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Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders Paperback – April 25, 2024

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

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Everyone has a story—they just don’t know it yet.

Open This Book is your backstage pass to understanding why storytelling isn’t just for the Shakespeares and Spielbergs of the world. Designed as part book, part journal (but no part textbook), this isn’t your typical “how-to” guide. It’s a candid, relatable conversation that shows you how to transform life’s chaos into clarity and make your voice the one your audience remembers.

Whether you’re a content creator, podcaster, speaker, or aspiring leader, you’ll discover how to turn everyday moments—mishaps, successes, and all—into stories that captivate and connect.

So, if you’re ready to turn your misadventures into your mission statement, you’ve come to the right place. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best stories are hiding in plain sight—they just need a little nudge (or a full-on shove) into the spotlight.

This isn’t just about finding your voice; it’s about discovering that your voice, quirks and all, is exactly what the world’s been waiting to hear.

What are you waiting for? Open this book.

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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

From the Publisher

open this book cover

A Storytelling Masterclass

Everyone has a story, they just don't know it yet.

More than statistics, facts, or figures–no matter how impactful–what people want to listen to is stories. Even before the creation of modern language, people were using stories to connect. Now, its your turn.

If you want to spread your ideas, insights, or perspectives, whether through content creation, public speaking, podcasting, or books, you need to know how to craft a compelling story. This book is here to help.

Open This Book is meant to help you:

  • Understand how to tell a story that will capture an audience
  • Identify the experiences that hold value you may not have noticed
  • Learn how to engage listeners and guide them through the Know, Like, Trust process
  • Break past imposter syndrome and accept that you do have a story worth telling.

Don't just open this book. Become an open book.

I want you to become an open book so the world can read every page. Through a mix of information, best practices, writing prompts, and even my own stories, this book will help you uncover the value that you have to offer and present it in a way that positions you as a thought leader, subject matter expert, and, most importantly, an authentic person worth listening to.

Who's it for?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to humanize their brand and connect more deeply with their audience
  • Professionals striving to set themselves apart in a competitive marketplace
  • Creative spirits hoping to articulate their journey and leverage it in their industry
  • Anyone who’s ever felt they have a story within them but didn’t quite know how to tell it

Reviews from Early Readers

"I opened this book and loved the content so much! Sara’s style is very witty and I really like all of her humor and personal stories throughout it. She really touched on the fears many of us have when it comes to imposter syndrome and not thinking we have a story to tell. Her advice on how to dig in deep to find our story and truly bring it out was done in such a helpful way that made it seem possible and less scary. The “What to do now” prompts and journal pages were a great addition, so I was able to write down ideas as I read. I learned and laughed all throughout my time reading this book. Lots of good takeaways and a new perception on what it means to share your story and be a thought leader. Highly recommend for anyone aspiring to speak up and get their voice heard!" - Shannon Russell

"Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders by Sara Lohse unboxes the transformative power of storytelling. Using a conversational tone, Sara explores how seemingly ordinary stories and events in our lives can become the cornerstone for our empowerment and help us become authentic leaders and voices in the industry in which we work. Through real-life anecdotes and data, the author shows how we can turn our everyday experiences into interesting narratives. Each chapter is a mix of self-help guidance and journaling prompts. With interesting doodles along the pages, the author invites readers to reflect on the text and add their thoughts on the points mentioned in the chapter.

As someone who has worked in the service industry facing clients, this was one of the first pieces of advice I received from a senior: Be authentic in your dealings with people. This is more or less at the heart of Open This Book by Sara Lohse. In a world where people are willing to embellish and exaggerate narratives to fit their purposes, it is true that, in the long run, the stories that remain in our minds, the ones that we connect with, are the ones that are usually mundane, but which have resonated with us for some reason. The author not only incorporates her own experiences into a narrative that is easy to understand but also gives a call to action for the reader to dive in and look for those stories that could be their cornerstones and upon which they could improve." - Reader's Favorite

"I really love how Sara connects with her readers in this book! It’s immersive and engaging throughout, blending expert storytelling with fun, interactive prompts. It’s also packed with practical advice and will inspire anyone who reads it to share their own story. I couldn’t recommend it more highly!" - Alexandra Segel

What's Inside:

journal exercises

Writing Prompts and Journal Pages

Start crafting your own story with writing prompts based on the strategies and ideas in the book.

illustrations

Illustrations and Graphics

Illustrations are not just for children's books. Like any journal, you'll find doodles throughout the book, plus infographics to keep the information interesting.

lists and action items

To-Do Lists and Thinking Exercises

Actionable advice can be found in each chapter, with to-do lists and thinking exercises to help you tell your story.

storytelling changes the world

Editorial Reviews

Review

Must Read
A shimmering and wholehearted book which guides readers through the process of content creation.

Sara Lohse begins her book with a story about how she got her penis tattoo. But this was only a part of her story. She also talked about her potential being overlooked at work and how she moved to a more fulfilling career, helping young people understand financial literacy. Sara is a thought leader who wants to share her skills with others, and she does this by telling stories. From wearing Chucks to her Ted Talk to sharing the unexpected twists and turns that make stories interesting, this book is a lived example of how engaging stories can be.

As a reader who wanted to share knowledge outside of an academic context, I absolutely loved this book. It explains what it means to be a thought leader as well as how to make incredible thought content that moves beyond telling people what to think and aims to inspire discussion. Sara also explained the value of working towards trust as well as offering value while letting readers get to know you. As a reader, I understood what she meant because, throughout the book, I felt as though I got to know Sara (even though I don't).

This is an incredible book for people who have something to share and want to know how to share and connect with a wider audience. It is a brave,vulnerable, humorous, and very insightful book. It's also thought-provoking. Sara shares knowledge without leaving readers behind. She shows rather than tells and tackles the vital aspects of thought leadership with sensitivity, mining her own depths with what appears to be ease to explain complex concepts with the utmost simplicity.

If anything, Sara makes storytelling seem easy, which, from my experience, it hasn't been, but she also shares how she does it. She gives readers space to journal and asks for the same level of thought and wholehearted emotional reflections that she is willing to share. This book came to me like a light in the darkness. It's brilliant. My only criticism is that, for the time I focused on it, I didn't want to read anything else.

Nicci Attfield

From the Author

Being open and honest about who you are—whether it's in a personal setting or in the professional sphere—is not easy. Some of us have chapters of our story tarnished by trauma. Some of us have things from our past that we're ashamed of. Some of us are just struggling to find our voice.

If you're like me, maybe it's all three.

That's okay.

It took me several years to reach a point where I am somewhat comfortable in not only telling my story but allowing it to empower me. Looking back, I can trace the baby steps that led me here. By sharing those steps with you, I aim to empower you to do the same.

They say everybody has a story. I somewhat disagree.

I think everybody is a story. We are anthologies. We have beginnings and middles and ends. We have supporting characters and unsupportive characters. We have conflicts and plot twists and antagonists to defeat and sometimes we need a new point of view.

Our stories are ongoing sagas that shape who we are and how we're seen in our professional circles. They're full of lessons and opportunities. Your story is singularly yours, and it's never too late to steer it, to shape the narrative you desire, and to see how it can drive your career forward.

So, why do our stories matter? Because if we can harness our stories and tell them in a way that inspires connections and oozes authenticity, we can use them to build authority. When we master our stories, we can establish ourselves as thought leaders, build our personal brand, and captivate any professional audience.

Despite being intended for professional development, this book is incredibly personal. In order to teach on using stories and being authentic, I needed to drink my own Kool-Aid. This book is not written as a textbook; it's a compilation of my own personal stories—from miscalculated decisions to professional successes and everything in between—and I hold nothing back. It may feel, at points, that we've stumbled into memoir territory. I hope you'll forgive me. I promise, each story I tell has its purpose.

I include case studies and examples from different aspects of life and I also include a lot from my own—like the Maid of Honor speech I gave at my best friend's wedding. In order to learn about storytelling, I need you to be reading stories.

By sharing my stories, I hope to ignite the spark that will help you uncover yours and use it in your own journey to thought leadership.
This book is for:
  • Entrepreneurs looking to humanize their brand and connect more deeply with their audience
  • Professionals striving to set themselves apart in a competitive marketplace
  • Creative spirits hoping to articulate their journey and leverage it in their industry
  • Anyone who's ever felt they have a story within them but didn't quite know how to tell it

This book also doubles as a sort of workbook/journal. There are writing prompts and blank pages throughout, challenging you to start identifying and crafting the stories that have had the greatest impact on your life. When you get to these pages, don't hold back. Treat the book like a therapist if you need. Pop open a bottle of wine and sit in your thoughts as you ponder back in time. By opening this book you've proven you can both listen to commands (nice title, eh?) and given yourself permission to become the sole focus of your attention. At least for a little while.

This book is a call to action for anyone who has ever sensed a story bubbling within them but didn't quite know how to harness its power. Whether you're navigating the complex world of business, forging your creative path, or simply yearning to articulate your journey more authentically in your career, this book will be your guide.

I'm excited to begin this journey with you.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D11KRP2X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Favorite Daughter Media (April 25, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 214 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8989484843
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.49 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

About the author

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Sara Lohse
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Sara Lohse is an award-winning author, podcast producer, and brand architect with a knack for turning narratives into connections. Through Favorite Daughter Media and Branded, she helps businesses and entrepreneurs develop their brand stories and connect with their audiences using strategic media and podcasts.

Sara's work and expertise, featured on conference stages including FinCon, PodFest Multimedia Expo, and Speakonomics and in publications such as Authority Magazine, showcase her as a gifted creator fueled by passion and caffeine, dedicated to making a difference through powerful storytelling and marketing.

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
14 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the narrative style engaging with helpful prompts and space for brainstorming. They describe the book as entertaining and relatable, providing a thoughtful guide to understanding oneself and mapping their story. The writing is described as personable and authentic, helping readers discover their unique voice.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

6 customers mention "Narrative style"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the narrative style engaging with helpful prompts and space for note-taking. They describe the book as a thoughtfully constructed guide to understanding yourself and mapping your story. The book provides a simple, easy-to-navigate blueprint that breaks storytelling into actionable steps that really make a difference. It guides readers through the engaging and transforming process of finding their own voice.

"...Super fun and easy ready but don't be fooled- there is hard work to be done in the process! Be seen, be heard, be known!" Read more

"...Sara not only creates a clear picture she lays out a simple easy to navigate blueprint...." Read more

"...Lohse is sincere and relatable, providing space to consider how even the quirkiest experiences contribute to the overall picture...." Read more

"Fun and relatable book with great methods for telling stories...." Read more

5 customers mention "Entertainment value"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and engaging.

"...the reader to write down their own thoughts as they read through the engaging and transforming process of finding your own voice...." Read more

"...This book was fun to read I am on my third read making even more notes! Great job Sara" Read more

"...to advance in business, this book is not only inspirational, it is entertaining and easy to read...." Read more

"...as a comprehensive guide to being authentic, personable, and genuinely engaging." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable and personable. They appreciate the guide to being authentic and finding your unique voice.

"...and her book serves as a comprehensive guide to being authentic, personable, and genuinely engaging." Read more

"...Lohse is sincere and relatable, providing space to consider how even the quirkiest experiences contribute to the overall picture...." Read more

"Fun and relatable book with great methods for telling stories...." Read more

"...Plus, it's written in such a friendly, relatable tone that you feel like you're just chatting over coffee...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
    Sara's ability to not only tell her own story but ability to inspire the reader to share their stories is incredible. The book has places for the reader to write down their own thoughts as they read through the engaging and transforming process of finding your own voice. As a podcast coach myself, I have already recommended this book to many of my own clients to help them recognize they too, have a story that will inspire people. Sara brings her sense of humor and authenticity through each page of this book/journal. Super fun and easy ready but don't be fooled- there is hard work to be done in the process! Be seen, be heard, be known!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    The roll of an author is to create a clear picture for the reader through their words. Sara not only creates a clear picture she lays out a simple easy to navigate blueprint. This book was fun to read I am on my third read making even more notes! Great job Sara
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
    This book is a MUST buy for anyone looking to connect with others. Whether for personal relationships or looking to advance in business, this book is not only inspirational, it is entertaining and easy to read. It offers thoughts and situations that every reader can relate to.
    I am so happy that I opened this book! It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've read it. As everyday life situations develop you'll find yourself recollecting Sara's thoughts and advice. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed. A++++++
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
    Sara offers exceptional insights on personal branding and discovering your unique voice. She embodies these principles daily, and her book serves as a comprehensive guide to being authentic, personable, and genuinely engaging.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
    Excellent!! Open This Book acts a thoughtfully constructed guide to understanding yourself and mapping your story. Absolute must-read for anyone who wants to use their personal wins, lessons, and growth to support or help others.
    Lohse is sincere and relatable, providing space to consider how even the quirkiest experiences contribute to the overall picture. Lots of great prompts and well placed notes space to brainstorm.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024
    Fun and relatable book with great methods for telling stories. As a teacher, I’m excited to incorporate more storytelling to connect with my students and colleagues.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
    'Open This Book' is a game-changer if you're looking to up your storytelling game. The author breaks down storytelling into easy, actionable steps that really make a difference. I've already had fun incorporating some of the techniques at work and just in personal conversations. Plus, it's written in such a friendly, relatable tone that you feel like you're just chatting over coffee. Highly recommend for anyone looking to connect better through stories!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
    Truth time: sometimes I don't take my own advice.

    I can preach over and over the power of compelling storytelling in marketing- but if I ask myself the question of how good I am at doing it for my own business.. well I'd give myself a solid C.

    I just finished "Open this Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders" by Sara Lohse, AFC® and am feeling so very inspired to change for the better. Part frame-work, part journal, part her-very-own-story, this is a must read if you find yourself feeling like you have nothing compelling to say, or just not knowing how to say it.