Welcome back to Christian Story Lab! Today’s edition has a slightly different rhythm, but it’s packed with as much value as the feast you’ll enjoy next week.

Over the summer, I bookmarked a tweet with every intention of actually revisiting it (a rare event in the Bookmark graveyard). This time, though, I did go back, and it got me thinking about which resources I’d recommend for anyone looking to improve their storytelling skills.

Here’s the tweet.

So today, we’re pausing the usual storytelling breakdowns and techniques to bring you a curated list of my favorite resources for becoming a better storyteller.

It’s not exhaustive, but these are the ones that have had the greatest impact on me.

Books

Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks

This book has transformed how I uncover stories in my everyday life. Matthew Dicks distills years of unique experiences into raw, impactful stories, showing us how to find meaning in even the smallest moments. If you're looking to sharpen your journaling, build a story bank, or simply improve your storytelling, this is a must-read.

On Writing by Stephen King

While there may be debate over Christians reading Stephen King, his skill and insight as a writer are undeniable. On Writing was one of my first reads on the craft, and it’s packed with no-nonsense advice that has stood the test of time.

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

A true masterclass in writing. Saunders introduces us to classic Russian stories while teaching the art and science of storytelling in a way that feels like a warm conversation on the porch. It will stretch your reading and expand your understanding of what makes great fiction.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

A true masterpiece. Steinbeck’s storytelling, his world-building, and his timeless themes resonate across generations. If you’re looking to dive deep into story, immerse yourself in fiction like this—it’s as enriching as it is inspiring.

Newsletter/Article

World Builders by Nathan Baugh

If you want to become a sharper storyteller, subscribe to the World Builders newsletter. Many of the ideas I share here are inspired by what I’ve learned from Nathan. Practical, relatable, and grounded in real experience. This isn’t a paid endorsement—just a wholehearted recommendation from one storyteller to another.

• Start here: Gamify Your Storytelling, Creating a Villian, and The Rule of Three.

Start Right Before You Get Eaten by the Bear by Wes Kao

This is one of the best guides I’ve found on where to begin a story. The opening matters, especially with today’s TikTok feeds and 15-second commercials. Wes Kao’s approach helps you pinpoint that crucial starting point, making sure your story hooks readers from the very first line.

Total Annarchy by Ann Handley

I’m a new subscriber to Ann’s newsletter. Her insights are concise, actionable, and refreshingly practical—perfect for any writer looking to refine their craft.

• Start here: Mastering the Art of the Cold Open in Storytelling and 6 ½ Ways To Write Faster.

BetterStories.org by Jeremy Connell-Waite

Not a newsletter, but a treasure trove of storytelling wisdom. This little website is packed with resources that offer immense value. Just browse for 30 minutes, come back, and thank me later.

Videos

Brandon Sanderson’s Creative Writing Lectures

It’s almost unbelievable that these are free on YouTube. If you’re even remotely interested in storytelling, in any form, the time you spend watching Sanderson’s lectures will pay off many times over.

Abbie Emmons on YouTube

Abbie’s videos are soft-spoken, relaxed, and full of practical advice. She covers everything from avoiding melodrama in romance plots to starting chapters with impact. Abbie's channel is a great resource if you want a warm approach to storytelling.

• Start here: First Chapter MISTAKES New Writers Make and The Psychology of Powerful CHAPTER BREAKS.

Learn Copywriting in 76 Minutes | Harry Dry

If capturing readers’ attention matters to you, this video is one of the best ways to spend 76 minutes. Harry Dry breaks down the essentials of copywriting in an engaging and efficient way.

Podcasts

How I Write with David Perell

This interview podcast dives deep into the art and science of writing. With compelling guests and a polished format, How I Write covers everything you’d want in a writing podcast, from practical insights to fascinating discussions.

• Start here: Mark Forsyth, Shaan Puri, and Ana Lorena Fabrega.

Writing Excuses

A podcast where seasoned authors share their biggest writing mistakes—and how to avoid them. It’s insightful, funny, and concise, with each episode running about 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick inspiration and advice.

• Start here: Interview of Worldbuilding and The Unreliable Narrator.

Practice

Copywork | FaithWork

Pick your favorite storyteller, hand-copy their best work, and analyze what makes it so effective. Study their tone, style, and techniques in detail. This exercise I teach in FaithWork works wonders as a warm-up before a writing session. Recently, I also took Sam Parr’s CopyThat and found it invaluable for honing copywriting skills—highly recommended if you want to elevate your writing.

Daily Writing Habit in 7 Days Course

This course has everything you need to kickstart a daily writing habit, and it’s completely free. I’ve compiled the best advice from daily writers, plus my own experiences, into a structured program with daily writing prompts. Inside The Lab, you’ll also find a community of writers, video interviews with storytelling experts, and more. The first 7 days are free, which means this course is free to you.

Practice in Public

One of the best ways to improve is by writing in public. Share something you’ve written on X and tag me (@thepaytonminz). I’ll respond with encouragement and maybe even share it with my audience.

That’s a lot to dive into, so I’ll leave it here for now. Have you come across any excellent resources that I didn’t include? I’d love to check them out and maybe feature them in next week’s letter.

And if you explore any of the suggestions from today’s list, let me know what you think.

Write on 🤙

Payton

P.S. Exciting news—bestselling author Karl Vaters is joining us in The Lab for a live workshop on November 26th! If you’re not yet a member, you can try The Lab free for 7 days and join us for this exclusive interview.