How to get readers hooked on your stories
4 steps to bring them with you on a quest together
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Dare to fail your way to success - Moon AricaStorytelling is a shared journey
A shared experience connects people.
Ever read a book or watch a movie where you feel transported into the world and you are part of the journey? What they feel and experience, you are right there with them, crying, laughing or angry and shaking your fists at injustice.
A well-told story doesn’t just inform or entertain, it takes the reader on a journey, not as a passive observer but included in the quest.
Too many writers miss this essential element. They talk at their readers, rather than bring them along for the ride. They give advice or tell stories, but their readers don’t feel invested.
The secret to great storytelling is inviting your readers into the experience, making them feel like they’re walking beside you, facing the same challenges, sharing the same victories.
I’m going to show you how to make that happen.
Before that..
A little personal story for you
And… as an added bonus, here’s
A great tip from a master storyteller Khadejah
Now let’s get back on our journey, the 4 steps to get your readers hooked to your stories.
1️⃣Set the stage
This is the preparation for starting the journey.
A strong start leads to a smoother path. Add an unforgettable ending and your audience will be with you all the way.
You only need 2 things:
💥Start with a powerful hook
Every journey begins with a single step, and your first step is capturing your readers' attention. Your hook needs to do more than intrigue, it must spark curiosity and make them feel like they need to know what happens next.
✔ Action step
Craft a hook that promises transformation. Don’t just state facts, hint at the adventure ahead. Instead of saying:
“I learned a lot about failure last year”
Say:
“Last year, I failed so spectacularly it nearly broke me, but what I discovered in the process changed everything.”
Now, your readers are ready to follow you.
💥Share your ‘Why’
To bring your readers with you, they need to know why this journey matters, not just to you, but to them. Every quest has a purpose, whether it’s finding treasure, solving a mystery, or overcoming an obstacle. Explain the deeper reason behind your story or lesson.
✔ Action step
Dig into your why.
What’s driving you on this quest?
What’s the purpose behind the journey
What will your readers gain by coming along?
Share this early on, so they understand the stakes and the emotional weight of the journey.
2️⃣Start the journey
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork and motivate your readers to join you, it’s time to set off.
This is the first step.
Walk with high energy.
You also need to…
💥Invite readers to walk beside you
To get your readers to truly engage with your journey, they need to see themselves in it. Share the struggles, doubts, and challenges that you’ve faced in a way that feels real.
Your vulnerability invites connection.
✔Action Step
Don’t just tell your story, show the struggle.
Use specific examples and emotions your readers can relate to.
“I wasn’t just tired, I was on the verge of giving up, wondering if all the work was worth it.”
Now, your readers can feel your frustration and are more likely to stay with you.
3️⃣ Break the monotony
We are in the middle of the story, it’s time for some twist in the plot.
A straight road is boring, your readers will fall asleep if you keep up the monotony.
💥Introduce some bends and challenges
These create suspense and tension. It leaves readers wondering, “What’s going to happen next?”
Bends and challenges hook readers’ emotions.
It gives them imageries and adventures where the action is taking place right in front of their eyes.
✔Action Step
Introduce a challenge or problem at the start, but don’t resolve it right away. Let your readers stay with you through the ups and downs.
“I thought I had the perfect plan, but then, everything started to fall apart...”
Your readers will stick around to see how you handle it.
4️⃣Let your reader become the hero or heroine
The best storytelling transforms your readers.
As they follow your story, they should feel inspired to embark on their own quest. It’s not just about you, it’s about what they can achieve too.
💥Share insights for their own transformation
Offer your readers actionable wisdom that they can apply directly. Your stories and experiences should go beyond personal anecdotes.
They should serve as a mirror for your audience, helping them see a path forward. By distilling your lessons into clear, practical takeaways, you empower your readers to initiate their own growth.
Show them how the struggles you overcame or the strategies you adopted can inspire their transformation, helping them move from where they are now to where they want to be.
✔Action Step
Throughout your story, draw parallels between your experience and your readers’ potential experiences.
“If you’ve ever felt like giving up, you’re not alone. But here’s what I learned, and it’s something you can apply to your own journey.”
Help your readers see themselves in your shoes.
The quest continues
But it’s the start of their journey.
You’ve brought them this far and they are equipped with all they need to continue the journey alone. This is where you part ways.
And this is where this post ends too.
This is not just a personal journey. If you’re reading this, you’re with me.
We may not know what lies at the end of this journey, but know one thing.
We’re not walking it alone.
We’re all travellers, finding our way, sharing our stories.
The road may be uncertain, but with each step, with each word, we move forward.
Together.
Be a forerunner, take the lead. - Moon AricaIf you like someone else to embrace a Dare to Fail mindset, please restack and recommend it.
Expand your comfort zone here, tell me your thoughts:
Do you like stories?
Do you like to tell stories?
My articles on writing:
Thanks for reading.
I absolutely LOVE this Arica! So well-said and beautifully written! I love how you talked about taking the reader along for the ride as opposed to talking at them. I also love how you talked about the importance of making the reader feel the story and the frustrations the writer may have had along their journey. I also love your take on adding bumps in the road and not being monotonous! Great read!!!!! Keep up the awesome work! ❤️💪
Excellent article AricaN!
Mel