Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide You'll Ever Need

by Margot Leitman

STORYTELLING GUIDELINES • Keep it true. • Change names and identifying characteristics of other people in your story if you feel it’s necessary. • Make sure your story has a universal theme that is relatable, not self-indulgent or overly personal. • Have multiple points of entry. • Don’t be heavy-handed with your message. Let the story speak for itself. • If you’re not “over it,” don’t tell it. • Tell us what you were thinking at the time of your story. Reveal your inner monologue, from A to Z. • Cut the fat when introducing external characters. Use composite characters and nickname them when you can. • Make sure we root for you. Be an underdog. • Show us your flaws and use them to your advantage when telling your story. • If there are full-circle connections within your story, be sure to use them. But don’t force a connection. • Be the star of your story. • Add nostalgia (songs, television shows, fashion styles from the time of the story). • Keep us on our toes by incorporating the unexpected. • Keep it conversational, not presentational. Cut out anything you wouldn’t say to a group of your friends. You want your story to sound natural. • Make sure you aren’t just listing things, going on a rant, or making a political speech. Make sure you get to the “meat” of the story. • If you care, we care. Passion will take you far. Emotionally respond to the tale you are recounting, but don’t yell at us!