The Art of Storytelling
By Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
Regina, Saskatchewan
January 15, 2009 1:15am CST
There are many writer's here on the lot. And the one thing they have in common is the ability to tell a good story.
All storytellers that are good at what they do, start with a real event they have experienced and use their creative talent to tell it in a way that appeals to 'the more' rather than 'the few'.
The problem here, with the readership being so diverse, is that these stories must be kept relatively short, and many details that would explain finer points are left out. This can often confuse people, but it takes an even greater talent,
to self edit without losing the meaning of those finer points, than I for one have.
So as a result some storytellers .... me especially, have been labeled liars. How sad that certain readers can't just appreciate the story for what it is, rather than take it, in it's entirety, as the sum total of the whole, of the
anecdote being creatively told. In other words, just appreciate the humor and the fun of it instead of making it an absolute truth in every detail, of the storytellers life, when you couldn't possibly know ALL the details.
Because the format of this site gives readers the opportunity to comment/respond, if there are questions, that is the place to ask them. That is where you will find the 'details' that were left out and the clearing up of confusion.
To just jump to the conclusion, that because of this or that seeming overlap of what was said in one story as opposed to another, that the storyteller is a liar, is negating the writer's creative process. It's one thing to question,
it's quite another to obsess over details, and facts not in evidence, leading to erroneous judgments.
What is really sad though, is spreading that obsession in discussions drawing others into your own skewed view of the storyteller. rather than asking for clarification from the storyteller, and leaving inflammatory comments
on their threads. So unnecessary and frankly, cowardly.
I tell stories. I make no bones about that. I try to make them humorous and fun. I do not state at the beginning of each one that every single word is just the facts, and nothing but the facts because then it wouldn't be a story,
it would be a rather dry and boring 'report'. I write a lot in a lot of different places, but this is my favorite place to 'hone' my writing skills, because of the almost instant feedback from so many different people. Having to fill in
details in my responses to people comments helps considerably, my structuring and editing skills.
If you don't like my stories, that's ok, there are plenty of other writers here. All the people can't be pleased all the time or every writer in the world would be rich! lol Just don't attack; don't think you know what the facts are
better than the writer. Don't even pretend to be an authority on writing or you would understand what makes a storyteller and there would be no problem. But if you do have a problem and it seems insurmountable, speak to the writer personally. Surely you would expect that same respect for yourself?
That's it. Lesson over for the day class. LOL
I expect your written assignments of your view on this topic asap.
10 people like this
16 responses
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
15 Jan 09
When I go to tell a story, I have to get into the finer details. My husband has always said I tell too much, to get on with the story, especially when I'm trying to tell someone else. He thinks they don't want to hear the details. Perhaps sometimes they don't, or maybe they do; who really knows!
I believe the more one tells of an event the more exciting it is. I hate to get even into reading about something and see that most details are not there. It just leaves one out in the cold! And I hate cold! 
Someone who can tell a story like you makes a good book author. You keep people on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear more. They want to get right to the next chapter in a hurry. I read a series by John Aubrey Anderson that captivated the reader! I didn't want to put the book down. And, the minute I finished the first, I couldn't wait until I started the second book. There were three books in the series at the time, but I think he's writing a fourth. But, in these books, you felt like you knew the people. They were your neighbors. You saw them day and night, in their good and bad times, from youth to marriage and more. It was exciting life and times that kept one waiting for the next event to take place. That is the kind of story telling I love. And I know you can tell that kind of story, too, Sparks, that keeps people on their toes, wanting to know more!
There will always be those that chose to make a mountain out of a mole hill. They don't understand story telling, that all things aren't factual. And I don't think things that aren't factual are lies; they are 'story telling' at it's best. When you can think back on events in your life, build a story around it, and make it better than real life, then that is a good thing. It keeps people interested. Lots of times, those events in real life aren't as exciting as the story we can make of them. I don't understand why some people can't give a story teller leeway to do this with their stories. In fact, who in here really knows the person behind the story or knows the truth of anything we say in order to call us a liar?
Someone who can tell a story like you makes a good book author. You keep people on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear more. They want to get right to the next chapter in a hurry. I read a series by John Aubrey Anderson that captivated the reader! I didn't want to put the book down. And, the minute I finished the first, I couldn't wait until I started the second book. There were three books in the series at the time, but I think he's writing a fourth. But, in these books, you felt like you knew the people. They were your neighbors. You saw them day and night, in their good and bad times, from youth to marriage and more. It was exciting life and times that kept one waiting for the next event to take place. That is the kind of story telling I love. And I know you can tell that kind of story, too, Sparks, that keeps people on their toes, wanting to know more!
There will always be those that chose to make a mountain out of a mole hill. They don't understand story telling, that all things aren't factual. And I don't think things that aren't factual are lies; they are 'story telling' at it's best. When you can think back on events in your life, build a story around it, and make it better than real life, then that is a good thing. It keeps people interested. Lots of times, those events in real life aren't as exciting as the story we can make of them. I don't understand why some people can't give a story teller leeway to do this with their stories. In fact, who in here really knows the person behind the story or knows the truth of anything we say in order to call us a liar? 3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
You get it! You really get it! You should be feeling all warm and cosy! 
When I talk to people, I'm like you.......I get lost in the details and that drives people nuts. But when I write, especially 'in a confined space' such as a discussion forum, it's less detailed.........those come out in the responses.
So to call someone a liar, means the 'caller' is not really paying attention to the whole thread, only the bit at the top.
When I talk to people, I'm like you.......I get lost in the details and that drives people nuts. But when I write, especially 'in a confined space' such as a discussion forum, it's less detailed.........those come out in the responses.
So to call someone a liar, means the 'caller' is not really paying attention to the whole thread, only the bit at the top.1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Then write every day, even it sounds like nonsense. lol I have bits and pieces of paper everywhere with anecdotes on them that I keep because I know that one day, one or more of them is going to inspire a short story or discussion or poem. But if the hubs for example were to come across these and read them, he'd throw them out as so much nonsense. LOL
And fyi, I so love seeing your avatar now, that I'm inspired to plant some white daffodils this Spring and I'm not really a daffodil person. So thanks for that.
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Your way of telling a story is what got me to ask for your friendship! I love to read or listen to exciting tales that have great details. But then you know I'm a detail person! Sometimes, when I'm writing on my blog or for my website, or even here, I find myself rereading and deleting because I feel others might not want to know everything I've written. But I've learned over the years how to intertwine details together to make them more readable and exciting. I wrote lots of inspirational stories for my web site a few years ago. They just flowed from my fingers, but that has slowed down. I want to get it back because I love writing!
1 person likes this
@olivebranch56 (910)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Sparks my friend, you have kept me laughing, sometimes crying, but always entertained here on the lot for 2 years. I myself being an intelligent adult woman, know that not everything written is the real deal, just as some things in my life could be considered lies, so goes everyone. I f I told people here everything that has happened at my house this week, and it is not even the end of the week yet, they would think I was lying out both ends, but my house and life is never dull. I have 5 children at home, 5 grown, 10 grands, and crazy relatives, that can't seem to get their lives together. I could write a book a week some weeks. So before readers here start calling people liars, they need to step back and say, what kind of example am I setting for my peers when I am judging someone, I know nothing about, except what I read here. I know what I've written here probably won't change some peoples mind's, sometimes ignorant people don't like to learn new lessons, and people who like to carry tales back and forth would be utterly bored, with no life to speak of, if they didn't have you and others to use as their outlet to life. OOP'S now I'll probably get flamed too! Oh well, maybe they need some fresh bones to pick. Hugs and Love Gal, Marilyn
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Olive I have a sneaking suspicion that I am going to give you best response. You said exactly what I tried to say only better! You get an "A".
1 person likes this
@olivebranch56 (910)
• United States
16 Jan 09
Well thank you very much, coming from you that makes me feel like a scribe, ROFLMBO. I could never even imagine saying anything better than you do. I think your tales are just awesome. Hugs Marilyn
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
I've gone back over some of my discussions and read all the responses that go with them, and it's really in my responses to the comments that I find the details of the 'story', the explanations and clarifications. No wonder mylot admin says 'read the responses' before you reply. lol
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
•
16 Jan 09
Yes, I agree. I cannot understand why people get so hot under the collar about a story if they don't believe it is true. As a therapist, I see the past as something that is gone by and will never return, and our imaginations naturally tend to forget certain facts or add stuff. I don't believe that there anything wrong with this, it's just the way the human mind works. That's what make us so fascinating. Personally, I love to hear a god story - you hear it so much in sales letters and seminars and it stimulates the imagination that helps us make decisions. Where would we be without our imagination? :-) Derek
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
17 Jan 09
Exactly derek. After all, we can only change ourselves, so why obsess over other's shortcomings? Pettiness of thought and behaviour are the banes of the human condition and I for one refuse to be a part of that. I may be called insane, but I can laugh at myself and enjoy the moment and spread some love and laughter.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
16 Jan 09
We'd be living in a George Orwell nightmare! I just find it sad that some people can't take FUN at face value and enjoy the moment, you know? No wonder society is dying young from stress! Thanks for your insight derek.
1 person likes this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
15 Jan 09
Ah, yes, my dear sparks. You can turn a phrase so well. Your accounts of the strange goings on in your life are very entertaining to so many. The lot wouldn't be near the fun without your stories.
Maybe some just feel that you are getting more responses than they do to their discussions, and are jealous, I dunno.
Maybe some people just have so much pent up anger that you are an easy target.
Since you so often "turn the other cheek", always seem willing to forgive, give
people another chance, and apologize even when I don't believe you were in the wrong, to keep the peace. You are a peacemaker by nature.
It's sad, really, that some have so little else to do other than to nitpick every
little detail and call people liars because of their misconceptions or erroneous
assumptions.
One of my faults is that I am BURTALLY HONEST, and will sometimes injure someone's feelings before I realize what has spilled out of my mouth. But I am workin' on that. I am trying to learn from you and others on here.
XXXX
XXXX2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Thanks Annie. And you know, ever since I started writing here about my little town, I made it clear from the beginning that they were stories from THE TWILIGHT ZONE! Was that not a clue? LOL But then you know me better than anyone and you know that my whole life has been one long episode from the the twilight zone, in fact as well as 'creative writing', and if I couldn't write about it I'd end up in the OUTER LIMITS with no way back! ROFL
2 people like this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Speaking of The Twilight Zone, I saw two episodes last night from so many years ago! I had seen that we could get them, but had never watched any of the episodes. So last night was a treat! One of them was about this man making his own women by talking on a recorder, and then, if he was disappointed, he'd just throw the tape of them into the fire. At the very end, he even produced his tape of Rod Serling and tossed it into the fire and Rod vanished. Very funny! The Twilight Zone definitely is good story telling!
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
15 Jan 09
I, for one, enjoy reading some of the stories told here. I don't think much of whether they are actual true events or if they are made up bits and pieces. If one can catch my attention, make me laugh or cry, or appreciate a situation, it doesn't matter that there may be details missing,(I can always ask about it later), or that it seems a little off beat. I just enjoy reading the stuff, especially if the person has a way with words.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
And that's the point bo. Writer's WANT people to enjoy what they write or they wouldn't bother with the creative process they would simply string words together and to hell with the impact and move on to the next discussion etc., etc., and we all avoid those discussions! LOL
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Maybe it's just the artist in me that sees it that way. I don't care if someone looks at something I have done and says, Oh, yuck! What was she thinking? Or, Oh, wow! I really like that! I have gotten a reaction either way, and that is the point.
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Hi, zu
Sure, if I am confused about something...........which is almost always*L*
2 people like this
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
15 Jan 09
I completely agree with you sparks, it's a shame that many people downgrade what a person has spent their time and effort to amass in general as a story for our enjoyment and yes our amusement too. If you don't understand it then you absolutely have no right to say derogatory remarks when they are out of context in the first place and in the second place you don't understand what you are talking about referring to the story at hand.
Some people think it's up to them to cause concern and mayhem as well as calling someone a liar and downgradin the writing of others.
If they were an actual "writer" themself they would understand the reasoning and the impact that is being represented in the stories of other writers.
I guess this means that "these" people that start problems for a write are not writers of stories and have no idea of what is being said and the content of the stories being written by others.
Now, to you sparks I totally enjoy your stories and look forward to them when I get the few that you are abliged to let us read. Keep up the good works and to h*ll with the people that don not understand and do not care to. If they did they write to you asking, "what did you mean by.....?"
Thank you my dear friend for what stories you deem fit for us to read in your written stories. Keep them coming! There are many of us that enjoy them!
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I just said what I felt. I've always had a vivid imagination and still do. Thank you so much I bow to you in a gester of acceptance.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Thanks sweets. It's really very simple.........to understand the craft of writing, one has to have an open, imaginative mind. To view a story without imagination is to miss the fun and enjoyment of it. You get an "A" for the class moondancer. Well done! lol
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Once upon a time.......which by the way was yesterday.........or maybe it was 20 minutes ago. LOL Thank you for the lesson in creative writing. I have seen my own writing improve over the years. I have learned to use different words to describe things in greater detail rather than repeating the same words over and over. I am still not the best storyteller but I do try to make things clear.
Most of my friends know that in order to truly understand today's discussion, they must possess knowledge from the previous discussions. I try not to repeat the contents of previous discussions too many time. Many times, I go back and look at my discussions. What I see are the individual pages of a much bigger book. I hope that those who read my discussions have learned how to follow me.
Gabs is a wonderful descriptive writer. But I found I needed to read discussion #1 in order to fully understand discussion #2. Not a problem. I now have two discussions to read and respond to. It is just one story divided into two discussions so that the reader can be fully informed on the topic.
Her way and your way of writing help me so much. It also entertains me and informs me. I still have a mental image of the moose that loved your truck. Now that was a hilarious story. By the way, did you ever get that horn re-tuned??
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
First....no the horn is still making the mating call though it's been silent for some time as the battery froze in the early part of the winter, so the poor thing is off road until we can replace the battery...oh and get a new transmission! lol
Second, I've known you since my first days here and I have watched your own skills improve and it humbles me that you give me any credit for that. Now Gabs........from her I too have learned a lot, although mostly how to love others.
1 person likes this
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Sparks my dear friend I see that you have turned in your entirely overdue writing assignment today. LOL!!!! But seriously you're absolutely correct to have any writer wrtie all that details exactly as it happened or in it entirety is a documentary or and biography. To me those are dull and dry .. I love you're stories they are cute and funny and I never doubt that the main points are facts. But here is the thing this is the lot you are entitled to divulge only what you feel you need without reprocussion. I hope you continue your stories they were funny and fun and upbeat have a nice one my friend.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
I appreciate your comments bella. This discussion could have gone in a number of different directions, but as I needed to stand up for myself, I thought, why not use this opportunity to help other writers, and educate readers on the art of telling a story for the fun and entertainment value and not for the chance to nit pick. Oh hell, you know what I mean.............coffee! I need coffee! lol
2 people like this
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
15 Jan 09
I take it you just woke up and the coffee pot is your friend this morning. LOL!!!
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
LOL, actually I had to scramble to find some, and that always makes me testy! lol
1 person likes this
@LouRhi (1502)
• Australia
15 Jan 09
The world is full of small minded bigots, who seem to delight in nothing else other than trying to destroy what others have.
I for one enjoy every word you write. In fact I have not been coming to here lately as I have not received any notifications (apart from the past few days) from you. I think your ability to tell a story is wonderful. There is not a post that has not made me laugh and smile and in a world full of sorrow, hurt and and nastiness you are a breath of fresh air.
Personally I have never given a thought as to whether your post are word for word truth or fiction. Frankly I do not care. You are entertaining and amusing, even when writing about a sad event you find a lighter side which is truly an amazing gift. In fact I wish I had the ability to tell a story as well as what you do.
I was going to say don't let these fun spoilers stop you in any way but then I realised that is probably not in your nature anyway!
So here's cheers to our beloved sparky who manages to brighten my day with every post!
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Why thank you Lou. I will endeavour to be here more often then. I'm actually surprised at the number of people who have responded so kindly to my little lesson! LOL You all inspire me and make it worth while no matter what the smaller minded people think or say. Everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to voice it, and I gotta say, I like the way you voice yours! Hugs.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Oh dear me and my big mouth.........but hey if you're close to payout, I'll give it a think and put a discussion about the weather and try not to bore you to tears.......or get deleted! ROFL
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jan 09
I think the key word in all that you wrote is "creative". If someone doesn't understand why you've written what you've written, they should look that word up in a dictionary.
Most people's lives are boring... even if they are living with a never-ending barrage of day-to-day experiences, they are still usually boring to strangers. What makes a writer a good writer is their ability to leave out the less critical details and amplify the more critical ones.
To me, if someone goes out of their way to point out some indiscrepancies, it is only saying, "My life is so boring I must live through yours." Or, they are jealous people who want ALL the attention and, since you seem to be getting too much of it (i.e., taking it away from them, at least in their own minds) they must 'attack'.
It's a shame but it's something every writer must endure, especially on a site such as myLot. I'm sure that even Stephen King (the science FICTION writer) gets his fair share of "Hey, that's not true!" type letters!
There. Mission accomplished; assignment turned in. All's right with the world.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
And you get an "A" you good little student you! lol
1 person likes this
@rogerfederer (81)
•
17 Jan 09
Hello mentalward,
I was chuckling as I read your post. Please have some pity on those whose imaginations may have inherent limitations as the absence of matter between their ears would not allow them to think otherwise. That term "attack" that you have just coined is simply the knee-jerk reaction of those who are in a dilemma, as they grope, looking for anything meaningful to say.
I would imagine that some yokels here in MyLot would even have resorted to the use of foul language if not for the fear of being banned permanently. These are pathetic defense mechanisms that we must all take with a grain of salt.
For the intrepid and aspiring writers among us, may I suggest that you guys visit www.authspot.com or www.helium.com where you may peddle your wares more productively?
May we have a nice and sunny day in this sub-zero winter... LOL. ('_')
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
17 Jan 09
Thanks roger. I know those sites almost as well as they know me! LOL Just doing my bit here as it's really a different kettle of fish altogether. Welcome to the lot.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Hey sparky! Nicely put I must say! You wrote a nice story
about story telling! lol! I understood the message and I
think that it is true that when someone is telling a story
that people should take it to the point as to hang on every
word because the only person that does know what is the
truth is the person that is telling the story! A story is not
necessarily going to be an exact report, as you said of
something that happened or a word for word summation of a
discussion. That isn't what a "story" is! And a writer shouldn't
have to put a disclaimer before every story to let the reader
know that not every single word should be taken verbatim!
So, inasmuch as one can read a story and take out of it what they
want they must also remember that it is just that~a story!
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
Exactly Opal, and here especially, there's always 'more' to the little stories that are told. Only through emailing our friends, can we, over time, 'fill in the blanks'. And so few of us are here to for more than the fun and friendship so things have to be taken at face value not picked apart and judged.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I take it from this discussion someone stepped on you pretty good? I'm sorry, people here tend to forget it's virtual and often take things to seriously.
On the other side, it's often hard to tell the real from the unreal in this format.
I don't think I've ever read anything of yours before but would like to read more. Want to be friends?
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
16 Jan 09
Hello savypat and yes please you may be my friend! LOL
I so totally agree that people tend to take sites like this way to seriously.
It narrows one's vision and makes one judgmental if we're not careful.
So I started another little thread this morning asking people to rewrite a small
story I gave them as an exercise in realizing that though we draw from our own lives certain facts and ideas and feelings when we set out to write something, it
doesn't mean that every word of that story is absolute fact or truth. There would be no such thing as creative writing if that were true, and I'm much better at creative writing based on events and circumstances and feelings in my own life than I am at any other kind! LOL
@snowcat46 (2322)
• United States
16 Jan 09
That is the story telling art. To take the common, everyday things and turn them into gold. That's why us readers like to read. I would love to read your works. I wish I had enough talent to write a good story.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
16 Jan 09
Snowcat.......your basic writing skills are good. Read a lot, pay attention to how the writing unfolds, and practice writing little short stories, anecdotes or just lines here or there. Talent is not a given......it's a skill honed, and practiced and improved with experience. Keeping a journal is the best way....
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
16 Jan 09
Oh gosh, not being near a library! The bane of my existence. When I was younger I lived in a libray! I think I've seen the inside of more library's than bathroom's! LOL I live over an hour away from one, and let me tell you, that HURTS! lol
@snowcat46 (2322)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I've got a lot of journals! (It's one way to keep track of what I'm thinking of, before I forget. Which happens about 1 minute after writing...) That's one reason I was glad to find My Lot. It's good practice for writing a lot, even if it isn't stories. I just love reading. That's why I'd love to read your stuff. We live 16 miles from any town. Libraries aren't really a good option when it's a snow month!
1 person likes this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
15 Jan 09
A story is a story. Why nit pick over "facts". I don't understand. Even if one of your stories recounted sailing to the edge of the earth and turning back just before falling off, it's a story! People shouldn't jump in and inform you that the earth is round and your wouldn't have fallen off!
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
LOL.........but wouldn't it have made a better story if I did fall off? ROFL
Thanks doodle, always a pleasure to see you.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
15 Jan 09
Hi Sparky,
Wow!! what a beautiful way of putting it, I have always loved your story telling and enjoyed every moment of it and I knew it was based on facts but changes were made, I have understood that because I myself have writen short stories in the past. I have missed your stories so much though and look forward to your other stories. Love and hugs.
Tamara
xxxxx
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
15 Jan 09
I'm not just a funny face tamara! LOL Hugs and thanks for the kind words.
