
Nick Bilton: The Art of Storytelling in Films, Journalism, and Murder Mysteries | How I Write
How I Write
The Art and Structure of Storytelling
Storytelling permeates every aspect of life, encompassing mundane activities like shopping to deeper interactions among friends and family. Essential elements of compelling stories include emotion, tension, and well-defined characters. Different mediums require specific storytelling techniques, such as the structure of a news article which features a lead, nutgraph, and a captivating kicker. In contrast, fiction often begins with an evocative scene and reveals the narrative's depth at the conclusion. Documentaries utilize interviews to convey historical narratives, while scripted content presents stories unfolding in real-time. Regardless of the medium, effective storytelling must maintain a sense of propulsivity that draws the audience forward.