Storytelling

Often when I am writing prose, I write what I hear in my mind.  Most often, this inspiration, the syntax, comes to me as if someone was telling me the story.  Many times I feel as though my writing would be better if it was spoken, or recited, rather than read silently.  I have often thought of postscripting some of my writings with the direction "to be read aloud." 

We really don't hear of storytellers (bards) anymore.  It is as a dying art being replaced with movies, songs, books.  While these other forms of entertainment are thrilling, I think there can be some real value to an experienced, talented storyteller.

Speakers are a kind of storyteller, but from what I have observed from speaking and listening to speakers, it is much too prescribed, no artistic talent is used.  Time is spent knowing your information, reciting, arguing, yet not "getting in the mood."  Plays force you to adopt a character style, but they often involve several people.  How about one person telling a simple story, in character, in style, with talent.  We're losing that.

Writing...

I am having a lot of luck with a short prose story I have just begun writing.  Right before work, the words started spilling and after work they continued to spill (to my great pleasure).  I really like the way this work has progressed, immediately it took on a life of its own and it took very little effort for me to find inspiration.  Of course, this is just the first draft, as I start to reread and edit I may find this piece to become more difficult.

One problem I am having is my main character has to go through a major change in his life, a major progression.  I want this progression to be a very personal change.  Some non-personal ideas would be: my character gets involved in a new relationship and that relationship (or influence from the other person) helps them change, or my character joins the military and helps him change, etc.  I don't want there to be some kind of outside influence, but to be a total inward change.  I also don't want some dramatic event to take place (near death experience, etc.) to motivate him (wake him up) to change.  I'm having a little bit of difficulty with this part, but I am still in the first processes of writing this, so inspiration will still come.

As time passes, I'll be working on this and editing it and will let you know when it is finished.  This will probably be a bit longer than some of my previous writings (some of which I've posted), and so probably will not post the entire piece on this blog.  However, we'll see.  I'll keep you posted as to when this is finished.

Anyone there?

Sometimes, I really wonder whether there is anyone out there like me.  As I meet more and more people, I find that they are all really the same.