The benefits of reading stories

Experts advise that looking at a screen before bedtime may lead to having some trouble sleeping; reading a good book before bedtime may change that. Besides helping you sleep a little better, here are some more great advantages of reading a great bit of storytelling.

Feel motivated

Some of the world’s greatest minds have put their words down with ink on paper. We are fortunate to have these pieces of writing in our midst. 

Once people get into the habit of reading, it is easy to find motivation between the chapters of the world’s greatest authors. Successful businessmen like Steve Jobs read incessantly. 

Enhanced empathy

Reading allows someone to enter the thoughts and minds of characters in a story. This has been shown to enhance empathy among readers. It forces us to put ourselves in another’s shoes. It also teaches us to have greater insight into the lives of others. Some psychologists argue that reading can even make you a more considerate person.

Learn more

Reading will naturally improve your general knowledge and could make you more intelligent. There are books that are like ‘’junk food’’, so it is essential to read books that add value to your life. It does not have to be a book on chemistry or biology; there are some classic stories that have been written centuries ago that still have the power to inspire.

Relax

Lastly, remember that reading can ultimately relax your body and mind. Some psychologists have even recommended it as a form of therapy for patients suffering from anxiety. It may be a good idea to get into the habit of reading after all. Visit your nearest bookstore today and start by only reading a few pages a day. You will reap the benefits in no time.

Workshops are essential for storytelling

If you are looking to sharpen your skills as a writer, it may be beneficial for you to check out a workshop. The following article will outline some of the things you can pick up from attending a writing workshop.

Identify your target audience

For any person interested in the writing profession, it is crucial to becoming familiar with their identity as a writer. Most authors specialize in a specific genre of storytelling.

A workshop will help you to identify your strengths as a writer and to align yourself with a target audience.

Learn to engage with readers

Workshops can help you to write more engaging content. For example, they can teach you the advantages of shorter and longer sentences. It can offer you tips on creating a structure for your story and setting up your protagonist and antagonist.

Doing proper research

Research is essential for any writing process. If you can do adequate research, your readers will acknowledge it. Providing information in your writing that can be checked online can also enhance its value for a readership.

Get tips on diction

Some words are simply better than others. Learn to use words that fit better to the setting or context of your story. You do not need to know every word in the dictionary, but equipping yourself with a decent number of keywords could make a difference in the quality of your writing.

Everyone has advice 

There are countless resources online about writing. However, not every method or piece of advice will necessarily work for you. Take everything with a pinch of salt, and remember to allow the creative process to unfold naturally. Storytelling can’t be forced.

The best storytellers of the 21st century

Sure, there have been innumerable authors who have made their mark on society in the past millennia. Even the most successful writers today can learn a thing or two from the legends of the past. However, we should not underestimate the talented writers in our midst today. Here are a few authors that have made their mark in the 21st century.

Stephen King

Mr King will surely need to make this list. 

With more than 60 novels and counting, King is arguably among the greatest novelists of our time. The number of novels might sound impressive, but if you consider that most of his stories have sold more than a million copies, you must think about reading a chapter.

J.K. Rowling

For those not familiar with the houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin, Rowling created Harry Potter, and her books are still incredibly popular since their launch in 1998. Rowling created a world where the imagination thrives. Many followers have created fan clubs to celebrate the universe.

John Grisham

This American author is arguably one of the best when it comes to writing about the law. His books are extremely well researched, and some sources have labelled him as one of the most intelligent authors of our time.

R.L. Stine

Stine is one of the lesser-known authors among adults who never read when they were young, but he has probably sold more books than Stephen King. From Goosebumps to Fear Steet, Stine has kept generations entertained for decades.

Read more to feel inspired

With these great authors still among us, there is hope for future generations to learn from these great writers. Pick up a book by one of these authors today to find out why they are among the best.