Storyteller Versus Writer

One of the discussion doing rounds on literary, social and knowledge sharing platforms grabbed my attention this week. In fact, the topic of this debate has been bothering me for a long time. I believe it’s time someone actually demystified it. In this blog, I will provide a laconic answer to the “Difference between a storyteller and a writer” by pointing out some of the inherent qualities of each. However, and the very outset, one needs to understand that at the core, a storyteller and a writer exploit distinct skills to create a piece of writing whether fictional or factual.

The Meaning –

While many people believe that there is no difference between a writer and a storyteller ( written form ), especially now, and in this age of social media where even businesses employ storytelling concepts for improved sales or brand building, this belief cannot be further from the truth.

Storytellers are the original bards, the master narrators of fiction. They were once called the “fireside enthrallers”, focussing on verbal narrative, weaving a captivating story that gripped the audience. Although storytellers exploited spoken words in the early days, especially when access to paper and pen was limited to the elite / royal class that has since changed. Earlier, verbal storytellers cast a magical spell on their listeners with their voice, gestures and energy, and today the same folks draw readers into the heart of the tale through simple plot, relatable characters and events that resonate with the audience.

On the other hand, writers use language as their primary tool to convey a story. No wonder then they are highly skilled in grammar, vocabulary, style and language nuances. They effectively convey their ideas, brand stories, fictional accounts and assorted literature through reader-friendly pacing. A writer builds a story with a clear beginning, middle and end dressed in impeccable prose.

In short, writers master the art of language / presentation while storytellers master the art of effective story building.

So, who is better, a storyteller or a writer?

Neither! Today, literature enthusiasts demand the best of both. A reader expects the old charm of storytelling with all the traditional frills, laced with fine narrative which adheres to strict language nomenclature as well.

The Synergy – When Storytelling and Writing Shake Hands

The best works of fiction often bridge the gap between storytelling and writing. A good writer possesses a storyteller’s soul, weaving narrative which reverberates on an emotional level. A good writer also takes character development, plotting and dialogue to the next level through powerful words and vivid imagery. Likewise, a skilled storyteller can benefit from a writer’s language proficiency and discipline.

Storyteller Versus Writer – The Fine line

The fine line between a storyteller and writer can often blur. Creative individuals belonging to this domain know their strengths and weaknesses, and therefore declare their inclination, their forte in no subtle words. Ultimately, they romance with compelling narrative, whether it is fictional or otherwise captivating readers with their skillset, approach and crafting tools. The goal of a storyteller and a writer is similar—weave tales that enrich the lives in more than one way.

Let’s break this further and make it really simple –

Storyteller crafts narratives which are simple, character driven and easy to read while writers are like painters, using layers upon layers of written words, creating a story on the canvas, stroking it with additional elements that adhere to strict artistic rules of literature.

Conclusion –

Story telling is all about … yes you guessed it, crafting a persuasive story while writing is all about laying it out on the paper with the right set of words, phrases and following language parameters. Anyone who wants to excel at grabbing reader’s attention has to be good at both these crafts. In the end, there is no clear-cut distinction because at times, these qualities can be contradicting and at times complementing.