The Science of Storytelling

`Rarely has a book engrossed me more, and forced me to question everything I've ever read, seen or written. It's a masterpiece. I am in awe' Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived `The best book on the craft of storytelling I've ever read' Matt Haig `Easily the best book I've read this year' Hannah Fry `Reading this book feels like cheating. It gives you an unfair advantage over other writers. A fascinating new way of looking at writing and how to exploit the fact that storytelling is hardwired into our brains' Charlie Higson `A brilliant, accessible and very human book not just for writers but for anyone interested in how the mind works - not least their own. Will manages to be both detached and compassionate on every page, sometimes within the same sentence. That such a complicated book is so easy to read is testament to his clarity of thought and skill as writer. A stupendous achievement' Robert Webb `A hugely compelling reading experience. Storr's superb exploration of the enduring appeal of the novel offers a smart, fascinating exploration of the science and psychology behind our most sophisticated art form that also works as an effective how-to guide' Alex Preston, Observer `If you want to write a novel or a script, read this book. It is clear, compelling and tightly shaped around one fascinating and productive idea ... Storr wants to free writers from programmatic, plot-based writing guides, and his approach feels liberating' Sunday Times 'If you've ever read a book, watched a movie, binged a television series, or tried to write one, this book is mandatory reading. A truly revolutionary look at the how and why of storytelling' Craig Pearce, screenwriter of Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby `So much more than a book about how to write stories. It's a book about what it means to be alive' Tim Lott