Why Do You Want to Tell Stories?
Deciding to become a storyteller isn’t just about loving books or having a way with words—it’s about understanding why you want to tell stories, and what you hope to achieve.
So, you want to be a storyteller? Fantastic! The world needs more people who can spin a good yarn—whether it’s an epic fantasy saga, a spine-tingling thriller, or just a really dramatic retelling of that time you got stuck in an elevator with a mime. But before you start dreaming of book deals and movie adaptations, let’s take a moment to ask the big question: why do you actually want to do this? Is it the thrill of creating new worlds? The urge to emotionally devastate your readers? Or are you just trying to justify your lifelong habit of talking to imaginary people? Whatever the case, this article will help you figure it out—one question at a time. Grab your notebook, a beverage of choice, and let’s go on a little self-discovery adventure!
Some of you may of heard of Simon Sinek and his famous TED talk on “Starting with WHY”.
Such a simple concept, and after 15 years and ten’s of millions of views later one that’s still (if not more so) relevant today.
Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” isn’t just great business advice—it’s the key to becoming a storyteller with purpose. The most compelling writers don’t just focus on what they write (fantasy, thrillers, romance) or how they write (outlining, pantsing, procrastinating with snacks)—they start with why. That deep, underlying reason is what gives their stories heart, keeps them motivated when the words aren’t flowing, and makes readers connect on a deeper level.
Think about it: The best books aren’t just well-written; they make us feel something because the author had something to say. Whether your “why” is to challenge perspectives, make people laugh, or process your own experiences through fiction, understanding it gives your writing direction and meaning. So before worrying about plot twists or perfect prose, ask yourself: Why do I want to tell stories? Because once you know that, the rest will fall into place (well, after a few rounds of edits, of course).
Guided journalling prompts are a good way to help you uncover your why, but being the Notion nerd that you know and love I decided to create my own workbook / template that helps storytellers focus on their why by asking some deep questions. Questions that dig into the heart of why you want to tell stories and that might shine a light on the kinds of stories you want to tell.
As I’m a big believer of “putting your money where your mouth is” (aka “eating your own dogfood” in software development circles) I decided to use the template to find out and share my own why.
The questions below came directly from the workbook. If you want you can just use them as journaling prompts or (even better) you can get your own free copy of the workbook direct from my Gumroad page by clicking the button below.
Why do I want to tell stories?
Why do you want to tell stories?
Because stories are fun, and they contain truths that speak to all of us regardless of age, gender, location.
Because my head is full of stories and if I don’t write them down there might not be enough space for new ones.
If no one ever experienced your work, would you still tell stories? Why?
Yes, because first and foremost I tell my stories for my own entertainment and on a deeper level understanding. In my stories I get to decide who and what’s right.
What kinds of stories impact you the most, and why?
Powerful stories highlighting the plight of the underdogs. As someone who hasn’t always “won” or been the most popular they speak to the frustration that we all feel from time to time.
What do all your favourite stories have in common?
Lots of action, a gripping plot, a support cast of characters that support an underdog who eventually embraces their destiny and succeeds against all the odds and grows.
What genres do you gravitate toward?
Action and adventure stories with a healthy dose of paranormal urban fantasy and science fiction.
What books, movies, or shows have left a lasting impact on you?
Forrest Gump
Saving Private Ryan
Paint Your Wagon
Big Trouble In Little China
Shōgun (the novel and the original TV show)
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
What kinds of characters fascinate you?
Complex multi dimensional characters with flaws and wounds that they need to overcome.
What themes or ideas do you naturally gravitate toward?
Family, and developing the courage to stand up to bullies
What is that attracts you to these themes?
Families are complex and multifaceted. They’re not always defined by blood and without a family people can find themselves lost.
As someone who’s suffered at the hands of bullies in the past I know how it can destroy your self confidence and your sense of worth and impact your ability to develop and grow into the person you were meant to be.
Do you prefer character-driven or plot-driven narratives?
A bit of both to be honest. It depends on how the story is packaged. If it’s entertaining and keeps my interest then I’m all in.
What genres feel like “home” to you?
Science fiction, science fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy, dystopian, post apocalyptic, action adventure
If you could only create one story in your lifetime, what would it be about?
A “chosen one” epic YA urban fantasy that mixes elements from all of my interests and highlights the struggles, challenges and growth arc of a young man finding his family and his place in his world.
What emotions do you want to evoke in your readers?
Excitement, joy, hope, surprise.
What message does the world need to hear?
A message of hope and inspiration and that “this too shall pass”.
What’s something you wish more stories explored?
Flawed, morally grey characters who don’t always do the right thing, but do them for the right reasons.
The impact on peoples lives of bullying and ways in which the trauma can be overcome.
What kind of characters do you want to tell stories about?
Flawed, morally grey characters who don’t always do the right thing, but do them for the right reasons.
What originally made you want to tell stories?
Being exposed to the beauty and power of story from a very young age and being encouraged by my parents to develop and grow my imagination.
When do you feel most alive as a storyteller?
When I’m in a state of flow and the ideas just come naturally.
What would happen if you never wrote another word?
I’d be heartbroken.
Are you excited about creating regularly, or do you just like the idea of publishing a book?
A couple of years ago I discovered the concept of multipotentiality and began to really embrace and understand my role as a creator. I can’t not create, my mental health and well being depends on it.
Do you love storytelling, or do you just want to hold a book with your name on it?
I genuinely love storytelling. But holding a physical object that has been given birth by my imagination is a wonderful feeling that I can never get enough of.
Are you willing to rewrite and edit your work, or do you expect your first drafts to be perfect?
I’m not arrogant enough to think I’m going to ever get it right first time, but I’d like to think that with enough practice I’ll get better. However I have high standards and I’m not afraid to do the work that needs to be done to produce the best work that I can
Are you open to constructive feedback, or do you take criticism personally?
I like to think I’m open to constructive criticism. And although I’m not afraid to defend my work when I think I’m right I’m not above learning from others.
How will you stay motivated when you receive rejections from publishers, agents, or readers?
That’s a hard question to answer until I’m actually faced with that scenario, but I have faced rejection in the past and found different paths to success so I’m sure I can do it again.
Are you willing to revise and improve your work based on feedback?
Yes, but I won’t blindly accept all feedback if I know in my gut that it serves the critic more than me.
Are you willing to study storytelling techniques, story structure, and writing fundamentals?
I have a shelf full of craft books and a massive resource library that will testify to my commitment (or my Amazon addiction), and I’m fully committed to reading and studying them.
Do you have a plan for regular deliberate practice (writing exercises, analysis, and feedback)?
That’s part of the reason why I started this substack publication so I can practice in public and share my journey to becoming a better storyteller.
Will you seek out storytelling and writing communities, workshops, or mentors?
I’ve been a part of the indie author community for a few years now but mostly on the edges. Part of what I want from this substack publication is to reach out to and make connections with other authors and communities.
Where does storytelling fit into your daily or weekly routine?
I want to make space for storytelling everyday, either ingesting story or creating story or learning about story.
Are you prepared to sacrifice other activities (social media, TV, etc.) to focus on my craft?
I want to integrate story into every aspect of my life. I view the time I spend watching TV as learning about story. Story can be found in every aspect of life and there’s always opportunities to learn.
How will you stay consistent, even on days when you don’t feel inspired?
By thinking back to my why and by re-reading what I wrote her.
Do you want to tell stories purely for personal enjoyment, or do you dream of publishing?
Initially they are for personal enjoyment, but I do intend on publishing them. I have already published one story on Amazon and intend to publish more, initially on Substack as well as other outlets.
Are you prepared to balance creative freedom with market demands if you want to publish commercially?
I feel there is a middle ground. The market is large enough that I can find an audience for whatever I write. I would class my approach as more “market to market” as opposed to “write to market”.
If you’re creating for an audience, do you understand who they are and what they want?
My ideal audience avatar is me. I want to write the stories I want to read and if I want to read them then there must be audience of people just like me who’ll also want to read them.
Do you want to be a full-time storyteller, or is this a passion project?
This is a passion project and always will be. Eventually I want to be full time storyteller, but it will take me time to build an audience.
Would you be happy self-publishing, or do you dream of traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing is becoming less of an attractive proposition due to the advances in the indie space, but I would like to have access to some of the extra help and support that trad publishing can offer.
Does success mean finishing a book, getting published, making money, or simply enjoying the creative process?
Success means never giving up on story.
Will you keep writing when inspiration fades and writing feels like work?
There have been times when I’ve stopped writing when I’ve lost my mojo but now I have a renewed interest through Substack and I want to build and exercise my storytelling muscle everyday.
Can you push through writer’s block and self-doubt?
My Substack will keep me publicly accountable and in turn grow my confidence and help remove self doubt.
Are you willing to embrace the long, often uncertain journey of storytelling?
I’ve made it this far, why should I stop now?
What is my three month target goal
To keep publishing and engaging on Substack.
What is my six month target goal
To have serialised my first novel on Substack and to have grown my subscriber base to 1000+ subscribers.
What is my twelve month target goal
To have built a Substack publication that is recognised as being useful to aspiring storytellers.
Write a short paragraph summarising your biggest takeaway from this workbook!
Being able to dig deep into the kinds of story that resonate deeply with me.
Lastly, write yourself a letter from your future self explaining what your life looks like now and the steps you took to get there
Dear Jon,
If you’re reading this then I (and by I, I mean you, me, us) have made it as a successful storyteller, and by successful I mean have embraced story everyday from your current day to mine.
I want to tell you that you’re on the right path, you just need to stay the course and keep on keeping on, or as Winston Churchill once said “never give up, never, never give up.” If you can do that, hit the targets that you’ve set and keep on making bigger and bigger targets then one day you’ll look back and realise that you are now me.
Regards, your biggest fan.
Jon…
In Summary
As you can see it’s a thorough and in-depth look as to why I’m doing this. It can also get quite personal so it’s up to you if you want to share your results publicly or just keep them for yourself.
If you feel like getting your own copy of the workbook and discovering your own why then click the button to visit my Gumroad page. Because I think this is such a valuable resource that every storyteller should use I’ve priced it using the very reasonable Pay what you want (or feel that it’s worth) model. Which means if you want it for free you can just put $0.00 / £0.00 in price field.