"Blame my storytelling instinct."

Unfortunately, as the movie nears its end, the filmmakers lose touch with their better storytelling instincts, and it falls to the actors to prevent the movie from swerving into melodrama.

The paintings in his first one-man show, held in his studio in Melbourne in 1940, were abstract, but over the next several years his storytelling instincts won out.

De Palma's storytelling instincts have given way completely to his interest in film as a visual medium.

Still, Mr. Leavengood, the author of "The Preservation Society" and "Florida Crackers," among other plays, has a strong storytelling instinct.

Pitchfork Media stated that, "Ghostface has unparalleled storytelling instincts; he might be the best, most colorful storyteller rap has ever seen."

It is one of several songs in which Ms. Asher's storytelling instinct and pop-country manner mesh into what might be described as twang-free down-home singing.

But in the end these are quibbles when set against the author's fine storytelling instincts and the value of getting these stories told.

Yet he has not restrained his novelist's eye or storytelling instincts.

He says he has had storytelling instincts since he was eight years old.