Book excerpt: Like many beginning writers, Tim Grahl struggled to learn his craft—and even to find the right words to describe his questions and challenges. After reading a library of how-to books, Tim found what he needed in the unique Story Grid approach. With the help of editor, friend, and Story Grid creator Shawn Coyne, Tim discovered a new vocabulary—what he now calls The Writers’ Common Language. Learning this language can help us all think and talk about our stories with more clarity and specificity. In this book, Tim shares moments from his own journey as a storyteller and how the strategies and tools of Story Grid transformed the way he reads, writes, and edits his own work. “Once you can apply these tools to your own story,” he says, “you will be amazed at the progress you can make.” With a shared understanding of terms such as “genre,” “point of view,” “value shift,” and “theme,” writers and editors can talk more productively and meaningfully to level up every project. When we speak in this writers’ common language, we can create community, learn from each other, and—most important—bring more great stories into the world.