STRONGER WRITING THROUGH STORY & NEUROSCIENCE.
At Figments & Fables, I teach writers and entrepreneurs how story works in the brain, and on the page, stage, and screen—blending writing mechanics, story logic, and science.
Stories are our most powerful form of connection.
It’s how we store memories, share histories, and experience the world. We tell them without even thinking. So why is it so hard to write them?
Why do so many struggle with blank page paralysis? Or panic when they try to translate the ideas in their heads to the page or screen?
It’s because they don’t have the foundation to make it easy.
At Figments & Fables, you’ll learn the neuroscience, craft, and logic of story so writing flows. Writing that makes people lean in and want more.
We’re talking good, old-fashioned pen to paper and fingers on keys writing, no AI prompts or fill-in-the-blank templates here.
Whether you are writing a novel, keynote, screenplay, blog, or a sales page—your words need to connect. I help you do that. Without the frustration or overwhelm.
The Story-Science Difference
There’s a reason some stories grab us and others leave us feeling flat. And it’s all in your head.
Our brains are programmed for story.
Understanding the neuroscience behind storytelling helps writers create a deeper connection with their readers and audience. At Figments & Fables, I pair brain science with writing mechanics, style, voice, and story logic. I teach how stories work in the brain, and on the page, screen, and stage.
My methods blend decades of writing, producing, and directing experience with the latest brain science research on narrative, flow, and emotional engagement.
But I keep it simple. Practical. Doable.
This isn’t just story coaching. It’s writing clarity.
I don’t believe in just sharing theory. Not when practical, direct feedback on your writing can change everything. Even our self-paced courses include exercises to help hone your voice, craft, and structure.
Writers need to write to improve.
F&F helps you go beyond formulas and structures, so you understand:
Why the Brain Craves Story
Our brains are wired for story. Once you learn how the brain processes story and facts, you can craft more meaningful messaging that boosts engagement.
How to Deliver that Story So It Connects
Stories have their own internal logic and structure. Learn that and how story works in the brain and you will have people caring about what you have to say.
What Makes Writing Feel Flat or Forced
Writing needs room to breathe. You can’t force it into a form and make it work. For that, you need story logic, narrative technique, and a strong throughline guiding the way.
How to Harness the Power of Throughlines
Throughlines are what drives your message and story from beginning to the end. It’s the purpose behind your piece. Learn how to wield these and the writing flows more easily.
How to Structure Writing So It Sparks Emotion and Trust
Learn how stories work and how to integrate them into your work. Plug-and-play solutions don’t work for many situations. They also force the story logic and often hamper voice.
What to Change to Keep Readers Turning Pages and Audiences Leaning In
With some simple tweaks, you could have people binging your content and begging for more. It’s not about what you are writing as much as it is how you are writing it.
Who I Help
I help anyone who wants to tell stories, no matter the form.
Even if you think, “I don’t write stories,” you do.
Every piece of writing (outside of technical forms) embeds stories in it or relies on narrative techniques to work.
That’s why my work applies to fiction, creative nonfiction, screenplays, speeches, and business writing—any story-based or narrative-style work.
My clients are:
- Fiction and creative nonfiction writers ready to hone their craft on every level
- Scriptwriters, screenwriters, and storytellers who crave stronger throughlines and deeper character development
- Professionals and entrepreneurs who use story to connect with their clients or audience
- Creators who are tired of sounding like everyone else
They come with big ideas (or vague ones). They leave with the skills and story science to make their ideas come to life on the page, screen, or stage.
What Makes F&F Different?
Story isn’t magic. It’s method. It’s craft. You can learn it.
I don’t use gimmicks or flatten your voice. I don’t throw formulas or structures at you. And I don’t offer prompts so AI can replace your voice or overwhelm you with unnecessary advice.
Instead, I break story down into its simplest form and build from there. I’ll show you how and why stories work so you can write clearly, using your voice, and make your audience beg for more.
My proprietary approach includes:
The F.A.B.L.E. Framework—A step-by-step method to shape any story with impact.
Rhythm, Cadence & Flow—Tools to make your writing sound like you
Neuroscience of Storytelling—Facts about how the brain responds to story so you adjust your writing in a way that connects more deeply
Narrative Logic—Arcs, stakes, and emotional throughlines that make stories (and your audience) stick
Voice Work & Mindset Shifts—To get you writing again with confidence and without the struggle.
I teach what templates can’t.
YOUR STORIES MATTER.
Hi, I’m Susan, and I’ve lived a lifetime of stories.
From writing for Disney, NASA, National Geographic, Nordstrom, and PBS to digging into narrative neuroscience, I have devoted my life to one thing: understanding how story works.
Not just how to write, but how to make that writing matter.
It’s not enough to share a story if you don’t hook the reader or audience and keep them engaged with a story that flows from beginning to end.
As a story coach, I help writers refine their ideas, find their voice, understand the mechanics behind great writing, and craft stories people want to hear—stories that work in the brain itself.
What they say
“I like that Susan has experience in storytelling and a personal interest in story, but that she grounds it in science made me confident she’d give me advice I can actually take action on as a new long-form storyteller. It gave me confidence she wouldn’t just give me ‘guru’ advice that didn’t apply to my circumstances.”
Trusted by:
(Partial Client List)
THE STORY TRUTH
The world doesn’t need more content. It needs more stories.
If you’re ready to stop sounding like everyone else and start telling stories your way, then you’re in the right place.