authenticity and storytelling: the timeless keys to better writing
why authentic and storytelling matter more than ever in writing
Every now and then, I look for trends in the writing world. Not to follow them to the letter, but to see what’s going on out there about writing, or just out of my writer’s head. And there are two things, two words, that never fail to appear in the top trends over and over, either in nonfiction or fiction writing: authenticity and storytelling.
I know they’re big buzzwords. But they’re pillars of writing that actually make a difference.
If we define them, authenticity is the quality of being genuine, and storytelling is the art of conveying ideas through narratives, using words and structures to engage, entertain, or inform an audience.
In other words, it’s about not faking a persona, not trying to sound like someone else, but letting your own voice, your own experiences, and your own insights shape what you’re writing. And you still do that with intention, structure, trying to lead your reader on a journey through your words because that’s how you engage your reader.
Think about it. Think of the most recent stories you’ve read that resonated with you. What did they have in common? I would bet that two things were pretty strong in them: they talked about real characters with real experiences, and they were told in a way you could easily read it and get lost in it. In a good sense, I mean.
Authenticity builds trust. I’m gonna pick social media as an example because it’s easier for many of us to understand.
Not so long ago, people would benefit from presenting their followers with a fake life or fake ideas to project a sense of perfection to the world. Wealthy travel influencers, flawless lifestyle bloggers, productivity gurus with immaculate schedules. You name it. And if you did the same, copied their behavior and mannerisms, followed their trends, supported the same causes, and commented on their feeds like you’re an equal, you’d be successful in content creation but burnout, anxiety, and depression would appear “out of nowhere”. Until it got trendy to talk about vulnerabilities. But at least that’s the truth.
People now want honesty. We’re tired of the filters, the perfect angles, the unrealistic versions of life. I still love the photo filters, but you know what I mean.
In fiction, if your characters don’t feel real, nothing else will either. The best fictional characters aren’t perfect. They’re complex. Layered. Insecure. Villains have understanding motives. Side characters look and act like someone you know. And I’m not saying fantasy is not allowed anymore. You can write whatever you want in whatever world you imagine or create. It’s just that reality and authenticity should be a guide to creating genuine things and genuine feelings.
And then we look at the storytelling approach. Storytelling creates a connection.
We are all hardwired for stories. They shape how we understand the world, helping us remember and relate to information. Good storytelling in writing doesn’t just inform; it evokes emotions, ignites curiosity, and often inspires action. This is true in nonfiction, where stories of transformation and growth bring abstract ideas to life. But it’s equally true in fiction, where characters and plot arcs help readers live through new experiences through imagination.
Then, authenticity and storytelling together make a perfect dish in the writing world.
People want to feel like they’re part of something, and storytelling brings that to life. A good story puts the reader inside the scenes and makes them see what’s going on. Writing with authenticity and good storytelling creates a space where readers can see themselves, find answers to questions they’re afraid to ask, or simply feel less alone. When readers feel seen and understood, they’re more likely to engage, respond, and even share their own stories.
A well-told story with real emotion allows readers to see a part of themselves within the narrative. It invites interaction, encourages dialogue, and fosters a sense of community.
So yeah, authenticity and storytelling are essential to impactful writing, allowing readers to connect deeply with the writer’s voice, characters, and themes. Today’s audiences crave honesty and genuine experiences, whether in fiction or nonfiction. By embracing these principles, writers create work that resonates, builds trust, and feels timeless.
Tips for Improving Authenticity and Storytelling:
Write from your own voice; avoid imitating others.
Build characters with relatable flaws, motives, and emotions.
Use storytelling to structure ideas in a memorable, engaging way.
Tap into real emotions to add depth and relatability.
Embrace vulnerability; show the imperfect, genuine side.
When using AI as a writing tool, use it as a tool not as a ghostwriter.
Now, do you agree? And with all that in mind, do you think writing gets easier or harder now?