Why Storytelling Is Your Superpower (And How to Master It)
Stop convincing, start connecting
You know what connects people here on Substack?
It's you.
You and your entire being. Your experiences. Your ups and downs. Your stories.
And your ability to put that into words. Words that move people. That make them feel something. And it does not matter whether you write fiction or non-fiction. In the end it's all about your passion and the opportunity to tell stories.
Today, I want to share with you some story-telling techniques that I use and that work for me.
Storytelling can not only change your writing
The other day I realized something that would change my writing, and I am pretty sure, can help you with yours as well.
I was invited to speak at an online age-tech event.
If you have followed my journey, you know that I still have my startup running and this community of age-tech founders wanted to hear from me.
I am not the biggest fan of giving talks, somehow I always get quite nervous, even if it's within a friendly setup. Don't get me started on how nervous I get when I have to pitch to investors, it's horrible. But well, that's something you gotta get through when creating a startup.
Anyway, yesterday was a different talk.
They did not ask us to give a classical pitch with your mission, vision, market size, competitors, telling why you invented fire and why your company is the best and only you can solve it. Ugh, I hate these things.
No, yesterday they asked us to share something else. To share our journeys.
Owning Your Story
The first part of telling your story is to own it. Own your story (shout out to all my Brené Brown fans).
Own it, articulate it, feel it - and then share it.
And while talking or writing about this, trust me, you will have so much to enjoy.
I surely did. Because I knew this was simply what we went through as a company within 3 years.
I did not have to convince anyone. And my audience was thankful for it. They learned something from the mistakes we made. And asked at what point in time we knew how to make certain decisions. It was actually fun.
And that brings me to writing and online storytelling.
If you stop trying to convince people, and simply tell your story, they will come.
They will feel that you can relate to them and their own struggles.
And you will connect over your own ups and downs.
I launched my Substack last May with no following whatsoever. Within six months, I became a Substack Bestseller and began earning a living from my writing. If you're ready to start earning from your writing in 2025, let’s explore the fast-track steps together.
The Universal Elements of Powerful Storytelling
Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, storytelling is your secret weapon. Here's how to master it:
1. The Hero's Journey Framework
Every compelling story follows a pattern:
The Catalyst: The moment that changes everything. In personal writing, it's a real-life turning point; in fiction, it's the inciting incident; in poetry, it's the emotional trigger.
The Conflict: The tension that keeps readers engaged. Internal doubts, external obstacles, or the gap between what is and what could be.
The Connections: The relationships or support systems that provide context and depth to your journey or your character's path.
The Struggle: The messy middle where relatability lives—imperfect attempts, setbacks, and the authentic journey toward understanding.
The Insight: What was discovered or understood. Not necessarily a neat resolution, but a moment of clarity that gives meaning to the journey.
2. Emotional Resonance
Stories that move people contain:
Vulnerability: Share your mistakes and uncertainties
Authenticity: Tell the truth, even when it's messy
Specificity: Use concrete details that paint a picture
Universal emotions: Connect your experience to feelings everyone understands
3. The Storytelling Process
To create stories that resonate:
Start with a hook: Open with something unexpected or intriguing
Create “conflict”: Identify the tension or problem that drives your story
Show, don't tell: Use sensory details and specific moments
Find the meaning: Reflect on why this story matters
End with purpose: Leave readers with something to think about
Why This Matters For Your Newsletter
Your newsletter isn't just a collection of tips or information.
It's a relationship with your readers. And relationships are built on shared stories.
When you share your authentic journey—the ups and downs, the lessons learned—you create a space where readers feel seen and understood. They don't just consume your content, they connect with you.
And in a world of endless content, that connection is what keeps people coming back.
So own your story. Share it generously. And watch as your words create a community of people who not only read what you write but feel like they're part of your journey.
What story will you tell this week?
➡️ Check out my products that helped over 5,000 Substack writers make their first $1,000 with their newsletter:
Or get it all with my annual plan ⬇️
‼️ Also, have you seen this to automate your DMs on Substack? It might be helpful for some of you.
If you found this post helpful, please comment, like, share. It really helps.
Have you joined the FREE chat yet? We support each other every step of the way.
Loved it! Spot on!!!
I always see us writers as people are people of bringing the world together we have the power to change narratives the power to change hearts and to me that is connection Claudia ❤️