A friend of mine, Abbie Reese, is finishing a portion of a nearly decade-long project with some cloistered nuns who live in Rockford, Illinois, a small industrial city in America’s heartland.
She’s already created an art exhibit featuring photos accompanied by audio of the nuns commentary.
Her book, Dedicated to God, was published by Oxford University Press earlier this year.
Now she’s launched an Indiegogo fundraising campaign so she can have the video edited into a feature length film, Chosen (Custody of the Eyes).
Her work is interesting on its face, since so few people get to move behind the walls of the cloister. But she’s also combined a variety of techniques to tell the story of the Poor Clare Colettines.
Her video, which is both introduction to her project and request for help, differs from yesterday’s, which was more pure-storytelling.
How might you borrow some of Abbie’s methods to develop your stories? And to market them?
Category: editor
Not so lonely
Combating loneliness can be difficult. One Japanese woman fights it by populating her village with dolls. What else might such a character do? What other quirks might a lonely character develop?
Creepy might not be the best word to describe the woman’s pastime — but it does make an attention grabbing headline. But you could easily skip the introductory text. It’s melodramtic. Go straight to the video for your inspiration.
In addition to letting the images inspire you, think about the role of video in both your storytelling and your marketing. How might you use it?
Why This Japanese Village Is Full of Creepy Dolls
http://gizmodo.com/why-this-japanese-village-is-full-of-creepy-dolls-1617193664
Me first
Are you modest? Self-effacing? Even shy? But you really need a character who’s blustery? Bigger than life?
Here are some traits to think about incorporating into that baddie.
One Simple Question Can Determine If You’re A Narcissist
Take 30
Characters always need something to do. Here are six ideas for things you might have a character do that lead right into interesting plot twists.
For example, what happens to the grandmother who decides to try to save $1,000 a month? What challenges does she face? Can she succeed on a limited income? What happens if she makes it? Or if she doesn’t?
(And on a more prosaic note, if you’re thinking about NaNoWriMo and you don’t write every day, now might be a good time for your 30-day warm-up challenge.)
Six 30-Day Challenges to Help You Learn More and Form Lasting Habits
http://lifehacker.com/six-30-day-challenges-to-help-your-learn-more-and-form-1614583798/all
Walk it up
One of my favorite professors in college took a run most days before he came to campus. He was pretty productive and creative.
Activity is good for the head. And now, apparently, science concurs.
No matter what time, pick your two o’clock to “walk up” your brain … if not for yourself, for a character.
Science Says You Should Leave Work at 2 p.m. and Go for a Walk | Mother Jones
http://m.motherjones.com/environment/2014/08/inquiring-minds-barbara-oakley-learning-neuroscience
sharon p. lynn 