Miserable Children Need Stories
I was eight years old, just home from a three-month stay in the hospital, and I was totally illiterate.
I spent six months in a body cast... twice. The first time when I was eight years old. The second time at nine. There was a small classroom in the basement of Shriners Hospital. But I don't remember going except a handful of times. I could write my name, but that was about it. I was in the first grade, and I couldn't even spell CAT.
I had become withdrawn and shy after my traumatic stay in the hospital. Not only had I been far from my family, but I also experienced abuse and neglect there.
My mom got me a tutor. But I was hesitant to tell the tutor that I didn't understand because I feared the repercussions. What would she do? Call me stupid? Worthless? Tell me I couldn't see my mom until I did my school work? I was in a constant state of fear. Not just with the tutor, but with anyone outside my family. The tutor eventually quit, telling my mom that I couldn't learn. My mom, being small but a mighty force, wasn't about to accept that BS. That's when she enlisted the help of my older sister, Ali, to teach me how to read and write before the second grade.
Ali was a strict teacher, and I was a defiant student. I felt more comfortable with my sister. I knew, no matter what she said, she loved me. Plus, if she did, mom would fire her! Ha! First, we tried the traditional ways of learning with a workbook. I didn't get it. I was uncomfortable in my big itchy body cast, and I was so mentally exhausted I couldn't concentrate.
I'll never forget, one day, Ali looked me in my eyes and asked, "Lace, you don't want to do this, do you?" I didn't know what to say. I'd never had my older sister talk to me that way. She was as mentally drained as I was. Plus, I want to believe she saw me then. She felt a tinge of compassion for me. I started to cry.
"It's okay, Lace. I understand," Ali told me. "How about instead I read to you?"
That whole summer, Ali read fun, adventurous, and enjoyable books. That's it! No spelling lessons, no grammar. Only stories.
The first book she read me? James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl. It was the first time I heard a story about a miserable child! I could finally relate to someone! I was hooked! From that moment on, I wanted to read! What other stories did these 'books' hold for me? Who else had escaped their miserable lives?
Stories motivated me, but my literacy journey was long and arduous. By sixth grade, I still couldn't spell even simple words like 'broom' or 'brush.'
It was humiliating when all the other kids seemed to get this magical English language. I knew I wasn't dumb, but I also decided in my mind that English wasn't my subject and that I would never be a writer.
Years later, in my college writing class, I wrote an authentic story essay about my life, and my professor loved it! She asked me if they could publish it in the schools' book of writings. I was never told I was a good writer before then. My professor planted a seed in a tiny crack of my soul that adored "story" and wanted to tell a few of my own.
How? How do I learn writing if I didn't study it in college? This was my burning question for a long time.
College gave me a lot of experience writing. But I still consider myself a 'work-in-progress" writer. I'm determined to get better at writing though. I want to put together great podcast stories and someday write a book about a miserable kid who found a way to be happy. :)
Here are three things I'm doing to go from
'A work-in-progress' to a hopeful masterful storyteller.
1. THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING, by Lajos Egri.
On my trip out west, I met up with my former bandmate of the Sheep Bridge Jumpers, Mark Oliver. Mark is an artist. He has created many great short and full-length films and won awards for his photography. At the same time, starting a band, a promotions business, and ran a hostel/hotel in Sun Valley, Idaho. Mark has cofounded several podcasts, and is an all-around badass!
When I told him I was doing this crazy podcasting project, he was more than excited! He had a TON of helpful advice, including this book, "The Art of Dramatic Writing," by Lajos Egri.
This book is full of well thought out advice for anyone interested in telling a compelling story.
I'm learning about premise, character, conflict dialogue, etc.
It's an excellent reference if you get lost and forget what those themes are for. I also found some advice gems for life, giving way to a new perspective on how to see the world.
I'm grateful to Mark for imparting his wisdom and experience, including this recommendation! To the right is one of my favorite qoutes from the book.
Grab a copy from your local library, or a used copy on Amazon, HERE.
2. Wired for Story: How to become a story genius," Creative Live class by Lisa Cron
I heard about Creatlive.com on a podcast with Chase Jarvis, years ago. Since then, I've been a huge fan of online learning, and have taken several classes on Creativelive.com. One of my favorite classes so far was Lisa Cron's class on writing stories. She explains elements that I'd never thought of or heard before. For example, I didn't know that the story starts at the turning point or the crux. I always thought I needed a backlog of info leading up to the moment everything changes. Instead, she says you can tie details from the past into the moment of conflict. Lisa also explains that writing isn't a linear project. As a writer, you jump around, build character, build conflict, build resolutions. I found her approach to new writers less intimidating and gentle. She helps set guideposts along the way that help to know you're on the right track. The class is 17 short but jam-packed video lessons and includes a 'Wired for Story' Workbook. Find out more about “Wired for Story with Cron, and other great classes HERE.
3. commitment
I struggle with commitment. I'm an explorer by heart and pretty curious about what's on the other side of the mountain. For me to get serious and focused on a project, I need a way to solidify my commitment to it. One way I do that is by giving energy and support to literacy. This can be tutoring, providing books, making a donation, or showing up for a writing workshop. Literacy is a growing problem in the United States, and every state has a literacy program you can join.
It's all energy, right? So, where are we putting our energies?
To find a literacy program to support near you, do a google search for "Literacy programs near me." Whatever capacity you can share, your energy will be appreciated.
Struggling to communicate and self-advocate is a tragedy. Learning to read and write allows giant peaches to fly! And miserable little children to change their lives!
My radical, brave friends... if you have advice or suggestions to further my storytelling learning, I would TOTALLY appreciate it! Please leave a comment below with your ideas!
Thank you, my wild-hearted friend, for joining me on this journey!
Lace