At a recent Writers’ Club meeting, a member complimented me on my skill at storytelling.
I had to think about it. Me? I might call myself a writer, author, indie publisher, or editor. But storyteller?
Best-selling authors receive accolades all the time that are something like, “A brilliant book by a skillful writer.” That’s the praise most authors would be delighted to see or hear. Most of the people who write books probably prefer the title of writer or author.
But the comment about being a storyteller stuck with me.
I began to wonder if storytelling is the heart of what writers do when developing a piece of fiction. We ultimately build everything on top of the story, call it the plot if you prefer. All the grammatical edits, word choices, clarity of writing, pacing, and a million other decisions come after.
Even the word “storytelling” invokes the ability to create something out of nothing. It brings a certain mysticism to what, for me, is the daily challenge of infusing ordinary characters with the capacity to face epic struggles and triumph over evil.
It’s not as easy as it might sound, spinning tales from some bottomless well of ideas. I can be gripped with doubt and dissatisfaction with my work, especially when I reread a scene that’s dull or doesn’t move the story forward. But I overcome it. I put it aside and write a new passage, one that keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next or includes vivid descriptions of lands far different from our own.
For me, a storyteller sees endless possibilities. And not only in writing but in the world around us. Everyone has the talent to move mountains, unlock dreams, and add a little magic to everyday life.
Here’s to the storyteller in each of YOU. Remember, the next time you face doubt or dissatisfaction with life, there’s a storyteller within you waiting to change what’s wrong.
Embrace it. Fulfill your potential.