Pain & Art: Write What You Honestly Know | Ryan Gattis | TEDxChapmanU

TEDx Talks12 minutes read

A struggling fiction writer in 2009 overcame financial difficulties by incorporating the five essentials of immersive storytelling into their work, leading to success in publishing. Emphasizing authenticity and personal experiences in storytelling, the speaker learned the power of connection and impactful narratives through interactions with diverse individuals.

Insights

  • Authenticity in storytelling is crucial, as emphasized by the speaker's personal experiences and interactions, leading to a deep connection with the audience.
  • The speaker's journey from struggling writer to successful author highlights the transformative impact of incorporating the five essentials of immersive storytelling, culminating in the eventual publication of their novel in 2014.

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Recent questions

  • How did the speaker's financial situation impact their writing career?

    The speaker, a struggling fiction writer in 2009, faced financial difficulties and lack of success in publishing. Living in low-income housing in downtown Los Angeles, the financial constraints added pressure to their writing endeavors, pushing them to explore new avenues for success.

  • What inspired the speaker to create a course on nonfiction oral storytelling?

    Inspired by a friend's storytelling of traumatic experiences, the speaker developed a course on nonfiction oral storytelling. This inspiration stemmed from witnessing the power of personal narratives and the emotional impact they can have on both the storyteller and the listener.

  • What are the five essentials of immersive storytelling emphasized in the speaker's course?

    The course focused on five essentials of immersive storytelling: hooks, the unexpected, cause-and-effect, how it felt, and concrete specific detail. These elements are crucial in engaging the audience and creating a compelling narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotion.

  • How did the speaker's personal experiences contribute to their understanding of storytelling authenticity?

    The speaker emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling, learned through personal experiences. By drawing from their own life and being vulnerable in sharing personal stories, the speaker gained a deeper understanding of the power of authenticity in creating genuine connections with the audience.

  • What pivotal moment led to the speaker's novel finally being published in 2014?

    After years of rejection, the speaker's novel was finally published in 2014, incorporating the five essentials of storytelling and authenticity. This success was attributed to the speaker's ability to infuse their personal experiences and lessons learned from storytelling into their writing, creating a work that resonated with readers on a profound level.

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Summary

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Struggling writer finds success through authenticity

  • The speaker, a struggling fiction writer in 2009, faced financial difficulties and lack of success in publishing.
  • Living in low-income housing in downtown Los Angeles, the speaker worked as a creative writing professor.
  • Inspired by a friend's storytelling of traumatic experiences, the speaker developed a course on nonfiction oral storytelling.
  • The course focused on five essentials of immersive storytelling: hooks, the unexpected, cause-and-effect, how it felt, and concrete specific detail.
  • The speaker emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling, learned through personal experiences.
  • Summoned by a former gang member for a meeting, the speaker followed strict rules, including coming alone and being 100% honest.
  • During the meeting, the speaker shared a personal story of a traumatic experience at 17, leading to a connection with the listener.
  • The speaker's novel, after years of rejection, was finally published in 2014, incorporating the five essentials of storytelling and authenticity.
  • Through extensive research and interactions with diverse individuals, the speaker learned the power of authenticity in storytelling and personal connections.
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