Tag Archives: story-telling

“Into the fire with you” – character transformation through crisis vs reframing the narrative

Recently my critique group and I got down to serious psychologizing about a main character in one of our mss.  It got me thinking about the differences and similarities of character transformation in fiction and human transformation in real life. … Continue reading

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Be the teller of your own narrative. Make it a good story.

I’ve had a really good writing week.  For me that means being  so deeply immersed in my book that it begins to seem more real that my actual life.  I surfaced this morning–Saturday, and thus a non-writing day–and reacquainted myself … Continue reading

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Exposed by Narrative

When we meet someone new, the storytelling begins.  We deliver the cleaned-up, well-practiced narrative of our lives with the smooth proficiency of a pitchman.  We spin it to impress, to entertain, to woo.  If—after time—that someone seems a likely lover … Continue reading

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Love LOST? Adore THE OFFICE? Immerse yourself in THE ART OF IMMERSION by @Frank Rose

I’ve been book-talking this fabulous book by Frank Rose to anyone who will listen.  If you are interested in the psychology of story-telling, the creative genius behind LOST, THE OFFICE, or THE DARK KNIGHT, or the way media is rapidly … Continue reading

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Never doubt that your story matters. It maintains the past AND creates the future.

This morning I stumbled from my bed to the coffee maker, turning on NPR along the way. The first story to penetrate my brain was about President Obama’s upcoming trip to Asia.  The reporter began, “The narrative President Obama is … Continue reading

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Report from KidLitCon 2011 – CONNECTION and AUTHENTICITY

KidLitCon 2011 was all about CONNECTION and AUTHENTICITY.  It was invigorating like this killer mural I passed in Seattle. (Forgive the cross-posting with VivaScriva.com, but I couldn’t decide which blog needed this post more!) Unlike many writers’ conferences, which are tinged … Continue reading

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Transmedia, Talk Back, and the Power of Story

  So my new project, Angel Punk, is a transmedia project, and I’m going to be on a panel at KidLitCon in a few weeks discussing transmedia. “What the heck is that?” you ask. Transmedia means storytelling through multiple forms … Continue reading

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This book is an absolute must-read! I don’t care if you say that nonfiction is not your thing.  This book is your thing. Rebecca Skloot has written riveting story of both family and science.  You won’t be able to put this … Continue reading

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Eddard Stark, Dumbledore, and Death as Plot

For a story to work, and by work I mean, grab me by the throat and refuse to let me go, I must be fully invested in the characters. I want to fall in love, to believe in their reality … Continue reading

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Steampunk in Portland

                Get your steampunk accoutrements at Cannibals on 21st Avenue in Portland.  I wanted everything and a top hat too!  Wish I could have taken pictures of the taxidermied heads with dollhouse dioramas … Continue reading

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