Tell Stories That People Feel:
The ABCs of Storytelling: Reflections of a Story Coach
A practical, heart-centered guide to finding your voice, shaping your scenes, and telling the truth with craft.
If you’ve ever thought, “I have a story… but I don’t know how to tell it,” you’re in the right place.
You don’t need more “advice.” You need a clear path from idea → draft → story that lands.
The ABCs of Storytelling helps you turn scattered memories and half-formed scenes into stories that feel true—and light up the listener's imagination.
This book is for storytellers, memoirists, personal essay writers, public speakers, and anyone who wants to communicate with more heart and clarity.
You might be here because…
- You keep starting, then second-guessing every sentence.
- You’re not sure what to include—or what to leave out.
- Your storytelling feels “flat,” even when the experience wasn’t.
- You want structure without losing your voice.
And you’re ready for…
- A simple framework you can return to anytime.
- Coaching-style prompts that unlock real material.
- Tools for scene, voice, and emotional resonance.
- Momentum—without perfectionism.
The problem isn’t your story
Most people don’t struggle because they “can’t tell stories.” They struggle because they’re trying to hold everything in their head at once: what happened, what it meant, what to say, how to say it, and whether anyone will care. Without a framework, the draft becomes a maze.
And the usual advice doesn’t help
“Just tell stories.” “Show, don’t tell.” “Find your voice.” Those lines can be true—and still leave you stuck. You need guidance that meets you on the page: what to do next, what to focus on, and how to shape meaning without forcing it.
You can learn craft without losing your truth
This book is built like a coaching conversation: reflective, practical, and grounded in real storytelling experience and decision-making. You’ll learn how to make your story tellable, resonant, and yours—without turning it into something it’s not.
The Secret
The secret isn’t talent. It’s attention—to what matters, to what changes, and to what the listener (or reader) needs in order to feel the moment with you. When you learn to coach yourself through the page, your storytelling becomes clearer, braver, and more alive.
H
ere’s what you’ll learn inside the book
These reflections are designed to help you make confident choices—so you can stop circling the same draft and start shaping a story with direction.
Expect a blend of craft + coaching: clear concepts, gentle prompts, and practical tips and techniques to revise without losing your voice.
You’ll explore how to build scenes, create momentum, and tell stories with emotional honesty—while still protecting what’s private and choosing what belongs.
You’ll also learn how to listen to and read your own work like a coach: what’s working, what’s missing, and what to try next.
About the Author
Michael Williams
I’m a story coach and the founder of Memoir Studio. I help storytellers, speakers, and writers turn lived experience into clear, compelling narrative—without losing nuance, tenderness, or truth. The ABCs of Storytelling is a collection of reflections and tools I return to again and again with clients who want to tell stories that connect. The book is part memoir and part compendium of storytelling tips and techniques drawn from my years of coaching women and men in the art of oral storytelling.
What this book will help you do
Practical craft. Coaching-level clarity. A framework you can use for every story.
Find Your Through-Line
Learn how to identify what your story is really about—so your scenes, reflections, and details all pull in the same direction.
Write Scenes That Move
Turn “this happened” into moments the reader can see and feel—using simple choices around action, setting, and sensory detail.
Speak with Confidence
Get a coach’s approach to speaking confidently: what to strengthen, what to cut, and how to keep your voice intact while improving clarity and impact.
You can write a story that’s
CLEAR, COMPELLING, AND TRUE
without
Overthinking Every Line
without
Getting Lost in the Draft
without
Forcing a “Perfect” Voice
Get The ABCs of Storytelling today and start telling stories that teach, entertain, and inspire.
Available on Amazon for only $22.99 order from your favourite book store
Questions? Email Michael at michael@memoirstudio.ca