A great story can take you places you never expected. But how do you make people care enough to keep reading?

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Malin to talk about storytelling, intellectual property, and the possibilities for authors who want their work to reach beyond the page.

Laura shares how stories can evolve into different formats, from books and podcasts to film and television. She also explains why building an audience matters and how authors can begin developing their ideas without waiting for permission from traditional gatekeepers.

I share some of my favorite storytelling techniques for writers, including how to create conflict, build suspense, use a mystery box, and give readers a reason to keep turning the pages.

We also get into writing compelling opening chapters, incorporating research and expert interviews, and making nonfiction more engaging.

Whether you're writing your first book or thinking about what your published work could become, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.

In this episode:

• How a book can grow into other formats, including film and television
• Why building an audience around your work matters
• Using conflict and suspense to keep readers interested
• The mystery box technique and the power of a strong opening
• How to make research and nonfiction more engaging
• Finding the story within your own experiences

Listen to the full episode and start thinking about where your story could go next.