Welcome back to Christian Story Lab! Last week we looked closely at the top 3 stories of September and what made them so good.

In truth, storytelling doesn’t have to be as complicated as we often make it out to be because our brain is only looking for 1 thing. 

In this week's newsletter, we're diving into a fundamental question that every Christian writer should consider:

How does our brain decide if a story is good?

The Brain's Expectation

Imagine for a moment that you're sharing a story with a friend about a bearded man you saw earlier that day who had a mustard stain on his shirt. As you spin this fascinating tale, something fascinating happens in your friend's brain.

According to a neurological study cited by writer and comic artist Lynda Barry, our brains perform an instant evaluation for efficiency at the end of a story, short lyric poem, or joke.

If you mention the score of last night’s football game in the middle of the story, which has nothing to do with the central character (the bearded man with the mustard-stained shirt), the listener’s brain twitches a bit.

The story is not efficient.

What does this mean for us as Christian storytellers? Simply put, our brains are wired to expect coherence and efficiency in stories.

We instinctively look for a logical progression where every detail and action leads purposefully to the conclusion.

George Saunders, New York Times bestseller and English professor at Syracuse University, offers a beautiful perspective on this principle:

Imagine you're a bouncer at a place called Club Story. Your job is to question each part of the story to make sure they belong in the Story Club with a single question:

"Excuse me, but what are you doing here?"

This simple question can be a powerful tool for writing and storytelling. It encourages us to examine each element of our writing and confirm it is earning its place.

The Heart of a Good Story

So, how does our brain determine if a story is good?

The answer is beautifully simple: If everything in a story is there for a reason.

Every element in our stories, jokes, speeches, or lyrics should serve the plot.

Why?

Because by default, our readers assume no detail is included by chance or merely for decoration. They trust us as storytellers to guide them purposefully through an efficient story.

A story shines when every detail serves a purpose, leading the reader to a satisfying conclusion. When we achieve this, we not only engage our audience but also honor their investment in the story.

As Christian creators, we have a unique perspective on this principle.

The efficiency and purpose we strive for in our storytelling is synonymous with God's writing of the world.

Like a master storyteller, God weaves together the threads of our lives, ensuring nothing is wasted and everything contributes to His larger narrative.

Go, therefore, and do likewise.

Join The Lab – Where Christian Writers Experiment, Learn, and Grow Together

The Lab is our private community where Christian storytellers sharpen their craft and grow in faith. Whether you’re working on a novel, a blog, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, The Lab is designed to help you create stories that reflect God’s truth.

Inside The Lab, fellow writers are running creative experiments, sharing their insights, and offering feedback in a supportive, faith-driven environment. Not only will The Lab push you to improve, but you’ll also benefit from the wisdom and experiences of others.

If you’re ready to take your storytelling to the next level while staying rooted in your Christian faith, The Lab is for you.

Write on 🤙

Payton