How I Write

How to Tell a Great Story (The Robert Greene Blueprint)

Sep 18, 2024

Robert Greene, a bestselling author with millions of books sold, shares his journey from struggling screenwriter to master storyteller loved by entrepreneurs and artists alike. He reveals how storytelling acts as a powerful tool for seduction and emphasizes timelessness in writing by focusing on universal experiences. Greene explores the role of controlled emotions, like anger, in creativity and contrasts modern narratives with classic styles. He also discusses the importance of authenticity and purpose in crafting relatable stories that resonate with readers.

01:22:16

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Robert Greene

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Quick takeaways

Robert Greene emphasizes that storytelling serves as a powerful form of seduction, inviting readers to engage deeply with narratives.

The importance of blending thorough research with compelling writing is showcased through Greene's evolution in the nonfiction genre.

Community and collaboration among writers can help combat the loneliness of the creative process, as highlighted by Greene's initiative, Write a Passage.

Deep dives

The Primal Nature of Storytelling

Stories serve as a fundamental form of seduction, engaging individuals in a unique way that transcends mere information sharing. They evoke a sense of aliveness, prompting writers to consider how to infuse their narratives with rich details that spark the senses, allowing readers to visualize and feel the story. Effective storytelling involves distilling human emotions, like anger, and weaving them into the narrative to create connection. The speaker emphasizes the need to invite readers into the story, making them participants rather than passive observers.

Guide, Don't Judge

00:31

Balancing Discipline and Freedom in Creativity

00:53

Embrace the Struggle for Growth

01:09

Multi-Dimensional Thinking

01:21

Intro

2min

The Quest for Timelessness in Storytelling

2min

Navigating the Storytelling Process

30min

Harnessing Anger: The Power of Controlled Emotion in Art

3min

Inspiration and Evolution in Writing

15min

The Essence of Creativity and Storytelling

26min

The Power of Speech: Analyzing Churchill's Rhetoric

5min

Robert went from being “a drunk, failed screenwriter” to writing seven bestsellers with millions of copies sold. Entrepreneurs, politicians, and hip-hop artists like 50 Cent all love his work. His secret ingredient? Storytelling.

In Robert’s eyes, story is a form of seduction. So, welcome to 76-minutes of seductive storytelling advice. You’ll learn how to write stories that have timeless resonance, swapping cute and clever for crisp and clear. You’ll dive deep into style, themes, research, and revision. And you’ll hear all the nitty-gritty details that make a story sell.

And his books have flown off the shelves. 48 Laws of Power has sold millions of copies, and is as popular today as it was when it came out 25 years ago.

If you want behind-the-scenes storytelling advice from a seasoned bestselling author, this episode is for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://powerseductionandwar.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/RobertGreene

Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Greene/author/B001IGV3IS

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RobertGreeneOfficial

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class for Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos