Story Dynamics – Stories

When we first discover storytelling, it opens opportunities for us to use and develop talents we have developed in our earlier lives.

But there can come a time when holding too tightly to the identity of “storyteller” can hobble us from continuing the sorts of exploration that led us to storytelling in the first place.

Should you be labelling yourself by the tools you use, or by what you create with those tools?

The true comeback story of an abused forest in Ontario yields lessons for storytellers. What Peter Schleifenbaum has figured out about managing a forest ecologically teaches us 7 lessons about taking charge of our own futures.

When we storytellers talk about the power of stories, we usually think of the stories we ourselves tell. To be sure, those stories are important and powerful.

But there’s a trend emerging that features another kind of story: the kind told by ordinary individuals about events or things that have affected their lives. Let’s call those “personal encounter stories.”

Personal encounter stories have some very practical uses. At the same time, they are easily overlooked…

Success in storytelling isn’t just about being a good teller – as vital as excellent telling is. Equally important is avoiding three common mistakes when trying to reach new customers. The lead article in this newsletter describes the mistakes and how to avoid them.