Wired for Story - Summary and Key Ideas

Wired for Story dissects the way our brain processes stories, illustrating how writers can harness this knowledge to captivate readers. Taking cues from neuroscience, the book presents a blueprint hardwired in the reader's brain, revealing what they want in every story, thereby guaranteeing a writer's work will stay on track.

Suitable for ambitious writers across all genres, striving to understand the science behind engaging readers. Whether you’re drafting a novel, writing a screenplay or involved in creative writing, this book delivers insights that will enhance your storytelling.

Buy the book
Wired for Story

Key ideas

01

Effective storytelling is a craft that intertwines human neurobiology with passion and structure.

02

Our brains use storytelling as a survival tool, enabling rehearsal for future scenarios.

Play in App
03

Understanding and defining a story's point makes it powerful and persuasive.

Play in App
04

Emotions are crucial in decision-making and in making stories impactful.

Play in App
05

Defining the protagonist's internal and external goals is key.

Play in App
06

Understanding a character's underlying misbeliefs can powerfully drive narrative transformation.

Play in App
07

Revelatory specifics in stories translate abstract concepts into relatable experiences.

Play in App
08

The paradox of fear and desire is vital to effective storytelling.

Play in App
09

Assumptions guide our perceptions and storytelling illuminates our human experience.

Play in App
10

Stories allow us to learn from fictional characters' mistakes, enhancing our real-world judgment.

Play in App
11

Patterns guide our understanding and heighten reader engagement in stories.

Play in App
12

Memory and vicarious learning shape our present decisions and future possibilities.

Play in App
Get the App
Access all 14 key ideas for free!

Summary & Review

"Wired for Story" by Lisa Cron is a comprehensive guide illustrating how writers can use insights from brain science to engage readers right from the beginning. Cron explains how our brains are hardwired to respond to a story, an evolutionary instinct that we have developed to anticipate potential threats and opportunities in our lives. By understanding how the brain uses a narrative to make sense of the world, writers can intrigue their readers with a good story. The book provides clear guidelines and detailed examples of how to apply this understanding to craft engaging stories.

Lisa Cron

With a decade of experience in publishing, Lisa Cron has transitioned into television production and story consulting for numerous esteemed institutes. Over the years, she worked in collaboration with writers, producers, and agents on various book and movie projects. Additionally, Lisa is an instructor at the UCLA Extension Writer's Program. She holds a graduate degree from UC Berkeley.

advertisement

Is Your Domain Name at Risk?

90% of domains are vulnerable to email fraud and spoofing. Cybercriminals can send emails as you, even if you don't. DMARC stops this.

Check DMARC Now
check is instant and free

Find all the book summaries

Quality book summaries

Grit

"Angela Duckworths Werk "Grit" ist eine eingehende Untersuchung über die Macht von Grit - einer Kombination aus Leidenschaft und Ausdauer - und deren Bedeutung für den Erfolg. Durch die Verknüpfung von Forschungsergebnissen und Erkenntnissen aus Interviews entwickelt Duckworth ein tiefgreifendes Verständnis für die Rolle, die Grit sowohl im beruflichen als auch im persönlichen Erfolg einnimmt. Das Buch bietet zudem Anleitungen, wie Leserinnen und Leser Grit in ihrem eigenen Leben kultivieren können.

Winning Habits

"Winning Habits" is about four key habits that can lead to personal and professional success: being the first one on and last one off while adding extra value, never trading results for excuses, solving problems in advance, and always making those around you look good. It uses the story of Albert and Jennifer, who learn these habits from a retired admiral, to illustrate these principles.

The Courage to Be Disliked

"The Courage to Be Disliked" explores the concept of freedom in interpersonal relationships, emphasizing that real freedom comes with the cost of potentially being disliked by others. It also discusses the importance of having the courage to accept oneself as normal, rather than striving to be special or fearing to be inferior.

The Search

"The Search" is a guide to redefining success in the modern work landscape, challenging traditional narratives and encouraging individuals to author their own unique work stories.

A Mind For Numbers

A Mind for Numbers offers insights and techniques to improve learning, particularly in math and science, by understanding how the brain functions and overcoming common obstacles in the learning process.

Frankenstein

Frankenstein is a novel about a scientist named Victor Frankenstein who creates a grotesque creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment, and the dire consequences that ensue when the creature, feeling isolated and unloved, seeks revenge on his creator.