David Ring: "The Promise of Summer"

Speak Up Storytelling

On episode #31 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks 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:

1. A great first sentence

2. The way that choices about description and learning description in a certain way can help tell the story

3. The power of contrast in description

4. "Nonfiction" in storytelling

5. The appropriate absence of humor in storytelling

6. 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: http://www.matthewdicks.com

Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• 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

• Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Child https://amzn.to/2FivM7V

• Trevor Noah's "The Brick https://bit.ly/2NR9XAF