Brandon Sanderson’s Simple Storytelling Model that Always Works

“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.” — Rain Bennett

Tired of overcomplicated storytelling formulas?

In this episode, Rain simplifies the process with a three-step model inspired by bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, Payoff. This framework is rooted in classical storytelling principles but designed for clarity and ease—whether you're telling a short story, a brand narrative, or a social media post.

Rain breaks down what each step means, how to apply it in your work, and why it's so effective at keeping your audience engaged and emotionally invested. You’ll hear examples from The Lion King, Star Wars, and even YouTube tutorials to show how Promise, Progress, and Payoff show up across formats.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by storytelling theory, this episode brings you back to what matters most: clear expectations, forward motion, and satisfying endings.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• Use Promise, Progress, Payoff to guide any story you’re telling, no matter the format or length.
• Establish clear expectations early to draw your audience in and build trust.
• Keep your story on track by checking whether each moment is moving the narrative forward.
• Deliver a satisfying resolution that rewards the time and attention of your audience.
• Adapt this structure to content of any scale, from brand videos to epic novels.

For more storytelling tips and tricks,

Visit my website rainbennett.com, or

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