On episode #21, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk about finding excellent stories in your everyday life using Matthew's strategy "Homework for Life." They discuss how a moment that didn't seem initially storyworthy can prove to be storyworthy with a little consideration. They also get two outstanding Homework for Life recommendations from listeners. 

Next, we listen to Don Picard's story about his unusual family, followed by commentary and critique, including:

1. Breaking longer stories into two or more shorter stories
2. Encapsulating big ideas in small, specific scenes
3. The funneling of a story from fast paced, episodic moments that advance time quickly to the specific heart of the story
4. Summarizing unique, odd, and incomprehensible moments in story
5. Preserving surprising and allowing your audience to draw their own conclusions
6. The importance of time order to avoid confusion

Then we answer a listener question about what we do for a living when not working on Speak Up. 

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

LINKS

Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Elysha: Bethany Van Delft's "Light and Hope"

Video: https://bit.ly/2IYzza6   Audio: https://bit.ly/2OVE4HW

Matt: Moments of Note