Crafting Compelling Narratives from Real People

Everyone loves a good story. But not every good story comes from a famous person or a dramatic event. Some of the best stories come from everyday people. People with quiet strength. People with lived experience.

I believe the most compelling narratives are the ones we almost overlook. The kind told on front porches, over coffee, or in passing conversations. That’s where the real gold is.

As a storyteller, I don’t chase headlines. I chase heart. I listen for the pauses, the laughs, the unsaid things. That’s where the story lives.

You don’t need fancy equipment to tell a good story. You need ears. And patience. And curiosity.

Let me share some tips I’ve learned from interviewing real people over the years. They’re simple. But powerful.

1. Ditch the Script

A list of questions is helpful. But don’t let it cage the conversation. Let the person guide you. Follow their energy. If they light up when they talk about their garden, stay there. That joy matters.

The best interviews feel like conversations, not interrogations.

2. Ask Small Questions

Big questions get rehearsed answers. Small questions spark real memories.

Instead of “What was that like?”

Try, “What did the room smell like that day?”

Or, “What song reminds you of that moment?”

Details matter. They bring stories to life.

3. Don’t Interrupt the Silence

People think silence is awkward. I think it’s magic.

When someone pauses, don’t rush to fill the gap. Let it breathe.

Often, what comes next is what they really needed to say.

Silence means trust is building. Let it.

4. Empathy Over Expertise

You don’t need to know everything. You just need to care.

Real people aren’t looking to impress you. They want to be understood.

So listen like a friend, not a reporter.

Nod. React. Let them see you’re human, too.

5. Find the Thread

Every story has a thread. A theme. A heartbeat.

Your job is to find it.

Maybe it’s resilience. Maybe it’s reinvention. Maybe it’s simply “family.”

Once you find the thread, the story writes itself.

6. Don’t Chase Trauma

Here’s my contrarian take:

You don’t need tragedy to make a story compelling.

Joy is powerful, too. So is quiet dignity. So is contentment.

The media loves trauma. I love transformation.

7. Let the Story Breathe

Don’t try to wrap everything up in a bow.

Real life isn’t always tidy. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, the ending is still unfolding.

Let readers feel the openness. It’s more honest.

8. Write Like You Talk

Don’t write to impress. Write to connect.

Keep your sentences short.

Use simple language.

Honor the person’s voice.

People don’t remember fancy words. They remember how you made them feel.

9. Celebrate the Ordinary

This might be my biggest belief:

Ordinary isn’t boring. It’s beautiful.

A grandmother’s Sunday meal. A mail carrier’s morning route. A teen’s first job.

These are the threads of real life.

And real life is always worth telling.

10. Follow Up

After the interview, follow up.

Say thank you. Share how their story impacted you.

Let them see the result. Let them feel proud.

Storytelling isn’t one-sided. It’s a relationship.

Final Thought

You don’t have to be famous to matter.

You don’t have to be loud to be heard.

When we take time to listen—really listen—we discover stories that change us.

So go find someone. Sit down. Ask how their day is.

Then let the conversation take you somewhere unexpected.

The story’s already there.

You just have to care enough to hear it.

Do you want to see more of Tressa? Follow her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit her website.

The Gift of Life

 Writing this article has been one of my favorite projects. It’s not just about telling a story—it’s about sharing a powerful message of hope, life, and gratitude. The story of Hugh Thomas and his heart transplant is one that stays with you long after reading. I recommend giving this article a read because it’s more than just a medical story; it’s a story of human strength, resilience, and kindness.

When I first started working on the article, I was struck by the sheer emotional weight of Hugh’s journey. His story isn’t one of quick fixes. It’s about waiting, struggling, and finally receiving the gift of life in the most unexpected way. Hugh’s life was forever changed by an anonymous donor and their family’s decision to give him a second chance. It made me think about how much we take for granted and how every day is truly a gift.

The most rewarding part of writing this article was seeing the importance of human connection and compassion. Hugh’s experience highlights how our lives are interwoven, even with people we may never meet. I wanted to capture the depth of his gratitude and how that shapes his view of life. I think the story resonates because it taps into something universal: the idea that life is precious, and sometimes it’s a stranger’s act of kindness that gives us another chance to live it fully.

In this article, I also wanted to show how hope can carry someone through even the darkest moments. Hugh faced so many setbacks—false alarms, illness, and doubt—but he kept pushing forward, holding on to the belief that his family and life were worth fighting for. His story is a testament to perseverance and the importance of never giving up, even when things seem impossible.

Writing about this family’s journey was a reminder of how interconnected we all are. While the Thomas family celebrated Thanksgiving differently, they did so with gratitude for something many of us overlook—the gift of life itself. That perspective is what makes Hugh’s story so impactful, and I hope it inspires readers to appreciate the blessings in their own lives.

This article is one that I’ll always hold close to my heart. It’s a reminder of the extraordinary impact that compassion and kindness can have, and I believe that’s why it’s one of my favorites. If you’re looking for a story that will leave you thinking and feeling deeply, this one is worth the read.

To read the full publication, please visit ISSUU.