“We don’t want to read a book. We want to live an experience”
Carolyn Wheat, in Writing Mysteries on developing your personal style of writing. Don’t try just to be technically clever, or clear or… write so that the reader is immersed in the story and lives the experience.
- Know Your Audience. It doesn’t matter how many stories you know. What’s important is selecting the right one for your crowd. Choose one that best reflects their mood.
- Be Yourself. Every story has a little bit of you in it, because you chose it. Tell one that you really enjoy and are itching to share.
- Take Risks. Storytelling is an organic art. Don’t be afraid to play with the style and delivery of your story, even in the middle of a performance.
- Listen. It’s the only way to connect with your audience, learn new stories, and improve your skills.
- Breathe. Work on your own breathing, posture, and gestures. A lot of storytellers move too quickly because they’re nervous. Make every move deliberate.
- Don’t Practice by Yourself. Professional storytellers improve delivery by rehearsing in front of many different people.
Real Characters – you have to identify yourself in the characters
Mystery - it triggers the imagination
Rhythm - there are some timings which the experiencer expects a certain reveal or change
Questions - create more insight in to yourself or the world
Anticipation - triggers the imagination
Surprise - shake up the experience
Depth - creates the illusion in the imagination that the world exists
Contrast - makes the original richer and more valuable. Contrasts are the basis of good story
Climax - pays off the anticipation
