Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Invisible Ink summary
Brian McDonald
Brief summary
Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald is a captivating book that delves into the hidden principles of storytelling. It offers valuable insights and techniques for aspiring writers to craft compelling and meaningful narratives.
Topics
Table of Contents
Invisible Ink
Summary of key ideas
The Power of Storytelling
In Invisible Ink, Brian McDonald introduces the concept of invisible ink, a metaphor for the essential elements that make a story resonate with its audience. He explains that the invisible ink is the underlying structure, the elements that, when used correctly, create a powerful and engaging story.
McDonald begins by discussing the importance of theme, emphasizing that a story without a clear theme is like a ship without a rudder. He argues that a strong theme can give a story direction and meaning, urging writers to identify the core of their narrative and use it as a guiding principle throughout the storytelling process.
Understanding the Audience
McDonald then delves into the concept of engaging the audience, asserting that the audience is an active participant in the storytelling process. He explains that the storyteller must respect the audience's intelligence and engage them by allowing them to participate in piecing together the story's invisible ink.
He introduces the idea of the golden triangle, a concept that represents the relationship between the audience, the storyteller, and the story. McDonald explains that the storyteller must understand the audience's expectations and use them to guide the narrative, ensuring that the invisible ink is revealed in a way that resonates with the audience.
Character Building and Conflict
McDonald then moves on to discuss character development, emphasizing the importance of creating characters that are relatable and engaging. He argues that characters should be defined by their actions, not their traits, and should be used as a vehicle to explore the story's theme.
He then turns his attention to conflict, highlighting its crucial role in storytelling. McDonald explains that conflict is the engine that drives the story forward, and that it is essential for creating tension and keeping the audience engaged. He encourages writers to embrace conflict and use it to reveal the story's invisible ink.
The Power of Structure
Next, McDonald explores the concept of structure, arguing that a well-structured story can enhance the impact of its invisible ink. He introduces the idea of the five-part story structure, which includes the setup, the new situation, progress, complications, and the resolution. He explains that this structure can help writers organize their stories and reveal their invisible ink in a compelling way.
He also discusses the importance of pacing, urging writers to carefully control the flow of their narratives to maintain the audience's interest. McDonald explains that pacing can be used to build tension, create emotional impact, and reveal the invisible ink at the most impactful moments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Invisible Ink is a comprehensive guide to the essential elements of storytelling. McDonald emphasizes the importance of invisible ink, the underlying structure and elements that make a story resonate with its audience. He encourages writers to carefully consider their story's theme, engage their audience, develop compelling characters, and use conflict and structure to reveal their invisible ink in a powerful and impactful way.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Invisible Ink about?
Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald explores the hidden principles behind storytelling. Using examples from popular movies and books, the book delves into the essential elements that make a story resonate with audiences. It offers valuable insights for aspiring writers and anyone interested in understanding the art of storytelling.
Invisible Ink Review
Invisible Ink (2010) by Brian McDonald is a captivating exploration of the essential principles underlying successful storytelling. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Packed with insightful analysis on crafting compelling narratives, it offers invaluable guidance for storytellers looking to enhance their skills.
- The book delves into the psychology of storytelling, revealing the powerful techniques that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact.
- Through a mix of engaging anecdotes and expert advice, the book ensures an enlightening and enjoyable journey into the art of storytelling.
Who should read Invisible Ink?
Aspiring writers who want to improve their storytelling skills
Content creators looking to engage and captivate their audience
Anyone interested in understanding the underlying principles of effective storytelling
Categories with Invisible Ink
Book summaries like Invisible Ink
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Invisible Ink FAQs
What is the main message of Invisible Ink?
The main message of Invisible Ink emphasizes the power of storytelling in crafting compelling narratives.
How long does it take to read Invisible Ink?
Reading Invisible Ink takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Invisible Ink a good book? Is it worth reading?
Invisible Ink is a must-read for aspiring writers, offering insights to enhance storytelling skills effectively.
Who is the author of Invisible Ink?
Brian McDonald is the author of Invisible Ink.
What to read after Invisible Ink?
If you're wondering what to read next after Invisible Ink, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda