Read Like A Writer

There are two ways to learn how to write fiction: by reading it and by writing it. Yes, you can learn lots about writing stories in workshops, in writing classes and writing groups, at writers' conferences. You can learn technique and process by reading the dozens of books like this one on fiction writing and by reading articles in writers' magazines. But the best teachers of fiction are the great works of fiction themselves. You can learn more about the structure of a short story by reading Anton Chekhov's 'Heartache' than you can in a semester of Creative Writing 101. If you read like a writer, that is, which means you have to read everything twice, at least. When you read a story or novel the first time, just let it happen. Enjoy the journey. When you've finished, you know where the story took you, and now you can go back and reread, and this time notice how the writer reached that destination. Notice the choices he made at each chapter, each sentence, each word. (Every word is a choice.) You see now how the transitions work, how a character gets across a room. All this time you're learning. You loved the central character in the story, and now you can see how the writer presented the character and rendered her worthy of your love and attention. The first reading is creative—you collaborate with the writer in making the story. The second reading is critical.


John Dufresne, from his book, The Lie That Tells A Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction

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The Story-Teller as an Artist of Words: Understanding and Transmitting Life Through Stories

 



The Story-Teller as an Artist of Words: Understanding and Transmitting Life Through Stories

By

Olivia Salter

 

From the earliest days of human existence, storytelling has played an instrumental role in shaping cultures, transmitting knowledge, and connecting people across time and geography. As an artist of words, the story-teller wields immense power—the power to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and ignite imagination.

The Ancient Art of Storytelling

1.      A Glorious Lineage: Storytelling is the oldest of all the arts. As far back as memory goes, people have listened to stories. Primitive tribes in Africa used storytelling as the sole means of educating and training their children. Around campfires, honored old men shared tales of bravery, wisdom, and sacred beliefs1.

2.      The Bagandas’ Tradition: In East Africa, the Bagandas tell stories during evenings after supper. Mothers and grandmothers pass down tales, sometimes dramatized with drums and dancing. The story-teller moves about, gesturing, twisting, and climbing trees, captivating the audience with every word1.

The Story-Teller’s Toolbox

1.      Mastery of Craftsmanship: Just as a painter wields a brush, the story-teller commands words. We must hone our language skills, understanding nuances, rhythm, and tone. Our canvas is the listener’s mind, and our palette is the lexicon.

2.      The Power of Performance: Like an actor on stage, the story-teller performs. We breathe life into characters, infusing them with emotions and quirks. Our voice becomes the orchestra, rising and falling to create tension, laughter, or tears.

In conclusion, as artists of words, we inherit a legacy—a lineage of storytellers who shaped civilizations. Let us enrich our personalities, cultivate empathy, and wield our command of words and voice to transmit life’s profound truths through stories.

References:

  1. StoryTelling - Its Value and Importance
  2. Storytelling and Cultural Traditions - National Geographic Society

 

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