It helps to see a few examples ahead of time to get the feel for how a digital story is structured. But still, it can be difficult. Especially if you have several stories to tell.
Narrowing down a topic that lends itself well to the digital storytelling format can be a challenge. It helps to choose an event or a particular situation and write about it.
We tried an exercise this week called "Turning Points" -- a variation of Joe Lambert's exercise he talks about in his book. For 5 minutes or so, participants write about turning points in their lives.
Many stories this week took shape as personal narratives that included a specific turing point. I have to admit, this is the part of the story I listen for. As much as I like the build up to a turning point because it provides the viewer with valuable background, it is the turning point and the story after that where you find out the details of the rest of the story that pleases me most.
Twice in my session this week I was pleasantly surprised by how authors crafted their turning point and shaped their story. One completely took me off guard as it was not the way I thought the story might go. I think this is what makes the stories very listenable. Just when you think the story is going in a particular direction, wham, it changes and you are "let in" on the rest of the story.
I'm also in awe and have great respect for participant storytellers who let their audience in on very personal stories. We talked this week about stories that may be 'not too personal'. I know the feeling. We try and write what we are comfortable writing but there is always a story to tell that may be just too personal for public consumption.
Life is story with many turning points. I'll never tire of hearing stories. Now, if I could just muster up the gumption to write my next digital story.
