In the intersection of technology and creativity lies digital storytelling, a compelling medium that weaves together text, images, sound, and music to bring narratives to life in vibrant new ways. As Jean-Paul Sartre insightfully noted, we are all tellers of tales, deeply enmeshed in the stories of ourselves and others. Today, digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities to share these stories, enriching our understanding and connection in a world increasingly mediated by screens.
The purpose of this post is to share with you this curated selection of books on digital storytelling. From theoretical explorations on the power of stories to practical guides for creating immersive narratives, these works are indispensable for anyone eager to master the art of storytelling in today’s digital landscape.
” A man is always a teller of tales, he lives surrounded by his stories and the stories of others .” Jean Paul Sartre
Books about Storytelling
Whether you’re an educator aiming to incorporate digital narratives in the classroom, a student exploring the boundaries of storytelling, or simply a storyteller looking to adapt your craft for the digital era, these books offer a treasure trove of insights and inspiration for harnessing the transformative power of stories in new, dynamic forms.
1. The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human, by Jonathan Gottschall
Gottschall presents a fascinating exploration into the essence of storytelling and its pivotal role in human evolution. Arguing that storytelling is a fundamental part of being human, he delves into how narratives have historically helped humans navigate complex social landscapes, much like simulations. Utilizing insights from neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, Gottschall illustrates storytelling’s power in shaping human culture and individual identity, positing that our capacity for narrative is not just a form of entertainment but a key to survival and societal advancement.
2. The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling, by Annette Simmons
Simmons revitalizes the ancient art of storytelling as a crucial tool for influence and persuasion in the modern world. With new chapters addressing the digital age, she explores storytelling’s profound impact across various spheres, from business to governance, showcasing its effectiveness in captivating and motivating audiences. Through a rich collection of stories—from myths and fables to real-world business cases—Simmons demonstrates how storytelling can deeply resonate with people, driving them to action and change.
3. Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction, by Jon Franklin
Franklin, a celebrated journalist, shares his insights on crafting compelling nonfiction stories that resonate with the dramatic quality of fiction. Drawing from his own Pulitzer Prize-winning work, he breaks down the elements of a gripping narrative, including structure, character development, and pacing. This book serves as a masterclass in storytelling, providing readers with practical tools to bring factual stories to life with the depth, tension, and emotion typically found in novels.
4. Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences, by Nancy Duarte
Duarte’s “Resonate” is a comprehensive guide to creating presentations that not only inform but also move and inspire audiences. Equating modern presentations to documentary filmmaking, she offers strategies for connecting with audiences on an emotional level, turning information into impactful stories. The book is a toolkit for anyone looking to elevate their presentations, infusing them with the power to change minds and spur action.
5. The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better, by Will Storr
Storr investigates the psychological and neurological underpinnings of storytelling, revealing why stories are so integral to human experience. By examining the structure of classic and modern narratives through the lens of psychology and neuroscience, he uncovers how storytellers can craft more engaging and resonant stories. Storr’s work is a deep dive into the mechanics of storytelling, offering readers insights into how to harness the natural human instinct for narrative to create truly compelling tales.
6. The New Digital Storytelling: Creating Narratives with New Media, by Bryan Alexander
This book offers a comprehensive overview of digital storytelling, tracing its evolution from early digital platforms to the present. Alexander provides a historical context before delving into the various mediums and technologies that define digital storytelling today, including social media, gaming, and augmented reality. With practical advice and examples, he guides readers through the process of crafting and sharing digital stories, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to explore narrative possibilities in new media.
7. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity, by Jason Ohler
Ohler’s book is a resource for educators seeking to integrate digital storytelling into their teaching. It outlines practical strategies for merging storytelling with curriculum content across disciplines, enhancing students’ literacy and creative skills. The book also discusses the use of digital media for storytelling, offering tips on leveraging technology to foster student engagement and deeper learning. Through case studies and examples, Ohler demonstrates how digital storytelling can be a powerful tool for education.
8. Digital Storytelling: Capturing Lives, Creating Community, by Joe Lambert, Brooke Hessler
Lambert and Hessler provide an insightful guide to digital storytelling, emphasizing its potential to build community and capture personal histories. Using a step-by-step approach, they offer practical advice on crafting digital stories, from initial concept to final sharing. The book also explores the broader implications of digital storytelling in education, social activism, and preserving cultural heritage, making it a valuable resource for storytellers looking to make an impact with their narratives.
Final thoughts
Each of these books offers a unique lens through which to view the art and science of storytelling, whether through the timeless tradition of oral narratives or the innovative realms of digital media. From Jonathan Gottschall’s exploration of storytelling as a fundamental human trait that shapes our existence to Bryan Alexander’s practical guide to digital storytelling in the new media landscape, these works collectively underscore the power of stories to influence, educate, and connect us.