A little writing inspiration

Every now and then I search out things that will remind me why I love storytelling. That will inspire me to be the best storyteller I can be. It's easy to get caught up in thoughts and worries about the business side of publishing, and forget why it is I do what I do.

It's because I LOVE stories.

I frequently listen to podcasts on my daily walk with the dog. NPR's TED Radio Hour is one I listen to from time to time. They interview three people, one by one, who have done TED talks and play parts of their talks, and group them together with some sort of underlying theme. This morning I listened to one called, "Framing the Story."

One of the three people on the show was Andrew Stanton, a writer and director from PIXAR.

You can watch his full TED talk HERE.

There are a few little gems I latched on to, and I thought I would share them here, in case you are a writer in need of a a bit of inspiration today.



1. Mr. Rogers used to carry around a piece of paper in his wallet that had a quote from a social worker. It said, "Frankly, there isn't anyone you couldn't learn to love once you've heard their story."

Mr. Stanton then goes on to talk about how we must always remember this fundamental story commandment, which is: Make me care.

That is our number one job throughout the story - to make the reader care.

2. Drama is anticipation mingled with uncertainty.

I love that. I can't wait to find out what happens - and what IS going to happen!?!?

3. The secret sauce - can you evoke the sense of wonder? The best stories infuse wonder.

When you can hold a person still, in a brief moment of their day, and have them give in to that sense of wonder, it's a magical thing. And when one artist does it to another artist? That artist is then compelled to pass it on.

Yes, yes, yes!

Have a great week!