No, I haven’t set fire to the manuscript.

No, I haven’t set fire to the manuscript. Yet. 🔥

But last week, I came dangerously close…

Writing a story that is also meant to carry knowledge is hard.
And honestly—wildly frustrating.

The parts that are pure narrative—drama, events, characters—flow much more easily.
The parts that hold the methods and insights, the very things I hope will strengthen the sustainability profession, are much harder to bring to life.

I’m trying to find the balance.
Just as in sustainability work itself, it’s about weaving together the story and the tools.

The genre is sometimes called business parables: books built on narrative but designed to offer lessons on leadership, collaboration, and personal growth.

When done well, such books can spark inspiration, create recognition, and still provide concrete tools.

And that’s the challenge. When done well…
Right now, it feels like I still have a long way to go.
Progress is slower than I had hoped.

But I keep at it.
And I still believe in the idea—a book that can both move and teach.
(Unless, of course, I set the whole thing alight in frustration first. 🙈)

Do you have a favorite book that manages to combine storytelling with practical wisdom?
I’d love to hear your tips. I’m searching for inspiration to make the methods come alive.