Don’t get lost in aimless plots, weak characters, and boring conflicts.

How Story Works teaches the foundational skills of storytelling with easy-to-understand and even easier-to-apply advice and examples. Your storytelling skills will improve, and you can get back to what you wanted to do in the first place; telling your story.

You know you’ve got a great story inside you, and How Story Works will help you bring it out.

Stories are built with craft, to spotlight magic.

CRAFT
The set of principles that guide storytelling.

MAGIC
The artistic imprint of a creator on their work.

If you're unsure about things like conflict, structure, plotting, and character-building, then you want How Story Works.

If you struggle with motivation, creative block, and a lack of writing community, you should check out my workshops: The Running of the WIPs, and the Year of Writing Magically.

“How Story Works is a writing encyclopedia, a road map, and a pep talk all rolled into one—the rare ‘How To’ that feels like you’re having a fun chat with an enthusiastic expert who can’t wait to read what you’ve created. If you have a story inside of you, this book can help you get it out of there and into the world where it belongs.”

—Josh Siegal, writer and producer, 30 Rock, The Good Place, Saved By The Bell

"Lani’s assistance was instrumental in turning my manuscript into an actual book that you can hold in your hands. Her notes were clear and practical but also wonderfully encouraging. She won’t just make you a better writer, she’ll inspire to you to work hard, love your creations, and be proud to take them out into the world."

—Luke Arnold, author of the Fetch Phillips mystery series & star of Black Sails