How to Write Unforgettable Stories: Abbie Emmons on Storytelling Psychology, Internal Conflict & Great Characters

Today on the Bookum Author Talks Podcast, we are joined by author, story coach, and YouTuber Abbie Emmons, author of the new book “Make Your Story Matter.”In this conversation, we discuss the psychology of storytelling, writing unforgettable characters, building internal conflict, creating compelling plots, romance tropes, first chapter mistakes, world-building, false beliefs, and what truly makes readers emotionally connect with a story.Abbie breaks down why internal conflict matters more than plot alone, how to write layered protagonists and antagonists, the psychology behind storytelling, and the techniques writers can use to keep readers flipping pages late into the night.We also discuss:• The Enneagram and character psychology• The Open Loop Method• Three act story structure• Writing layered romance characters• First draft advice• Writing process and routines• Dual POV stories• Why stories emotionally resonate with readersFollow Abbie Emmons:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AbbieEmmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeyourstorymatter/Get “Make Your Story Matter”:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Make-Your-Story-Matter/Abbie-Emmons/9781637748909Download the Bookum App to join our book club and listen to more author conversations:https://www.bookumapp.comTimestamps:1:03 - Writing Recklessly3:29 - Switching to Nonfiction5:01 - Psychology of Storytelling6:42 - What Makes A Story Unforgettable?8:03 - Build Internal Conflict in Characters9:52 - Character Profile and Backstory12:01 - The Enneagram for Character Inner Conflict14:02 - Giving Your Characters Flaws15:03 - Characters False Beliefs16:23 - Avoiding Perfect Characters17:21 - Writing Quality Antagonist20:25 - Developing Plot22:01 - Three Act Story Structure for Plot25:12 - Balancing Character and Plot27:01 - Character/Plot Mistakes27:40 - Plot Driven Story Mistakes28:42 - Writing Side Characters29:25 - Writing Connected Stories31:11 - World-Building33:58 - First Chapter To Do’s36:35 - First Chapter Mistakes38:33 - How the Subconscious Mind Works During Stories40:22 - The Open Loop Method43:11 - Helping People Write Their Story45:32 - Questions Authors Should Ask Themselves When Stuck47:23 - Advice on the First Draft49:02 - Writing Process and the Perfect Writing Day50:12 - Favorite Romance Tropes51:32 - Writing Layered Characters in Romance53:21 - Writing Dual POV Stories55:01 - What Should Be in a Writer’s Toolkit?This Podcast is to brought you by Bookum - The book communities NEW and BEST way to host dynamic online book clubs. Download the App and Start your Book club today at www.bookumapp.com Catch all of conversations live on the Bookum App Nooks!