The Secrets of Storytelling

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A contemporary author takes a classic text to shine light on the craft of writing fiction.

A contemporary author takes part of a classic text to shine a light on the craft of writing fiction.

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Secrets of Storytelling: Setting the Tone

Setting the Tone

BBC Radio 4 - The Secrets of Storytelling, Setting the Tone

James Runcie and Richard Ford discuss how to begin a story and keep the reader hooked.

James Runcie is joined by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Ford to consider the tricky business of starting a story and maintaining momentum.

James Runcie, author of the Grantchester Mysteries series, is a writer in search of the best way to tell a story. In this series, he meets high profile authors to discuss the craft of novel writing. Using extracts from the author’s own work, as well as classic texts, the conversations will reveal the secrets of the storytelling craft.

Most writers spend more time on their opening sentence than on any other. In today's episode, James is joined by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Ford to consider the tricky business of starting a story, maintaining momentum and delivering a satisfying conclusion. By analysing extracts from Ford's award-winning novels, as well as classics like The Odyssey and The Great Gatsby, James discovers that making the ordinary extraordinary is key to good storytelling.

Presenter: James Runcie
Producer: Ellie Bury
Readers: Harriet Walter and Paterson Joseph

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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The Secrets of Storytelling

Setting the Tone

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