Without characters, stories get boring fast. Here are a few great ideas from Mike Smith on avoiding that problem: People, not organizations, are characters. Make your protagonist struggle. Let them speak. People like quotes. Don’t forget the quirky stuff. Create some type of antagonist. “We can’t use real people because of privacy issues.” Be sure to [...]
Author Archive
January 19, 2012
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4 Lessons From the Master of True Stories
By Adam Grim in Formative, StorytellingIf I could have a beer with one conteporary author, I would choose Gay Talese, but the interview on BigThink is as close as I will get to conversing with the master wordsmith. Fortuitously, the interview is packed with good stuff ranging from how to write to how to dress, with a bit of sex and marriage [...]
January 13, 2012
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Moving Numbers
By Adam Grim in StorytellingWe are working on a project here at Social Needia that will require an engaging way to share a lot of statistics. Our minds naturally went to infographics, but we needed something with a bit more life. Luckily, there are two non-profits who have blazed the trail and turned data into a gripping story: Girl [...]
January 2, 2012
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2012 Resolutions From the Experts
By Adam Grim in FundraisingPamela Grow, of Pamela’s Grant Writing Blog, has compiled a list of new year resolutions from nonprofit professionals. Here are a few of my favorites: I think an important new year’s resolution for any non-profit would be to make a commitment to learn more about the other non-profits in your area. There are many great [...]
December 19, 2011
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4 Videos to Help Get Your Story On
By Adam Grim in StorytellingIf you haven’t listened to This American Life before, you should give it a try. Ira Glass is a legendary storyteller, and is able to take the most mundane set of facts and turn them into an inspirational tale. Here are some tips from the master on his craft: Part 1: Ira Glass starts out [...]