For several years, Aneeta Sundararaj has been helping writers through her website with countless articles, reviews, and interviews. Now, he has compiled all his experience and knowledge in his new book for beginning writers, “How to tell a great story.”

After a short introduction, Sundararaj takes beginners through all the steps necessary to become a great storyteller, from vital preparation, understanding the themes, reasons for telling a great story, painting your surroundings, and much more. At the end of the book are five appendices: on planning and analyzing your research material, information for market research, character profiles, copyright issues for storytellers, and a sample story.

Written in an engaging but thoughtful style, and combining quotes and written material from other authors, “How to Tell a Great Story” is a useful and information-packed reference book for any aspiring storyteller. However, what I really like about this book is the new angle that the author brings: the importance of storytelling not just for writing stories, but for other aspects of our lives. For example, knowing how to tell a great story can be helpful in the workplace if you work in marketing and advertising and must give a presentation. A story connects people in a way that a simple explanation or demonstration cannot.

Sundararaj points out the importance of timing and intonation; In other words, it is often not just the story that is vital, but how it is told. It’s a talent some people are born with, but it’s also a skill that can be learned and improved. The same logic works for writing. You may have a great idea for a story, but it’s how you write and execute it that counts. The author’s advice works for aspiring short story writers, novelists, and anyone who wants to get better at storytelling for everyday use. Reading this book was informative and interesting and I look forward to more of Sundararaj’s work in the future.

Aneeta Sundararaj grew up in a small Malaysian town called ‘Alor Star’. He went to college to read laws and also practiced for a few years. So, he decided to follow his dream of writing. He published his first novel, (The Banana Leaf Men) and from then on he created and developed a dynamic website called “How to Tell a Great Story.” He continues to write full time and now lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Title: How to Tell a Great Story

Author: Aneeta Sundararaj

Publisher: Bookshaker

Publication Date: July 4, 2011

ISBN 10: 1907498575

ISBN 13: 978-1907498572

Format: Softcover

Number of pages: 172

Price: US18.00

Genre: Non-fiction