On episode #19, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk about finding excellent stories in your everyday life using Matthew's strategy "Homework for Life." They discuss how small moments with universal appeal can often make great stories.

Next, we listen to Valerie Gordon's outstanding story about a surprising encounter with Neil Diamond, followed by commentary and critique, including:

1. Telling stories that include extraordinary events that are not specifically about or depend upon the extraordinary event
2. The purpose and power of repetition
3. The brilliant use of internal and external dialogue
4. Breaking the "stories must be told in scenes" rule
5. The power of uncertainty 
6. Ending a story with heart

Then we answer listener questions about crafting rhythm in stories and what it's like to be married to someone who shares so much of his life with the world. 

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 

Strip Club of My Own Making: https://bit.ly/2xYWGfJ

Sex With Corn: https://bit.ly/2y0DvSx

RECOMMENDATIONS

Elysha: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls -  https://amzn.to/2IpetRO

Matt: Patti Smith at the 2016 Nobel Prize Ceremony -  https://bit.ly/2nuDAr8