Shortform Books

How to Create Suspense in a Story: Insight From Neuroscience

Why does suspense keep people engaged in a story? Do you know how to provide useful hints without giving too much away? In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron shows writers how to create compelling narratives that satisfy our brains’ innate expectations of story. In her discussion of plot elements, she explains how suspense and reveals add excitement to a story and give readers a reason to keep reading. Read more to learn how to create suspense in a story by understanding why suspense draws people in.

The First Cells on Earth: A Biochemist Goes Back in Time

When, where, and how did the first cells on Earth arise? How can we fill in the gaps left by the fossil record and genetics? In The Vital Question, biochemist Nick Lane explores the biochemistry of cells and speculates about how life might have developed on the very young Earth. He discusses the genetic history and what cells require. Then, he uses that information to hypothesize about the earliest cells. Continue reading to take a journey deep into prehistory—and into the ocean.

How to Reduce Expenses: 3 Practical Tips From an Early Retiree

Guaranteed Basic Income: Creating A Better Tomorrow

Do you have debt? Do you buy things that don’t really add to your life? How could your life be different if you had a lower cost of living? Jacob Lund Fisker permanently retired at age 33. He shows how you, too, can retire at an extremely early age. Fisker urges you to avoid unnecessary debt, stop buying things you don’t need, and maximize the value of every purchase. Continue reading to learn the details of Fisker’s advice on how to reduce expenses and buy yourself more freedom in life.

5 Left and Right Brain Differences That Might Surprise You

What’s the difference between the left and right brain? Is one hemisphere more important than the other? In his 2009 book, The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist cites an array of scientific evidence intended to dispel the myth that the right hemisphere is “minor.” He contends that the right brain is actually dominant over the left brain and explains five significant differences between the hemispheres. Keep reading to learn about five left and right brain differences that speak to McGilchrist’s intriguing argument.

Using Stories in Conversation: Level Up as a Communicator

Do people consider you a sparkling conversationalist? Would you like to make your exchanges less predictable and boring? For a long time, orators have known that storytelling in speeches goes a long way. Stories hold people’s attention, and they powerfully convey messages. The same is true in basic conversation. However, your conversations will feel a lot less basic once you start telling engaging stories when you talk with others. Keep reading to learn how to use stories in conversation to powerful effect.

Living With ADHD: Organization Tips to Stay on Top of Things

What are some ways to stay organized with ADHD? What type of organizational system is right for you? The most important part of establishing an ADHD organization system is to find one that works for you. It should be both simple and sustainable, meaning it should require as little work from you as possible. Here’s the organizational system that Order From Chaos by Jaclyn Paul and David Allen’s Getting Things Done recommend.

How to Recover From Trauma: 2 Steps to Heal Your Heart

How do bad experiences weigh on your heart? How can you recover from trauma that’s affecting your future? Your heart can only take so much damage. The trauma that you experienced in the past will only hurt it more if you don’t confront it head-on. Here’s how to recover from trauma, according to The Everyday Hero Manifesto by Robin Sharma.

Dr. Gabor Maté: ADHD Medication Isn’t for Everyone

What is Dr. Gabor Maté’s ADHD healing technique? Why does he believe medication isn’t the right treatment for ADHD? In Scattered Minds, Gabor Maté says that doctors tend to treat ADHD like it’s a purely medical problem by prescribing medication—and nothing else—for it. He believes that this approach is fundamentally unsuitable and calls for a more holistic plan for healing ADHD. Let’s dig more deeply into his theory of healing.

Focus on the Details if You’re Aiming for Excellence: EMP’s Story

Why are small details important? In what ways did the top-notch restaurant Eleven Madison Park (EMP) pay attention to the finest details? Will Guidara owes EMP’s three stars to him and his employees giving attention to even the smallest details. He was wise to focus on the almost-unnoticed elements that can actually make or break a customer’s experience. Discover why you need to focus on the details if you’re aiming for excellence.

How to Create a Protagonist: Your Relatable Main Character

How can your protagonist help you figure out what details to include in your story? How can you set up your protagonist for an internal struggle and, thus, advance your plot? The protagonist is what helps you as a writer determine what details are important and what aren’t. The protagonist is who the story is about, and it’s the character your reader will need to relate to in order to feel engaged in the story and understand the importance of everything that happens. Read more to learn how to create a protagonist, according to writer and producer Lisa Cron.