Includes bibliographical references.

Chapter 1 Embracing the Story Lens on Life 13 -- Chapter 2 Shifting Your Perspective 25 -- Chapter 3 Getting to Know the Star of Your Story 33 -- Chapter 4 Roles We Play 51 -- Chapter 5 Who's Writing Your Script? 57 -- Chapter 6 Naming and Describing Your Chapter 63 -- Chapter 7 Doom or Bloom: Exploring the Power of Spin 73 -- Chapter 8 Conflict: The Ultimate Character Workout 89 -- Chapter 9 Reading Between the Lines: Exploring Character Strengths and Vulnerabilities 107 -- Chapter 10 Using Dialogue to Mine Your Story and Transform Your Character 117 -- Chapter 11 Supporting Characters and Other Resources 135 -- Chapter 12 Climax: As Your Story Turns 149 -- Chapter 13 Falling Action: Getting the Closure You Need 165 -- Chapter 14 Resolution: Finding the Silver-Lining Narrative 171 -- Chapter 15 Epilogue: Imagining What's Next 181 -- Chapter 16 Step Back into Your Story 185 -- Chapter 17 Your Work in Progress 191.

"Every life is an unfolding story and how individuals tell their story matters. Recent Stanford and Columbia University studies showed that how we view the story of our life shapes the life itself. Who are the heroes and villains? Where does the plot twist and how are conflicts resolved? Whether we are considering how a job was lost, a relationship clicked, or a dream deferred, we have the ability to empower ourselves or turn ourselves into hapless victims. Kim Schneiderman knows the power of story as both a therapist and a writer. Her clients often tell their stories in ways that keep them stuck but when they employ the storytelling techniques here, they view their lives as works in progress, become powerful narrators, and understand big picture storylines in ways that allow them to easily develop their own character, shape their actions and relationships, and create fulfilling "happy endings.""-- Provided by publisher.