The Magic of Storytelling

Were I given the option to have one amazing ability, I would select the gift of composing a bestselling fiction book like famous authors such as John Grisham, Glennon Doyle, Elizabeth Gilbert or James Patterson. Such power of writing a book that touches millions, moves hearts, and changes billions of lives for the better is not limited to success and wealth. It has the ability to connect deeply to the readers, change cultural perspectives, and leave an everlasting legacy. Therefore, here are the reasons as to why I believe this trait is the most important:

Storytelling has always been one of the best and most effective means of altering how people feel or think. One of the most ancient means of entertainment, education, and communication is stories. Even in what we do today, there are standards and beliefs, and there are stories behind them that we abide by.

Writing a bestseller would mean harnessing this extraordinary force, where my words can kindle revolutions or inspire hope and imagination. A perfect example is when the legal thrillers of John Grisham are entertaining; they often address the issue of justice from different angles. Journalist Ann Marsh has it right — writing stories, especially addressing issues that would affect readers and society, would be such a big blessing.

Bestsellers foster a sense of community amongst readers as they reach millions in numbers. While every reader has their own comprehension of the book, they are all linked by the story itself. Glennon Doyle, in her books, translates her pain and anger to overcoming great struggles, which any person can understand.

This type of connectivity is something I am fascinated with. Books can imprint people in ways that few other forms of art can. In societies where it seems there are divisions, narratives are effective in bridging gaps and enabling understanding.

There are writers like James Patterson, John Grisham, who do not simply write for their readers but also to fashion the society. There has been much more popular culture influence arising from their stories which have been made in movies, television series, and even cultural influences than the books themselves. The concern of a bestseller is not only how it’s a good read, but also it can affect the lives of the readers by changing or altering certain opinions of the readership and the issues at stake. For example, variants of literature such as The Da Vinci Code moved the debates to the whole world and presented a historical and religious theme to everyone. To write a bestseller is to participate in striking and sustaining effective ideas.

Though the most critical aspect of writing a bestselling book is the creative aspect, the freedom it offers many of its writers is an added advantage. Successful authors like James Patterson have created wealth that affords them the luxury of engaging in more than one project, and also contributing to things they love. Knowing that I could become a best selling author would probably be quite liberating as it provided a form of financial independence that would allow me to write without any distractions, and maybe pursue new interests along the way. Writers such as Glennon Doyle use their voices as change agents, focusing on mental health issues and social causes. The ability to write a bestselling book would afford the ability to champion causes and develop the project further at the same time.

Probably one of the most attractive factors when it comes to writing a bestseller is the mark that it leaves. After the death of the author, the influence of his or her pen is still felt. Therefore, books by Elizabeth Gilbert for instance will be available and enjoyed generations from now. In a society where contents seem to be in abundance, and rise and fall, books offer something that is stable. Generations of families read them, they are put back on the shelf, and people recall seeing them or thunderstorming them. It would be deeply satisfying, writing something that is beyond my years, as my ideas, characters, and stories would still be living in readers so many years after I am dead.

Writing is creative work, so is self-expression. An author like Elizabeth Gilbert views writing from the perspective of a journey and inner development. Writing a bestseller would not only let me reach out to my target audience but also touch my creative self instantly and quite easily. It is immensely gratifying to see how various ideas when merged into a story could impact others. By writing a bestseller, I would be able to draw pleasure from the act of creation, knowing that my efforts will reach out, entertain, and touch people everywhere across the globe.

In terms of sheer influence, communication, and even connection, however, the ability to write a truly great book stands out above all other wondrous powers. Storytelling possesses such power and strength that people can connect with cultures even without traveling or being physically present with them. Other than the creative fulfillment, a good book would be expected to sell well and in so doing, create wealth and an opportunity to create a continuum legacy. Therefore, if such a choice is given, I would definitely wish for the power to create a bestselling novel.