“Tracing our writing origins back to the first spark takes time. We let our minds travel back on ribbon-thin strips of memory to recall those events, those moments, those scenes that transformed us, the conflict that changed us.”
I love the emphasis on process and taking time in your piece. I sometimes feel like I write so slowly, but it takes time to process when you are writing about your own stories, especially the harder ones.
Thank you for taking time to read and to comment, Christine. Here on Story Hatchery I'm giving myself permission to write something then come back around and discuss how I'm remembering more and need to revise, thus illustrating the iterative process of story development and the slippery state of memory and the wiggly mind that tries so hard to dig back. Mary Karr talked about the wiggly mind. I wrote about it here: https://annkroeker.com/2017/05/30/ep-103-trouble-memoir-wiggly-mind/
I really appreciate the way you explored different elements that go into crafting a good story. I especially like the idea of taking your time to remember the story, I have done this in the past and it has really helped me capture what I’m trying to say.
I love the many ways you always encourage me to be a more thoughtful writer. Even just including those quotes with different definitions of story made me slow down and consider. These tips on storytelling--particularly transformation--are not things I usually consciously consider when I write, but I can see that if I did, I would tell better stories. Thanks for that and for all the ways you share your gifts of coaching. 💜
Thank you for taking time to read and response, Laura B. I'm keeping Story Hatchery separate from my coaching newsletter so that Story Hatchery is all about stories and includes more of my personal stories...but I can't resist a little coaching along the way. Because I'm in that mindset all day, so it's hard not to offer support and encouragement!
"Dicks argues that if you tell a story that doesn’t “reflect change over time,” you’re not telling a story—you’re telling an anecdote." The idea that a story requires an internal change in the main character to be a story makes me think. I thought good stories included character development, but saw the character's progress as supporting the story instead of the actual story. I think I'll keep this in mind as I write scenes from my life. Thanks for the tip. Oh, and, that was awful that people compared you to your brother. I'm glad you didn't let that deter you from writing!
Thank you for all of these thoughts, Suzanne. I do tend to agree with Matthew Dicks. Plot-driven books rely on story to keep us turning pages, but if we don't care what happens to the character and we don't see him or her change in any way, it's just a series of events that rose in action, peaked, and resolved. I might get our heart pumping as we wonder what will happen, but it won't get our heart beating with concern for the people involved, especially the main character, and for the people to come out the other side a different person (hopefully better).
User Stories are simpler to form than the stories this audience tells ... but challenging to deliver (to "Done.") This post validated my decision to weave my own experiences/stories into the e-Book I'm developing this month. I'm keeping this post/e-mail in my Daily folder to keep mining it for inspiration and guidance.
I’ve known for quite some time that I need to add more story to my writing. I’m excited to read your stories on Substack and to lean into the art of storytelling. Thank you for providing this amazing resource!!!
“Tracing our writing origins back to the first spark takes time. We let our minds travel back on ribbon-thin strips of memory to recall those events, those moments, those scenes that transformed us, the conflict that changed us.”
I love the emphasis on process and taking time in your piece. I sometimes feel like I write so slowly, but it takes time to process when you are writing about your own stories, especially the harder ones.
Ahh! I’ve just seen your comment, Christine - exactly!! I loved it so much, too.
Thank you for taking time to read and to comment, Christine. Here on Story Hatchery I'm giving myself permission to write something then come back around and discuss how I'm remembering more and need to revise, thus illustrating the iterative process of story development and the slippery state of memory and the wiggly mind that tries so hard to dig back. Mary Karr talked about the wiggly mind. I wrote about it here: https://annkroeker.com/2017/05/30/ep-103-trouble-memoir-wiggly-mind/
I loved this, Ann - in your post you have explored things I hadn't ever thought to recognise or think about. Thank you so very much! 😊
Thrilled to know this gave you some ideas. Will it change your storytelling?
It might well do! I'll report back! 😊
I really appreciate the way you explored different elements that go into crafting a good story. I especially like the idea of taking your time to remember the story, I have done this in the past and it has really helped me capture what I’m trying to say.
Thank you
It's easy for me to rush the process. I hope you find all that you need for your stories. I'm glad to meet you!
I love the many ways you always encourage me to be a more thoughtful writer. Even just including those quotes with different definitions of story made me slow down and consider. These tips on storytelling--particularly transformation--are not things I usually consciously consider when I write, but I can see that if I did, I would tell better stories. Thanks for that and for all the ways you share your gifts of coaching. 💜
Thank you for taking time to read and response, Laura B. I'm keeping Story Hatchery separate from my coaching newsletter so that Story Hatchery is all about stories and includes more of my personal stories...but I can't resist a little coaching along the way. Because I'm in that mindset all day, so it's hard not to offer support and encouragement!
"Dicks argues that if you tell a story that doesn’t “reflect change over time,” you’re not telling a story—you’re telling an anecdote." The idea that a story requires an internal change in the main character to be a story makes me think. I thought good stories included character development, but saw the character's progress as supporting the story instead of the actual story. I think I'll keep this in mind as I write scenes from my life. Thanks for the tip. Oh, and, that was awful that people compared you to your brother. I'm glad you didn't let that deter you from writing!
Thank you for all of these thoughts, Suzanne. I do tend to agree with Matthew Dicks. Plot-driven books rely on story to keep us turning pages, but if we don't care what happens to the character and we don't see him or her change in any way, it's just a series of events that rose in action, peaked, and resolved. I might get our heart pumping as we wonder what will happen, but it won't get our heart beating with concern for the people involved, especially the main character, and for the people to come out the other side a different person (hopefully better).
User Stories are simpler to form than the stories this audience tells ... but challenging to deliver (to "Done.") This post validated my decision to weave my own experiences/stories into the e-Book I'm developing this month. I'm keeping this post/e-mail in my Daily folder to keep mining it for inspiration and guidance.
You are the perfect person to walk both worlds and build the bridge. Thank you!
I’ve known for quite some time that I need to add more story to my writing. I’m excited to read your stories on Substack and to lean into the art of storytelling. Thank you for providing this amazing resource!!!
“I need to trace the ribbons back in time through journaling” - I LOVE that image of memory ribbons, Ann!