We all spend so much time working on our stories. We all have our own process that includes some variation of the following.. A story must be chosen (or it chooses us); multiple versions must be researched; an organizer has to be created; the story needs to be crafted; multiple dry runs to family and friends are required; and then, finally, it is ready for the official telling. Although this is a lot of work, for most storytellers, it is a labor of love.
The story becomes part of us-a treasure to be occasionally brought out, dusted off and retold. Treasure hunting is fun-deciphering a map, looking for clues, digging through stuff until, finally, we find the treasure. However, most storytellers want to spend their time crafting and telling stories-not looking for them!
It is important to create some sort of organizational system that allows us to very quickly find our stories. In our early storytelling classes, we were required to create a repertoire of our stories. I religiously completed this assignment and even added story ideas I have yet to craft. I was very thorough.
Although I saw the need to provide specific information on each story, I quickly realized what I really needed was a way to quickly access the storyboard and audio recording for each story. This led me to create my own system. As part of my process, I create a storyboard for each story-usually using the Five P approach. Limiting myself to eight squares I draw the story. Because drawing is not my gift, the drawings are very simple-stick figures and preschool-inspired trees. However, I always color my storyboards. I find the more color I use, the clearer and more detailed the story becomes in my head. Finally, I take a picture of the storyboard. Then I use a recording app on my phone to record the story. I play it over and over until I have learned it. Often, I make multiple recordings because I need to add details or rearrange some events. But I only save the latest recording.
Currently I create a folder for each class I take and then create a sub-folder for each story. The picture of the storyboard and audio recording are saved in the sub folder. For example, I have a folder called STO 295. Inside is a sub-folder called The Mexican Fisherman. Inside the sub-folder is the picture of the Mexican Fisherman storyboard and the audio recording. This allows me to search for the story by class and title. As I find opportunities to tell publicly, I will modify the labeling system to include the venue, organization, and date.
Considering the amount of time and love we give our stories, it is important to keep them safe and accessible. I hope my method encourages you to create the system that makes the most sense to you.
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