On episode #31 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Elysha Dicks and I talk storytelling!
In our followup segment, we talk about two emails received related to Homework for Life, including a sample of Homework for Life from the 1800’s!
Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using “Homework for Life.” We talk about the value of waiting to tell a story, the possibility that you are in the midst of a story, and the way that some stories can stretch across decades.
Next we listen to David Ring’s story about a trial, a possible death penalty, and a hit ordered on his life.
After listening, we discuss:
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A great first sentence
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The way that choices about description and leaning description in a certain direction can help tell the story
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The power of contrast in description
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“Nonfiction” in storytelling
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The appropriate absence of humor in storytelling
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The elimination of “I remember…” from stories
Next, we answer questions about using Homework for Life to recapture recorded memories and the differences between personal narrative storytelling and the telling of folktales, fables, fiction, or informational text.
Finally, we each offer a recommendation.
LINKS
Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne
Matthew Dicks’s website: https://matthewdicks.com
Matthew Dicks’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks
Subscribe to Matthew Dicks’s weekly newsletter:
https://matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe
Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter:
https://matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up
RECOMMEDATIONS
Elysha:
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Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
https://amzn.to/2AzQUTG -
Meanwhile by Jules Feiffer
https://amzn.to/2SFZGqv -
Cookies by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
https://amzn.to/2RBX1AO -
You May Want to Marry My Husband by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
https://nyti.ms/2mNuQg1
Matt
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Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Child
https://amzn.to/2FivM7V -
Trevor Noah’s “The Brick
https://bit.ly/2NR9XAF
