National Storytelling Week celebrates the timeless art of sharing stories—whether through books, spoken word, digital platforms, or personal experiences. Observed in early February, this week is a natural opportunity for authors and self-publishers to spotlight the heart of what they do best: telling meaningful stories that connect, inspire, and endure.
For authors at any stage of their publishing journey, National Storytelling Week offers a fresh, authentic way to engage readers and remind them why stories matter. Here’s how self-published authors can make the most of it.
Reintroduce the Story Behind Your Story
Readers love origin stories. National Storytelling Week is the perfect moment to share:
– Why you wrote your book
– What inspired your characters or message
– The personal experience that sparked the idea
– How the story evolved during the writing process
Pulling back the curtain builds emotional connection—and emotional connection drives readership.
Highlight the Power of Storytelling in Your Genre
Every genre serves a storytelling purpose. Use this week to explain how your book fits into the broader storytelling tradition:
– Fiction that offers escape, empathy, or reflection
– Memoirs that preserve lived experience
– Nonfiction that teaches through narrative
– Children’s books that shape imagination
– Poetry that distills emotion into language
This positions your book not just as a product—but as part of a larger cultural conversation.
Share Excerpts That Showcase Your Voice
National Storytelling Week is an ideal excuse to share short, compelling excerpts from your book. Choose passages that:
– Capture emotion
– Reveal character
– Pose a question
– Deliver a memorable line
Pair excerpts with simple visuals or graphics and invite readers to experience your storytelling firsthand.
Invite Readers to Share Their Stories
Storytelling is interactive by nature. Encourage engagement by asking readers to:
– Share what your book made them feel
– Post a favorite quote
– Talk about a story that shaped them
– Explain why they love reading
User-generated content helps extend your reach while reinforcing the community around books and reading.
Host a Storytelling-Themed Event or Post Series
You don’t need a live event to participate. Consider:
– A short blog series on storytelling themes
– A Q&A about your writing journey
– A behind-the-scenes look at your creative process
– A one-day social media storytelling prompt
Even simple participation reinforces your role as a storyteller—not just an author.
Connect Storytelling to the Value of Publishing
For aspiring authors watching from the sidelines, National Storytelling Week is a reminder that stories deserve to be shared. This is a great moment to reinforce:
– Why publishing preserves stories
– How books give stories longevity
– The importance of professional presentation
– Why authorship matters
Publishing isn’t just about distribution—it’s about giving stories a lasting home.
Celebrate the Stories That Haven’t Been Told Yet
National Storytelling Week isn’t only about finished books—it’s also about possibility. Encourage writers who are still dreaming, drafting, or doubting to take the next step.
Every published book begins as a story someone decided was worth telling.
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