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  • Invisible Ink: Building Stories from the Inside Out by Stewart Stern book cover
  • Invisible Ink: Building Stories from the Inside Out by Stewart Stern book cover
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Invisible Ink: Building Stories from the Inside Out

by Stewart Stern

Build a story from the message outward

$23.86 USD
$31.82 USD $23.86 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

Build a story from the message outward

Invisible Ink presents storytelling as a craft that begins with the message a writer wants to convey. Its “inside out” approach connects that starting point to narrative construction, character creation, and dialogue, with examples and concepts drawn from the book’s teaching material. The guide also considers how people naturally tell stories, offering a framework for shaping that instinct into written work. Playwriting is the listed subject, while the description frames the ideas for storytellers more broadly. Its emphasis is on the underlying choices that give story elements a common purpose, rather than on a formula tied to one medium.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Writers developing stories for theater or other forms
  • Storytellers interested in building narratives around a central message
  • Readers seeking an instructional guide to character and dialogue

Themes

Story constructionMessage and meaningCharacter developmentDialogueNatural storytelling

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

For nearly two decades, Invisible Inkhas been the go-to guide for storytellers worldwide. Used by industry giants like Pixar Animation Studios, Cirque du Soleil, Microsoft, Sony Interactive, Disney Feature Animation, and many more, this book has cemented Brian McDonald's reputation as a globally respected expert in storytelling.

This updated 2nd Edition brings even more invaluable insights from the award-winning filmmaker and writer. For the first time, McDonald shares new concepts from his acclaimed classes, including a deep dive into "writing from the inside out," the core principle of building stories from the message you want to convey. Learn to craft compelling narratives, engaging characters, and impactful dialogue, all rooted in the natural way people tell stories.

Brian McDonald, a sought-after speaker, story consultant and cohost of the award-winning podcast You Are a Storyteller, teaches you how to harness the power of natural storytelling without confusing jargon. Join thousands of readers who have used McDonald's techniques to create stories that resonate and endure.
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