Storytellers come in many forms. Writers. Poets. Griots. Screenwriters. Playwrights. Songwriters. Mimes. As writers we can learn a little from each one of them.
Practicing our hand at poetry or writing short stories forces us to tighten our writing. We must tell a gripping story with an economy of words.
Screenwriting shows us how to use dialogue and action to advance the narrative of our story.
Songwriting teaches us to relate a powerful story that connects with our audience using minimal verse punctuated by haunting metaphors and memorable phrasing.
Earlier this week we discussed the power of a well-told story. We can do this by borrowing techniques traditionally used by any of the storytellers listed above.
The video gives brief instruction on how to use mind-mapping to craft a song that has greater emotional impact. This technique would also be beneficial for a novelist who wants to turn up the emotion in a scene. Check out the video below and tell me what you think.
What tools or techniques do you use to turn up the emotions in your story? Tell us in the comments below.
Photo credit: Some rights reserved by Diesel Demon.
Roxanne Ravenel (263 Posts)Roxanne is a freelance journalist and novelist living in North Carolina. Her alter ego, Reese Ryan, writes smart, spicy fiction populated by deliciously flawed, multicultural characters living in the Midwest and Southeast. Her debut novel, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, will be published by Carina Press July 22, 2013. She is Managing Editor of the long-running e-zine, All Things Girl.
Roxanne Ravenel (263 Posts)Roxanne is a freelance journalist and novelist living in North Carolina. Her alter ego, Reese Ryan, writes smart, spicy fiction populated by deliciously flawed, multicultural characters living in the Midwest and Southeast. Her debut novel, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, will be published by Carina Press July 22, 2013. She is Managing Editor of the long-running e-zine, All Things Girl.
)
When I’m stuck on a story idea or when my writing is sounding dry and stilted, I have used poetry before. I am REALLY bad at it, but sometimes it helps loosen up my writing and remind me that words are emotional and beautiful.
Incidentally, you are the recipient of the Liebster Blog Award. I love your blog and am honored to pass this along. Stop by my blog and pick up the badge and post it with pride. I’m so glad I followed your name to your blog and am getting to know you and your great work.
Thanks so much, Julie! I’m so glad our paths crossed. It’s been fun getting to know you as well. I will definitely hop on over and pick up my badge.
I’ve tried my hand at poetry and it isn’t pretty.
But it teaches me so much about writing more efficiently and reminds me how evocative the right words can be.
I’m especially enamored by songwriters and am constantly inspired by their use of language.
RaleighRoxStar recently posted..Use Songwriting Tips to Write a More Emotional Scene
Wonderful blog! I’m glad I followed the link from a friend’s site. I see you’re participating in the NaNoWriMo…I’ll be right there with you. How did you get the word counter that you’ve put on your page?
I chuckled at “mimes.” We hear “show, don’t tell,” but THAT’S some real story showing, isn’t it? Love it.
It will be wonderful to follow you and venture into the NaNo this year together.
)
Hi Chris! Welcome to Mindful Banter. Thank you for your kind words regarding the blog. I’m thrilled to have another NaNo buddy. My NaNo username is RaleighRoxStar.
There are some really cool word count widgets this year. They are on the NaNo site under Fun Stuff, Word Count Widgets.
RaleighRoxStar recently posted..Storyteller Saturday: Roxanne Ravenel
Pingback: Storyteller Saturday: Taylor Swift | Mindful Banter