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Nathan Baugh: The 4 Tenets of Storytelling

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Sep 30, 2025

Guest

Nathan Baugh

In this engaging discussion, Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders and a storytelling expert, reveals the transformative four tenets of storytelling: conflict, progress, causation, and transformation. He shares insights on why humans crave stories and highlights common storytelling mistakes, such as focusing too much on external conflict. Nathan emphasizes the importance of pacing and internal change, using examples like Katniss from The Hunger Games. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling craft!

54:38

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Story Skills Transfer To Business And Influence

Story fundamentals power marketing, fundraising, and persuasion beyond entertainment.
In an age of easy information, story distinguishes how you present ideas and win attention.

insights

INSIGHT

Internal Conflict Makes External Stakes Matter

External events alone feel hollow without internal stakes for the protagonist.
Pair outer conflict with inner struggle to create meaningful movement and change.

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ADVICE

Give Readers A Clear Sense Of Progress

Pace your story with clear direction so readers always feel movement toward a destination.
Use signposts frequently to reassure readers we're going somewhere and maintain momentum.

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Nathan's Background and Writing Journey

01:38 • 28sec

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Rapid-Fire Personal Questions

02:05 • 4min

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Why Anyone Can Learn Storytelling

06:19 • 10min

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Why Humans Crave Stories

16:06 • 2min

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Stakes of Telling Stories Well

18:14 • 2min

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Common Storytelling Mistakes

20:32 • 4min

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Introducing the Four Tenets

24:56 • 13sec

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Progress: Pacing Plus Direction

25:09 • 5min

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Conflict: External Forces and Internal Stakes

29:52 • 6min

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Causation: Linking Decisions and Effects

35:37 • 4min

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Transformation: The Dark Night and Change

40:06 • 6min

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How the Four Tenets Interact

46:21 • 2min

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Editing Example: Tightening for Progress

48:39 • 2min

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Applying Tenets to Short and Nonfiction Stories

50:26 • 2min

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Where to Learn More from Nathan

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The Pathless Path

Imagining a New Story for Work and Life

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The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd chronicles his journey from being a high-achieving consultant to embarking on a path of self-discovery and creating a life based on personal values and freedom. The book explores the history of work, the concept of the 'default path' versus the 'pathless path,' and offers practical advice on how to navigate uncertainty, redefine success, and find meaning in one's life. Millerd shares his experiences of living in different countries, facing existential crises, and developing principles that guide him towards a more fulfilling life. The book is an invitation to readers to question their current path and consider a more unconventional, yet meaningful, way of living.

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The Name of the Wind

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The Name of the Wind is a heroic fantasy novel that tells the life story of Kvothe, an infamous adventurer and musician. The story is presented in a 'story-within-a-story' format, where Kvothe recounts his life to a scribe named Chronicler. The narrative spans from Kvothe's childhood in a troupe of traveling performers to his years as a student at a prestigious school of magic, and through various trials and hardships. The book is renowned for its vivid world-building, rich dialogue, and the emotional depth of its characters.

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The Hunger Games

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Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim. Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena. The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion. As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

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Ender's Game

None

Orson Scott Card

Set in a future where humanity is threatened by the Formics, an insect-like alien species, the novel follows Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy who is drafted into Battle School at the age of six. Ender undergoes intense military training, including zero-gravity battles and psychological manipulation, to prepare him to lead the human fleet against the Formics. The book explores themes of war, leadership, and the moral complexities of using children as soldiers. It is known for its deep and complex sensibilities, and its ability to pose profound questions about the nature of war and humanity.

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On Fairy Stories

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George Orwell

In "On Fairy Stories," J.R. R. Tolkien explores the nature and significance of fairy tales, arguing that they are not mere children's stories but profound expressions of human longing and imagination. He delves into the concept of 'eucatastrophe,' a sudden and joyful turn of events that transcends the ordinary, and how it relates to the Christian narrative of redemption. Tolkien's essay is a rich tapestry of literary criticism, mythology, and personal reflection, offering insights into the creative process and the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world. He emphasizes the importance of fantasy literature in providing escape, consolation, and a glimpse into the deeper truths of existence. The essay remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature studies and continues to inspire writers and readers alike.

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The Lessons of History

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Written by Will and Ariel Durant after completing the 10th volume of their 'The Story of Civilization' series, 'The Lessons of History' provides an overview of the themes and lessons observed from human history. The book examines history from various perspectives including geography, biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, growth and decay, and progress. The Durants discuss the recurring themes of history, such as the balance between liberty and equality, the role of economics, and the inevitability of human nature's influence on historical events. They argue that while there are no predictable regularities in the course of civilizations, there are common factors that contribute to their growth and decline.

• Mentioned in 394 episodes

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

Do you ever worry your stories aren't landing with readers? Too many nonfiction writers share great content but miss the chance to make readers feel. It's like flying over the Grand Canyon without ever stepping out to take in the view.

That's why I invited Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders, to join me on the show. Nathan has studied hundreds of stories and distilled what makes them unforgettable into 4 key tenets every writer can use. If you want to transform your storytelling, this episode will show you how.

Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

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