Chasing the Next Big Fish
My son, realizing a childhood dream one cast, one story at a time.
Found in an old notebook, written by me 17 years ago. Jonathan definitely followed this advice (at least the first part). He's fished and filmed on six continents and as I write this, he's back in South America casting for the next big story. He inspires me to continue to follow my dreams and try to catch my next big fish.
Does Your Story Pass the Campfire Test?
Photo: Nathan Lindahl @hip_dinosaur from Unsplash
When's the last time you sat around the campfire and listened to a good ad?
Stories matter to people. They connect, inspire, delight, and persuade. Can an ad do the same thing? Sure, if it tells a great story.
But here's the fundamental difference -- a story can engage your audience in a lasting way. By its nature and shape, a story also presents a greater opportunity to be shared in a wider variety of formats, channels, and opportunities, like around the campfire.
A great story can become the centerpiece of your campaign or communication. And it's sure a lot more fun than telling an ad.
What's your campfire story, that compelling insight, example, or testimonial you tell about your organization that's guaranteed to gain attention and get shared?
Put your story to the campfire test. Commit to telling great stories, stories that are worth sharing, and demand retelling.
5 Ways to Develop Your Storytelling Mindset
I believe life is story and story is life. And I’m always looking for opportunities to grow my own storytelling mindset. I’d love to hear your ideas and learn what’s worked for you.
Admit: “I am a storyteller.” You may think you don’t have any stories to share, but I’m betting you do.
Follow your favorite storytellers. Who are your favorite storytellers? Make a list. Read them. Study them. Share them. Learn from them.
Think “story first.” Many times we jump into a project or situation only to think later, “Hey, that would have made a pretty good storytelling or story-sharing opportunity.” If you think “story first,” then you’re open to the possibilities of stories all around you and the many opportunities you’ll have to share them.
Expand your definition of “story.” Sometimes we think too narrowly about storytelling themes and formats. When we develop a storytelling mindset, almost any situation — from a birthday party, morning hike, or letter to a friend — becomes a storytelling opportunity.
Nurture and grow your storytelling efforts. The first way to do this is simply by listening to, creating, sharing, and celebrating stories. More formally, there are dozens of opportunities from webinars to full programs of study to help you improve and grow your storytelling mindset.
These 5 ways to develop your storytelling mindset are adapted from presentations and workshops I’ve given on storytelling. I believe life is story and story is life and I’m always looking for ways to grow my own storytelling mindset. I’d love to hear your ideas and learn what’s worked for you.
Remedies: The Writings of Larry McMurtry
Larry McMurtry died this week. I’d have felt the loss at any time, but especially now, I feel like I’ve lost one of my quarantine allies. His writing has helped get me through this dark and isolating year.
Photo by Will Porada on Unsplash
The first Larry McMurty book I remember reading was Cadillac Jack when I was in college. It must have been around 1982. I remember it as a breezy, road novel, dotted with interesting characters and situations. Chances are I’ll read it again soon, along with rereading and reading many other McMurtry titles.
This past summer, I read Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo. Both were engrossing tales and wonderful remedies to what could have been a bleak quarantine summer. Later, Susan and I watched the miniseries based on both books. Lonesome Dove was a rewatch from me and I was surprised how much I remembered about the show and how much I enjoyed it again decades after my first watch. Next week, I’ll start reading McMurtry’s first novel, Horseman, Pass By, for the first time.
Larry McMurtry died this week. I’d have felt the loss at any time, but especially now, I feel like I’ve lost one of my quarantine allies. But who am I kidding? Long after the quarantine is over, life will continue to present challenges. And I’ll still need remedies and escapes to help me live with and through them. I expect McMurtry’s works to continue to sustain me long after I’ve had my vaccines and put the masks away.
Thank you, Mr. McMurtry, for your words and stories that provide me comfort from these storms. Long will you ride.
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