Stories for change

I collaborate with individuals and their organizations to affect positive change through the art of storytelling.

Storytelling can be difficult.  Until suddenly, almost magically, it becomes easy.  Arriving at that transformational spot is the trick.  It's all about 'getting to why', as I call it.  This involves asking questions, listening, and then writing toward a shared destination that is reflective of what I have gleaned from a 'client' who I now consider a collaborator.  

Along this creative way it helps to remember that, from Solomon to Spielberg, it is well-told stories that sustain, protect and connect us all.

I draw on what I learned as a national magazine writer to dive into research, conduct revealing interviews, and then shape what I have gathered into compelling narratives that engage and influence a specific audience.  I focus on the mechanics of storytelling (the 'how'), but achieve success only as the motivation behind the story - the purpose, or 'the why' - comes into focus.   

What can this look like?  Try this simple, 3-act story:

A kid was skateboarding along a street when he stopped to watch three men hard at work in overalls and work-boots, surrounded by large stones.  The boy asked the first man what he was building.  The man growled, "I'm layin' bricks."  

The kid rolled ahead a bit and asked the next man the same question.  The second builder stopped, glanced up and said, "I'm putting up a wall."  

The kid nodded, went a little farther, and asked the third man what he was building.  The last man got up, dusted off his hands, and looked proudly his work: "We're building someone's dream home," he said.

I have worked with CEOs, politicians, leaders of non-profits, teachers & students, and a slew of others to help shape & share everything from simple stories to complex strategies - be it web/blog content, TV & video scripts, articles, speeches, or social media material, or something entirely new!  

I collaborate with good people to craft narratives that have meaning, power & purpose.  

It is hard work.  It can also be crazy, good fun.