Where are the stories hiding?

Come out, come out wherever you are!

In response to a recent Asking Matters poll, hundreds of you told me that identifying and collecting stories is, by far, your biggest story challenge!

Finding stories is a lot like playing hide and seek; the stories are doing the hiding and you’re doing the seeking! So, what are some of the “unwritten rules” of playing hide and seek that might help you with your search for stories? Ready or not, here they come!

Just like you need to recruit players to the game, you must recruit people to share their stories.

Get your bearings. After you’ve counted to ten and opened your eyes, you need to take a moment to observe your surroundings. Where could those stories be hiding?

Listen carefully. Just like people might make a noise that gives away their position, it’s important to listen carefully for story clues.

Some people are really good at hiding; some stories are really good at hiding, too.

People seldom go very far to hide. Chances are there are stories close at hand.

Sometimes being “it” is frustrating. Be patient and persistent.

Don’t forget to look in unexpected places. Sometimes people (and stories) hide in plain sight.

And, last, but not least:

Make it fun! When you find a great story … celebrate!

Just like with hide and seek, the more people you have sharing the experience, the more likely you are to have a great stories to tell!

Finding and crafting effective stories of social change is not child’s play. But there’s nothing to say it can’t be fun. Just like with hide and seek, the more people you have sharing the experience, the more likely you are to have a great stories to tell!

Over the next several weeks we’ll dive a little deeper into each of these concepts along with other strategies that will offer specific—and easy to implement—ways for you to begin to locate, build, curate, document and share your stories! Visit The Story Corner with Sue or my website here.

Also be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Sue Kindred