think it is in any way a fault of the book. I also didn't see a lot that I hadn't already seen before, but I think the book is intended for much more beginning writers. It isn't a bad book, it just wasn't really for me. I think it would be really good for the right person, and a refresher on a few things really didn't hurt me (though I would have appreciated a little more depth on a few things). Again, a nice book but just not what I was hoping for.
March 6, 2013
This book has some great tips about writing, but as a professional editor, I stumbled in many places by some awkward constructions and curious punctuation choices. This distracts from the overall message that good writing can take you places. I don't know whether to find fault with the author or the copy editor, but I felt that some major tightening could have really strengthen this book. Plus, it seemed to go on unnecessary tangents, as if we were reading a book of fiction. It seemed that some of the really strong advice was hidden through poor execution.
December 9, 2011
My mom passed on this book, written by her writing teacher, to me. I loved it and found it truly inspirational. I especially appreciated chapter one, about quieting your inner critic, and chapter 3, on "calling a story to you." I enjoyed the stories she wrote about herself and her students to highlight her points about writing. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in writing.
March 21, 2012
It wasn't bad. But it's going to be a very personal reading experience, and I think whether you like the book/find it useful is largely going to depend on what you're bringing to it as a reader/writer in the first place.
All of my feelings are in my review, at MyEntertainmentWorld.ca.
All of my feelings are in my review, at MyEntertainmentWorld.ca.
June 27, 2013
I picked this book up by accident at Barnes & Noble and what a pleasant surprise. Oliver offers helpful advice for writers and great insights into the deeper messages in our stories. I enjoyed reading this and will enjoying re-reading it. I highlighted many pages which, for me, is a sign of a book worth revisiting.
May 10, 2012
Loved this book. Gives great information whether writing personal essays or fiction. Great writing tips and inspirational quotes as well. It is a book I will refer to again.
November 1, 2013
Loves this book. This book is a true gift.
February 6, 2015
Good read. Not my favorite book on writing, but there were some helpful insights and quotes, but other than that, it was just good.
July 29, 2020
median inspiration
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews