Here are some of the comments I've received regarding the ebook, How To Tell A Great Story.       

Review of Aneeta Sundararaj, “How To Tell a Great Story” Published by Bookshaker, July 2, 2011. 170 pages and Kindle

Whatever it is that you do, if you want to get your point across, tell a story. The reason is simple: stories connect, they anchor ideas and images and information in our minds like nothing else does. That is what makes a great novel, a great speech, an excellent business presentation effective is the way they link what they have to say to a compelling story. It is also what makes gossip and political attack TV ads so damaging. The power is in the story because stories make ideas come to life in ways that you and I can identify with.

If you’re a beginning speaker, presenter or sales person, then Aneeta Sundararaj’s book is one you’ll want to have as one of your valuable resources. If you’re a beginning writer, want to write articles for magazines, write short stories and/or a novel, “How To Tell as Great Story” is a must for you. I wish I’d had such a resource to consult when I started my writing career, but I didn’t. I did, however, have some excellent mentors who kept me focused on story-telling.

I give this book a clear 5 star rating

This review written by George Polley, www.tostadaspeaks.blogspot.com.

Aneeta is a writer I have followed for many years now, so I was eager to read her new book “How to Tell a Great Story” which has the same title as her website at http://howtotellagreatstory.com.

Over the years Aneeta has interviewed many writers and authors on her website and has quoted from these interviews throughout her book to show that the advice she is giving is not only her own, but is also that of other respected and talented people.

When I first read the title of the book I assumed it was only going to be about writing fiction. But I was wrong.

Through the author’s eyes anyone who is writing a novel, an essay, or even presenting an oral business report is a story teller, and Aneeta has cleverly woven her own story-telling techniques into many business situations and even sales letter writing projects to demonstrate how just about anyone who wants to communicate verbally or in writing, can benefit from being a great story teller.

The book begins with a page of impressive testimonials from several well-known writers including Dan Poyntner, Joe Vitale and the great Michael Rasmussen. These big names intrigued me right from the start.

The main content of the book is a no-fluff guide that outlines the seven vital steps of telling a great story and explains all the different aspects in detail.

The steps begin with initial preparation and research and then moves through working on themes, settings, plotting, dialogue, and ends with punctuation and grammar.

There is also a useful section called “Things to Avoid” which discusses what you shouldn’t include in any great story such as slang, swearing and using clichés.

At the end of the book there are five appendices, four of which are useful templates you can print out to help you write your great story.

The fifth appendix comprises several pages of information about copyright infringement, which contains some really helpful information including exactly how much of a work you can quote from before you infringe on another writer’s copyright.

In conclusion I have to say that Aneeta herself is a great story teller and her book is a demonstration of her own unique story-telling gift as well as a helpful and easy-to-read reference guide for anyone who wants to improve their own story telling ability.

This review written by Ruth Barringham, http://writeaholics.net.

For several years, Aneeta Sundararaj has been helping writers through her website with countless articles, reviews and interviews. Now, she has compiled all her experience and expertise in her new book for beginner writers, How to Tell a Great Story.

After a brief introduction, Sundararaj takes beginners through all the steps necessary to become a great storyteller, from vital preparation, to understanding themes, to the reasons for telling a great story, to painting your setting and much more. At the end of the book there are five appendixes: on planning and analyzing your research material, information for market research, character profiling, copyright issues for storytellers, and a sample storyline.

Written in an engaging, yet thoughtful style, and combining quotes and written material from other authors, How to Tell a Great Story makes a helpful, information-laden reference book for any aspiring storyteller. What I really like about this book, though, is the new angle the author brings into it: the importance of storytelling not only for writing stories, but for other aspects of our lives. For example, knowing how to tell a great story can be helpful in the workplace if you work in marketing and publicity and must give a presentation. A story connects people in a way that a simple explanation or demonstration cannot.

Sundararaj points out the importance of timing and intonation; in other words, often it isn’t just the story that’s vital but how you tell it. It is a talent some people are born with, but it is also a skill that can be learned and improved. The same logic works for writing. You may have a great story idea, but how you write it and execute it is what counts. The author’s advice works for aspiring short stories writers, novelists, and anyone who would like to get better at storytelling for everyday use. Reading this book was informative and interesting, and I look forward to more of Sundararaj’s work in the future.

' Whether you write for fun and pleasure or whether you are a published author, 'How to Tell a Great Story,' is a must. I have had four books published, three under the pseudonym of, Laurie Driver and one under my full name of Dennis Burnier-Smith. I have embarked on a fifth book which is something of a diversion for me, i.e. it is a thriller whereas the others have been of a biographical nature.

The advice given in H.T.T.A.G.S, has helped me in many ways. It has aided me in the setting out of the story and of character development, correct grammar, sentence structure and all other aspects of creative writing. I read the e-book version of Aneeta Sundararaj's very helpful book and I am seriously considering purchasing a hard copy to use as a reference work for all my future writings.

Unlike a lot of the other self help books about writing and public speaking, H.T.T.A.G.S, is an easy to follow and easy to understand book. It does not treat the budding author as an idiot or attempt to belittle, it is crammed full of very useful information and tips.

The only other book that I have read on this subject that comes anywhere near is Bill Keeth's, W.I.S.P, which deals mainly with self publication and Bill himself is a fan and contributor to Aneeta's newsletter. I cannot praise this book too highly.'

Dennis Burnier-Smith aka Laurie Driver

Aneeta Sundararaj has bravely tackled a subject most tend to avoid in the modern world of 'self, self' self'. In short, she has written a book, designed purely and simply, to help others. In short, her book sets out to give constructive and informative aids to would-be writers and authors, to help them in their early efforts to achieve publication.

As she rightly points out, we are all 'storytellers' but most people do not realize that just 'telling' a great story doesn't necessarily mean we are able to convey that story in written format.

Her book is a wonderful, step by step guide that illustrates, with the help of useful information gleaned from a number of published authors, how to use nuns, verbs, and illustrative descriptive text in order to bring a story to life. For example, we are all able to come home and tell our family, "Hey, guess what happened when I was out?" The telling of such a basic story sounds simple, yes? But, if we want to put that story into words that a publisher or reader will find interesting, we need to 'flesh it out' and illustrate the story, by means of words that 'show' the reader exactly what happened, what the weather was like, who we saw, what we sad and how it affected us and so on.

Although it sounds simple, any published author will tell you it is not always quite that easy. Finding the right words is often difficult and Aneeta sets out to show her readers just how to find those words. From the initial equipment a budding writer requires, through to ways of carrying our the necessary research required to create an effective story, Aneeta gives the beginner a basic grounding in all aspects of how to frame, format and put together a story and then, importantly, how to go about finding the right markets and possible publishers for their work.

All in all, a thoroughly well thought out book, put together with care and deliberation and a must for all budding storytellers. Well done, Aneeta!

Brian L Porter
Author, A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper.

http://charlesdreyfus.webs.com/dreyfuspromotions.htm
http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profile/CharlesDreyfus
http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-tell-a-great-story-by

Dear Editor

I bought your e-book and have read it. It is a great read and it has given me hope that I can also (with sufficient practice) become a good raconteur.

Lloyd Kaseke

Hi Aneeta,

Thank you so much for doing this, I really appreciate it. I love your work and I am so happy that I bought it.

Enjoy your day!

Kelly

----------------------------------------------------
Bouchard International
www.bouchardinternational.com
kelly@bouchardinternational.com

I have just ordered your e-book and read your bonus #4 Great Storytelling Articles. WOW! did I enjoy. I heard a lot of wisdom coming from your printed words and look forward to reading the rest of your book. From what I've read so far, I know that I'm in for a treat.

I don't know what made me order (I usually don't fool with online orders) but I'm glad I did because I have already been blessed.

My name is D'lores and I am a newly retired teacher. Growing up with ten brothers and sisters you know that I have been telling stories all of my life. I have been telling African American folktales and stories for about eight years in and about my community. I am always looking for ways to better myself and build upon what I already know.

Looking forward to consulting with you (a first for me),

D'lores the Storiteacha

You have openend up vast new world in front of me for which I'm truly thankful for. My life will never be quite the same. I look forward to the many happy expirences that await me as I enter this new world I have discovered.

Thank you once again

kenneth little

How to Tell A Great Story
by Rosemarie Skaine

The introduction of _How to Tell A Great Story_ outlines the energy requirements for readers to be successful. The sketch includes the necessity of completing the exercises in the book. Ten sessions are presented with each session divided into three parts. First, Aneeta Sundararaj shows the reader “what goes where in a story.” Second, examples of stories are given along with an analysis of how the authors wrote it. Last, readers are encouraged to take part in the exercises. Sundararaj presents this sketch with contagious enthusiasm. The book’s theme is centered around the “R.P.I. principle” (Rules, Principles and Ingredients). R.P.I. is explained as a principle that requires its user to be active, to understand each part of the book and to complete the exercises for maximum benefit. Sundararaj challenges the reader to work hard but to have fun with _How to Tell A Great Story_. Thus, she creates an atmosphere of confidence that will guarantee readers’ success in telling a great story.

The artwork in _How to Tell A Great Story_ is attractive and meaningfully placed. For example, attention getting boxes set off the quizzes and story telling nuts and bolts aiding the reader to pull together the main issues.

_How to Tell A Great Story’s_ ten sessions are packed with successful tips, illustrations and practical exercises. The reader will benefit from Sundararaj’s extensive effort to make sure the reader understands that good writing is a surety when steps are followed. Equally important is Sundararaj’s ability to motivate the reader. Her text and exercises are approached in a positive manner. Her style is conversational and friendly.

Sundararaj is a great story teller.

_How to Tell A Great Story_ is suitable for the general public and college and high school students.

Rosemarie Skaine

Author
http://www.authorsden.com/rosemarieskaine

Wow, you're book really taught me a lot about the art of storytelling. I found the information very helpful and can't wait to put your powerful tips into practice. If you're looking to improve your skills in this area then look no further!
 

Michael Rasmussen
Free Advertising Forum
http://www.FreeAdvertisingForum.com

Storytelling... it makes us think of children gathered around campfires listening to great stories at the end of an adventurous day... but storytelling is so much more.  We use it every single day, a lot of times not even realizing it, in numerous professions-- as teachers or public speakers, to name only a few.  If still in doubt, just ask those who attend "Toastmasters" meetings to improve their public speaking; they will come up with plenty of ideas where your storytelling skills may come in handy.

Storytelling is particular important in writing world.  As writers, we have to master the art of storytelling in order to grab readers' attention and keep them involved in the story.   

But how do we get to master the art of storytelling? 

Well, one easy way is to read and study Aneeta Sundararaj's book.  "How To Tell A Great Story" is an interactive, fun way to learn where to find your story ideas and how to turn them into great stories.  "How To Tell A Great Story" can be used as an introductory course in storytelling, in which readers have the opportunity to actively participate through solving the practical examples, quick quizzes and exercises sprinkled throughout the book.

The author teaches her readers the "nuts and bolts," do's and don'ts of storytelling.  Using a friendly, supportive tone and plain English, she explains the components, the "ingredients" of a great story.  As readers, we learn about plot and character, about theme, and how to create excitement and give pace to the story.  Following the R.P.I. principle Sundararaj uses in her book, we are able to achieve our goal and become skilled storytellers.  With each read page and every solved exercise, we learn how to start with an idea and build it into a story, make it ours and share it with our audience. 

For those of you who are still unsure you can become skilled storytellers, the author brings pro and con arguments and explains each one of them, in plain English.  The read is informative and enjoyable.  The tone is friendly and supportive; examples and quizzes require serious work, but they are fun.  Oh, and what exactly is the R.P.I. principle?  Well... for that you have to read Sundararaj's book. So, what are you waiting for?

Alex Shapiro, WritersCrossing.com 

Like the art of selling - where one is trained to use tie-downs, bridges and closes - Aneeta's new book is sure to give you insights that can only enhance your career endeavors by creating analogies which will identify with your prospect's own, personal agenda.

As a novelist, Aneeta is already known to be a superior storyteller and humorist worldwide as shown by her well-received, THE BANANA LEAF MEN. Subsequently, you undoubtedly have only one thing to lose by ignoring this special offer - knowledge.  

William Neven, award-winning salesman, degreed journalist and author of the critically-acclaimed science fiction trilogy, THE FINAL PHASE.

All sales are made at the emotional level, and then justified intellectually. Most people don’t realize that in order to sell your idea, product or service, you must reach the buyer on the emotional level – or don’t bother even trying.  The ability to tell a story or anecdote – powerfully – is an absolutely vital tool to your success, no matter what you do.  Stories are interesting, they touch the buyer in a way that can move them, and separate you from the competition.  Aneeta’s book can help greatly improve your abilities in this area; it will make you money and more effective in selling your ideas for the rest of your life.”

- Allan Boress, CPA, CFE, author of The I-Hate-Selling Book,

www.allanboress.com<

This ebook contains the most concise yet comprehensive treatise I've ever read on the structure, dynamics and mechanics of storytelling. As both a professional author and speaker, I've long groped my way sightlessly across the often rough terrain of passionate communicating, aka storytelling. At times I've been successful in transferring my thoughts through my readers' skulls using the medium of the printed word, but many, many more times I have failed.

In this groundbreaking ebook, Aneeta teaches material that I would have found useful twenty years ago, and still find helpful today!

Along with learning many other vital writing skills, Aneeta's readers will discover how to begin plumbing the depths of their own experience and personality even as they are guided in how best to write or recount their own stories by invoking all five senses. Her section on character profiling is, I think, worth the price of the ebook to anyone keen on developing three-dimensional, believable protagonists! Aneeta's awesome guide has been a big help to me, and I believe it will prove the same for you. But only if you buy it, read it, and apply it.

Rajen Devadason, CFP

CEO RD WealthCreation Sdn Bhd and publisher of the free personal development ezine GET BETTER ( www.RajenDevadason.com

Effective story telling is a fine and beautiful art. A well presented story can transcend all age barriers,Hold the interest and reach its listeners. As a professional trainer/consultant, story telling is what I do all the time.

Stories are useful to help listeners create associations to what they have learned and helps in memory retention. Even in Toastmasters, we have assignments on story telling. With a clear theme, well developed plot, vivid word pictures, pleasing sounds, rhythm, characterization and dramatic appeal, it helps the teller paint his take on the mind of the listener.

Aneeta’s e-learning course on story telling certainly provides the ‘bolts and nuts ‘ of a very structured and practical platform on which one can build his/her own story telling skills. With this enhanced ability, one can certainly explore newer vistas of growth in one’s personal endeavours. As Oliver Wendell Holmes once said “The human mind once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions”

Sarjit Singh PhD

Professional Trainer/Story Teller

www.elpd.com.my

I became acquainted with Aneeta when she read some of my poetry on the Author’s Den site and replied to me.  Since then, we have become Email “pen pals.”  I am a published author, cover artist and illustrator and as such, was very interested in Aneeta’s ebook, How to Tell a Great Story.  From how to write a story to how to market it, Aneeta has it all covered.  I found this to be excellent information and it will be helpful to any who share the craft of writing.  I highly recommend Aneeta’s ebook to all.

H. Steven Robertson, Author

Ranch Boy

Acorns of Love and Wisdom, A Book of Poetry

Soccer Made Easy For Americans

Bottom Time

www.ranchboybooks.com

"Aneeta is a wonderful person who really has a powerful gift for 'Storytelling Magic'! I recommend her program to everyone... Whether you're a dentist, sales person, professional speaker, or corporate CEO... telling powerful, compelling stories will make you a people-magnet overnight!

In fact, using only 2 principles from her program, I was able to re-work the core message of my new book: The Celibate (http://thecelibate.com) and now, whenever I start telling people about my story, I IMMEDIATELY become the center of attention...  and everyone asks the same question: "When Can I Buy Your Book?"

I highly recommend her program!!"
- Len Foley, best-selling author of "Sales Without the Sucker Punch!"
http://21stcenturysalestraining.com

Whether writing nonfiction or delivering a speech, stories make your point memorable. Audiences love stories.

Dan Poynter, The Self-Publishing Manual.

http://ParaPublishing.com

"The most detailed, logical, and literary analysis of how to create a memorable story yet. I was fascinated."

Joe Vitale, author of way too many books to list here, www.mrfire.com

As a professional copy writer I found Aneeta’s website and tutorials extremely useful and fun to use. Aneeta stripped the creative process of writing down to its basics in an easy-going and highly entertaining manner suitable for both the recreational and professional writer.

Aneeta’s tutorials used a wealth of fables from ancient Hindu mythology to explain and highlight various themes, narratives etc. something I personally found very unique and appealing. The course reminded me how essential good story telling is and how I can apply these lessons to my professional life and also my personal life – there is no longer a stampede for the nearest exit when I say to my friends, “Have I told you about the time when…”

Was it RMXX well spent? You bet it was! (and this is coming from a tight-fisted Penangite)

Rosalind Chua

Freelance copywriter

rozchua@hotmail.com

Hi Aneeta,

I believe that story telling is a great skill to have. Most people love to read or listen to great stories. Your latest book, 'How To Tell a Great Story' is indeed a great resource to have for anyone who wish to improve their story telling skill. Even though I have written a book on short motivational stories, Cappuccino & Success', I still find your book useful. There are many tips that I found useful in your book. I am impressed with the 'RPI' principles.

Thanks for your great contribution.

Best wishes.

Richard Quek

http://www.internetmarketingtrainer.com

T. Shanmugam

Lecturer / Head of Research Unit

Technical Teachers’ Training College

Yaacob Latif Road

Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia

(dtshan@yahoo.com)

Dear Aneeta,

A great thanks for introducing me to your series of story writing with themes from Mahabharat.   It was indeed an eye opener for me for two simple reasons.

1. As an academic book writer myself, I always thought that what I was doing was a Herculean task for in an academic writing facts and figures are the core business.  A single mistake will not only make the book a failure but will smear the writer’s image too.  Such are my perceptions that after producing few books I began to have this “air” around myself and looked at other writers as less important.   Your sessions have given me an inside information that have changed my worldview of writing.  You have exposed to me the art of story writing in the simplest form exposing in such a delicate yet creative way of how to write.   This piece of information is not only practical for story writing but for anyone who thrives to put anything in writing.  It’s a commendable effort indeed.

2. Your style of putting each session with themes of Mahabharat is indeed another creative effort exposing Hindu mythology to your target users.  I stepped into your sessions with the hope of getting some fundamental knowledge of story writing but little did I know that each session was “marinated” with Mahabharat themes.   Each theme has given me the attitude and understanding of Hindu mythology in a broader sense.  I feel I am a better Hindu now.

I sincerely feel that your “two in one” sessions are great and it has made a paradigm shift in my life.   I will not hesitate to introduce your sessions for its worth every penny paid.

Sincerely,

T. Shanmugam

Ph.D, M.Ed, B.A Hons (Econs), Dip. Ed, C.Dip. A.F

Story telling is an art but one that everyone should be able to learn Using some of the most ancient stories (cultural mythology) allows the student to work from a known subject; perhaps even a story they heard as a child. The fact that you give people an education into Hindu mythology as well as sharing stories you loved as a child is a side benefit and could help perpetuate the stories or renew the interest in them.

How many movies have been made from the Iliad and the Odyssey? How many plot lines have recycled the Trojan Horse? (Even a type of computer virus has been dubbed Trojan Horse.) Besides if the stories weren't good they wouldn't have lasted so long.

Personally I believe that each person has at least one story to tell but most don't know how to do it. Your program could prove valuable to them or to those would-be authors looking for a way forward.

Donald Goldberg

Have you ever read a book that you just couldn’t put down or watched a movie that left you with an afterglow and asked yourself “Why can’t I tell a story like that?” Well, I’ve got news for you. You can. And here Aneeta tells you just how.  Over ten easy-to-follow sessions, each of which builds on the ones before, your self-confidence grows  until you are ready to say “That’s for me. I have a story to tell and I want to do it now!”.

It’s unique and exciting way to a develop the potential that you always suspected you had and this is why:

Aneeta has gone through it herself so she knows what each one of us needs to develop the skill and confidence to tell a story with such panache that others will hang on our every word.

Her method uses both ancient Hindu stories and contemporary themes which are interesting in themselves as well as thought-provoking.

The sessions use ordinary every day language so that you will not strain to understand the meaning.

Starting from a background in law, Aneeta always knew that she had story to tell and set out determinedly to acquire the skills she needed to tell her story in a way in which others would find it interesting. ... We should be thankful that she now wants to share her experiences with us.

Although I am a writer myself, I had not tried too hard to “tell a story”. My books are about tax and I thought that such a “dull” subject had no appeal as a story. I was wrong. Aneeta has helped me to see that sharing my knowledge and experience of tax is also a form of “telling a story” which can be improved by following the principles she has set out here. My book “Satisfying Karen’s Curiosity – Q&A on Personal Taxation in Malaysia” is my first attempt at following story-telling principles.

Taking note of what you said, I used a traditional story to introduce a talk that I had to give to a group of strangers recently. They were all adults but I had their attention from the outset with my story about "The Pied Piper of Hamlyn". Thanks for the advice.

Sincerely,

Richard Thornton

Chartered Tax Advisor

Published Author

ricton100@hotmail.com