Background A storyline in a grounded theory study plays two important roles: an analytical tool and a research product. Using more than one language in a study affects the research, including the dissemination of its findings. Very little literature discusses how to develop and disseminate a storyline.

Aim This paper offers insight into the crafting of a storyline to disseminate a grounded theory study describing how people in Indonesia with diabetes learn about their disease.

Discussion This paper explains how the researchers developed the storyline. The authors then address considerations in the storyline’s development and explain how they disseminated it, as well as the factors that influenced that dissemination.

Conclusion Disseminating findings through a storyline written in the local language ensures that the target audience all have access to a study’s outcomes through an easily readable publication.

Implication for practice Sharing a storyline helps to disseminate the outcomes of a grounded theory study. It informs the wider community of new knowledge and enables it to review, understand and apply the outcomes of research.