#156 - The Magic of Novelty in Your Stories
On what it means to truly create something new
This is Adventures in Storytelling your weekly note with resources, insights, and actionable tools for better communication through storytelling. A short one this week because this puppy is kicking my ass. Enjoy.
The new and the novel are things some of seek with gusto, for the fresh hit of serotonin and dopamine in our lives. But getting to new can be hard. It’s usually a process, a journey. Much like a story. And it almost always promises transformation.
As I transition a lot of things in my life and prepare for our last Re-Work workshop of 2023, I can’t help but ponder on the role of what “new” actually means in the context of storytelling. Specifically, new ways of being, which is the topic of that last workshop.
According to Google’s dictionary, new is simply something not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time or already existing but seen, experienced, or acquired recently or now for the first time. I think both definitions apply to storytelling. Sometimes our stories and themes are older than time itself, but they are new to our audience or the way we introduce them are. Other times we hit upon an idea or a world or a concept that is net new (rare but magical and possible) and share it for the first time.
Before I go on a meandering journey fuelled by coffee and lack of sleep, let me keep it simple and say, every story you tell is not just unique it’s new. Because you bring your own eye and method and context to the telling which makes it new again. You would tell the story of your brand differently than I would or Steve Jobs might. For good reason. So as you step into new and seek transformation through stories, remember what is yours is new again.
Hope this helps you think of your stories in new ways this week. I’m heading back to puppy prison for the week. See you on the other side.
A Story Well Told
If you ask certain people, men are in crisis. And yes I agree but also am so focused on all the other crises that I can’t really find the energy to dive into it further. But this article from GQ on a retreat for men seeking to tap into their more human and emotional side was just the thing to humanize and bring to life the challenges some men are contending with. It’s a quiet, thoughtful piece that provides real insight and perspective. A story truly well told.
P.S. If you enjoyed reading this newsletter and want to support you have options(!):
Subscribe if you haven’t already (hit the button below and include your email)
Forward this post to a friend or colleague and encourage them to subscribe here (it’s especially for business owners, marketers, and anyone looking to share their stories and communicate with impact)
Reply to this note and tell me what worked for you and what you’d like to see more of. (Or comment below if you’re reading on the site or substack app)