Innocence. That is the secret ingredient to writing. Innocence.

If your main characters know too much, it will be a poor story. If the reader knows too much in the first chapter, it will be a poor story. If the story could not be understood by a twelve year old, it will be a poor story. If the story is not innocent, it will not be a good story.

After years of writing, I began to realize that the reason why a lot of literature being written today is not long-lasting is because people don’t know how to write a story. They don’t know what good storytelling actually is and what it isn’t. What’s more, those who do know what good storytelling is often can’t seem to plow through the first draft of their story. I, myself, experienced a lot of difficulties getting through the first draft of my second novel, and it lay in tatters for nearly a year before I went back and refined it for publication.

All this led me to a conclusion: People need to be trained in what good storytelling is and how to achieve it. In the ancient days, storytelling was something taught and practiced like math is today. The bards were a respected class.

It is through storytelling that we perceive much of the world around us – stories that are real as well as stories that aren’t real but that could be real. Understanding what good storytelling is and how to write and think it has helped me immensely in my daily life. Garbage in equals garbage out. In other words, if we put garbage into our minds, then garbage will be the result. It is easy for people to understand this when talking about food. If all a person eats is hamburgers and French fries, then their health will quickly deteriorate. Yet, the same applies with storytelling. If we immerse ourselves in bad stories, then the results will be an unhealthy life. Yet, good stories do the exact opposite! By learning good storytelling, my inspiration for stories has increased, my imagination is no longer something foreboding but is rather something that can easily be shared with others through storytelling, and I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wholesomeness that creates healthy society. And it’s not just me. FACT: Those who read wholesome stories are more content in their lives and are more creative in their thinking.

In six constructed modules of Writing Imagination Academy, I lead you from conceptualizing your story through your own inspiration to a finished manuscript that is ready for publication. You’re in the driver’s seat! I’m just sitting in the passenger seat navigating you to your own destination. What if you could see your dreams brought down on paper and for a fraction of the cost most book consultants/editors request?

You are walking down the dusty road in the moonlight toward your destination. Need more help than what I give for free? Sign up to my course! Begin by filling out the form after clicking the button at the bottom of this list. Watch my free video training and apply!

Your fellow writer,
Joshua Reynolds

P.S. Here’s a great article I found on tips with how to overcome writer’s block. Enjoy! https://www.thebalance.com/top-tips-for-overcoming-writer-s-block-1277776