3 Game-Changing Lessons Writers Can Learn from Wrexham

"Welcome to Wrexham,” the engaging docu-series about Rob McElhenny's and Ryan Reynolds' purchase of the struggling North Wales football club is simply addicting.  

Whether you're a sports fan like me (I grew up in a football-lovin' family) or not, it doesn't matter. Because it's not what happens on the field that makes this series captivating. It’s the townspeople, players, and the challenges they face off the field that makes it so compelling (no spoilers here, so read on...). 

Watching “Welcome to Wrexham'” is like experiencing a nonfiction twist on “Ted Lasso.” 

via GIPHY

Here are three game-changing lessons writers can learn from Wrexham: 

Honesty creates connection. 

Yes, Rob and Ryan are charming and funny, but they're also open about every struggle in trying to keep this troubled football club alive. And this colorful, working-class community is unafraid to share their insecurities and raw, uncensored truths. It makes them endearing and relatable. 

✍️ Are you being vulnerable in your writing?   

Obstacles are contagious.  

Every setback packs a powerful, emotional punch, and you feel it with them. As a new owner, Ryan Reynolds says, “So far, I’ve found it to be very time-consuming, emotionally exhausting, financially idiotic and utterly addictive.”  

Despite their challenges, everyone’s passion and devotion to succeed is palpable. Their unconditional love, friendship, and unwavering hope are contagious despite being tested at every turn.  

✍️ Are you sharing the obstacles you had to overcome?  

High stakes keep readers hooked.  

The stakes are what makes this underdog story so gripping.  

What the owners and the people of Wrexham have to lose, and what the players have to overcome is extremely high as they fight for a promotion back to the English Football League, which has eluded them for fourteen painful years.  

The stakes make us emotionally invested in every episode. 

✍️ What's at stake in your story?  

So, to recap, here are three questions to ask yourself when writing your own personal stories (whether it's in a chapter, blog, or newsletter): 

😊 Am I being open and vulnerable? 

😮 What obstacles did I have to overcome? 

😳 What did I stand to win or lose? 

BTW, if you're writing fiction -- just change "I" to your character in the story. For example: What obstacles does my hero have to overcome? What does my character stand to win or lose?

Remember, just giving the play-by-play of what happens in your story doesn’t make it compelling... 

...it’s the emotions, obstacles, and stakes that’ll have your audience on the edge of their seats and returning for more. 

Try incorporating one of these three game-changing lessons into your next piece of writing. 

Write on.

Want more help with your writing? Then grab one of these freebies:

Are you ready to take your book dreams off the back-burner?

5 Secrets to Writing a Bestselling Book

What will most help you write your book?

Take the quiz and find out.

Whip up binge-worthy content that keeps fans coming back for more:

120 Stories & Content Ideas that Stick