This is an excerpt from Dilip Mukerjea's new book, BrainTales: Imagination to Imprint:

THE 5C’S OF CRAFTING A COMPELLING STORY

1. Connect 

This stage of the story structure is about creating an emotional connection with your audience. Emotion trumps rationality when push comes to shove. If you do not tap into your reader’s emotions—that layer below the surface—engagement is impossible. The aim here is to make a STAR START! 

2. Challenge 

The second part of the story structure is about highlighting a common pain point or challenge your audience is facing – with the goal of helping them overcome that challenge by the end of your story. 

So get to REALLY know your audience. What are their goals, dreams, and desires? How can you help your readers move towards them? What about their fears and problems? Your writing should appeal to many but talk directly to only one person. Make them feel special. Highlight a core problem your audience has, and articulate how you (or your characters) were once burdened with the same challenge. 

3. Conflict 

You want to establish the opposing forces that contribute to a less-than-favourable outcome for your audience. Use vivid details at this stage so your audience resonates with the characters in your story. Walk them through the worst parts of the problem they are trying to solve… All of the nasty symptoms and side-effects. 

What has stopped them from overcoming this challenge in the past? 

What are the competing priorities in their life that have held them back? 

How does it FEEL when they do not overcome this challenge? 

Hop back and forth between the challenges, excuses, and hurdles to them achieving their goals. And compound it all with the desire to reach another destination. Provide glimmers of hope along the way…

4. Conquer 

Now it is time to provide some hope. Show your audience how the characters have overcome the struggle presented. Give them the feeling that a positive outcome is possible. 

As the story develops, take your audience on a journey from “close to giving up” all the way through to the results, feelings or accolades that your characters achieve on the other side. You are putting your readers in the shoes of your characters, and making them feel like the solution to all their problems is in their hands. 

By this stage of your story, the reader is so emotionally bought into your character’s journey. They visualise themselves conquering their problems and achieving their goals. 

What results or examples can you provide to ride this message home? 

Do not hold back. Convince your reader that everything is possible and glory is much closer than they first thought. 

5. Conclude 

Deliver a resolution to the challenge, ending on a positive message the audience can take away. This is usually one part of a larger solution. (Especially if you are using storytelling to sell something.) 

But your job is not quite done. 

You need to guide your reader on to their next step. What is the very next thing they need to do to start the all-conquering journey themselves? 

Is there somewhere they should visit? What other resources would be helpful? Where can they get help or inspiration? 

Stories will help you break down barriers and eliminate the sea of noise your readers are exposed to. The more personal you can make the experience, the greater the connection will be, and the better your results. It is your job as a writer to evoke emotion and connection very early in your story, otherwise, no one will read on. 

But that is not enough. 

If you truly understand your audience, your story will create a visceral experience that magnifies a core challenge and creates a feeling of mental conflict. 

Until you resolve this conflict and empower your readers to conquer their demons, the story isn’t complete. 

Every step of the way, you are guiding your readers on a journey, an experience and an adventure until finally, you tell them exactly what they should do next. 

Keep your readers hooked for as long as you can, but when the time is right, hand over the reins and let others tell the story for you. The aim now is to make a STAR FINISH!