EXSM 3989 - Digital Storytelling Class Blog

Okay everyone, so having gone down the rabbit hole of short-form horror fiction on Twitter this week, I was reminded that I have a cursed structure near my house that I have never investigated. #EXSM3989

— Nic.Oval (@OvalNic) February 19, 2022

Taylor Holland, in her excellent blog post discussing the use of short-form storytelling in marketing, mentions that she has “often worried that brevity will become a lost art” —a concern, she adds, that has lessened with the rise of short-form or “snippet” storytelling social media. This week, we learned about the challenges and benefits of this medium by creating our own live-Tweeted snippet story.

For my story, I was inspired by the short-form Twitter ghost stories that I’ve been reading this week to go on my own adventure: walking into the river valley to take a peek into a creepy playhouse that I had been afraid of for over two years. Rather than creating a fictional story, I decided to lean into the storytelling principles of authenticity and relatability. Marketing entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck advises, “Document, don’t create” —that is, share your genuine experiences and thoughts to build a connection with your audience. In this case, I evoked authenticity by writing in my speaking voice, and added short video clips to make the experience more relatable.

To tell an effective story, I built tension through publishing Tweets one at a time, drawing the reader in just as I experienced anticipation while descending the river valley. As I neared the climax and reached the house, I chose to incorporate more video clips. As Ashley Fell discusses in her TEDx Talk, which I covered last week, visuals are powerful tools to harness a digital audience’s attention; as such, I relied solely on video as I finally peered inside the house. Finding no ghosts, but lots of graffiti, I returned to a text-based medium that would break the tension and lead the audience to the resolution of the story. The final Tweet attempts to convey my own feelings that the “curse” has been lifted, now that I had taken the step to indulge my curiosity.

On the other side of this live-Tweeting experience, I believe that the challenge of Twitter’s word limit is the true power of snippet storytelling. The medium itself forces us, as creators, to distill our thoughts to their purest form. In doing so, it becomes easy to arrive at your most authentic voice, showing the world your personality. I look forward to incorporating these lessons into my long-form stories.

Chapter 1: social media ate my novel #EXSM3989

— Kami VH (@KamiVanHalst) February 18, 2022

The story I told is about the changes that technology brings. It’s my commentary on being a 90’s kid in today’s world. Having the memories and experiences of enjoying Blockbuster, reading, full-length albums, etc.

The story talks about how new advances in technology (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube) have changed not only how we consume entertainment but how we experience it as well.

I also included a twist at the end to throw off the reader.

One of my favourite stories is the movie Limitless. Limitless is an American science-fiction, thriller film. It is based on the 2001 novel “The Dark Fields” by Alan Glynn. The movie follows Edward (Eddie) Morra, a struggling writer in New York who seems to be having bad luck or some would say bad progress in his life – lacking ambition, motivation, and focus. Eddie is facing unemployment, his girlfriend’s rejection and it seems like he has no future ahead of himself. That all changes when Eddie stumbles into the brother of his ex-wife who gives him a sample of a new drug called NZT-48. This drug gives the user the ability to use their brain at full capacity. NZT-48 helps Eddie improve his creativity and his lifestyle quite quickly as he discovers he has acquired perfect recall, and that he is able to analyze minute details and information at an incredible speed. This leads him to evolve into the perfect version of himself. Who wouldn’t want that? Especially in today’s world when we are bombarded with insane amounts of information each day.

“All my fear, all my shyness, gone….”

-Eddie Morra

The story stuck with me because the main character is Bradley Cooper – an amazing, charismatic actor who is also eye candy. Another reason I enjoyed the storyline is because it is sort of a rags-to-riches story, however, Eddie Morra – the main character, remains himself before and after. The only thing that changes is his financial situation and his ability to recall everything he ever saw or heard because of this new drug. I found this part of the story to be intriguing because I always love a rags-to-riches or underdog story. A part of me wondered what society would be like if we had access to something like this, especially after witnessing how much of a difference NZT-48 made in Eddies life in such a short period of time.

Both the beginning and end of the storyline in Limitless were relatable to me. I related to Eddie in the beginning of the movie because we all have self-sabotaging ways, can be dealt undesirable cards in life and can go through periods of time where we lack ambition, motivation and focus. Then, add all of the challenges everyone has faced in the last 2 years due to covid. It almost seems easier to be stuck in that kind of mainframe when you do not feel in control of your life, circumstances or situation. On the flip side, I also related to Eddie after taking NZT-48 as he went through the stages of becoming the best version of himself because I am really into personal development and growing as a person. The positive changes he made in his life because of NZT-48 really inspired me as it reminded me of all that could be possible if you apply yourself or have increased intelligence or productivity.

Despite the abrupt ending, which leaves room for many different plot holes, Limitless is a great movie. I definitely recommend watching it if you haven’t watched already!

Skwisgaar Skwigelf, taller than a tree.
Toki Wartooth, not a bumblebee.
William Murderface, Murderface, Murderface.
Pickles, the drummer, doodily doo. (Ding-dong, doodily, doodily, doo.)
Nathan Explosion!

My friends, let me introduce you to Metalocalypse. This adult cartoon follows a fictional death metal band, Dethklok, that has become exceedingly more popular than the Beatles ever were, to the point that they are now one of the world’s largest economies, and now a group of government officials has set out to destroy them. In every episode, the band is unknowingly thwarting this group of evil government leaders trying to destroy them, while they just keep trying to record new albums and go on more tours. Not to mention the show is filled with incredible original music, written and performed by the show’s creator, Brendon Small.

Look Mom, I’m on TV!

There are several reasons why I love this story. It caught my attention right away to see a subculture that is not often represented in cartoon form. As a metalhead myself (and wife of a death metal guitarist) it was incredibly cool to see our subculture so eloquently captured and only slightly satirized. It’s also jampacked with other metal culture references, right down to censoring swearing with guitar pinch harmonics. In any case, it makes this story relatable and engaging, at least to me!

Another stand out point that makes the story engaging and memorable is the sheer ridiculousness of the premise of the show. Even among metalheads and people who enjoy heavier music, death metal is pretty niche, so the idea that this band is more popular than Beatles ever were, or that the world’s economy revolves around them is outrageous. It’s definitely one way to engage and hold an audience, as Alison Macadam touches on in Beyond the 5 W’s: What should you ask before starting a story?.

Deconstructing “Dethtroll”

As if finding an episodic television show with a death metal band as protagonists wasn’t enough to draw me in as it is, solid storytelling structure comes in to hold it up. Like all good stories, each episode (and I have watched them all several times) follows Kenn Adams’ story spine. Let’s take a look at how episode 1.4, “Dethtroll,” fits this structure.

The band is doing day to day rock star stuff, such as drinking in a hot tub and realizing they have signed a terrible endorsement for horribly inconvenient to use dethphones, while drunk.

THEN their manager informs them that to go to Finland to apologize for behaving badly on their last tour. BECAUSE OF THAT they wrote a new song for them as an apology, but they wrote it from an ancient folklore text, reciting a spell that summons a lake troll who wreaks havoc on the nation of Finland.

BECAUSE OF THAT they need to learn how to play acoustically to put the troll back to sleep (which they don’t want to do, because “it’s totally lame and not metal.”) But they do, for the good of the nation of Finland. The troll is almost lulled to sleep when Murderface’s dethphone start’s ringing, breaking everyone’s concentration. BECAUSE OF THAT the troll is still awake, and screaming, and sets its sights on Dethklok. Murderface, enthralled in his phone call, is oblivious to the troll and is just annoyed at the racket it is making. BECAUSE OF THAT, he hurls the heavy, spiky phone that is inexplicably equipped with a grappling hook right down the troll’s throat. UNTIL FINALLY the troll is killed by swallowing the huge, unnecessarily weaponized phone, and EVER SINCE THEN peace is restored in Finland, and they accept Dethklok’s apology.

What Do You Take with You?

Yes, the events of these stories are ridiculous, like summoning a lake troll. But like Macadam says in Beyond the 5 W’s, we rarely remember the entire story. It’s particular quotes, scenes, and in the case of “Dethtroll,” personally, songs. Through the power of digital storytelling and the technology at our fingertips, we can easily add elements like visuals and music to our storytelling, making them more memorable. I know I will definitely have “Awaken” stuck in my head for the next few days now.

Written and illustrated by Theodore Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), and published in 1957, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic Christmas favourite, and a story that will live on for many more generations, I’m positive.

Although I’m sure most of you are familiar with this story; but if by chance you’ve never heard it, or if you’d like a quick recap, you can quickly have a listen to it here: Audio: How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

But what is it about this grouchy green Grinch that has captured our hearts for the last 65 years? Why do we love this story so much?

Well, as Ashley Fell says in her Ted Talk, Why Storytelling Is So Powerful In The Digital Era, “Good stories are inherently visual”, which is likely a large reason why this story is loved so much by children.

Good stories are inherently visual

Ashley Fell

The illustrations are fun, detailed, and capture the imaginations of children. Now, pair that with detailed and rhyming sentences, and you’ve got a story every child is guaranteed to love.

But great illustrations and rhyming sentences aren’t the only requirements for creating an engaging story. It helps!! But there’s definitely more entailed. What, you ask? Well, why don’t we ask Pixar, the professionals of storytelling? Luckily, Pixar was generous enough to share with us the 6 Rules of Great Storytelling. Now, let’s see how Dr. Seuss encompassed these 6 rules perfectly, in How The Grinch Stole Christmas:

1- Great stories are universal

We’ve all, at some point, gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas;

• The gift buying, making sure everyone is getting something special and making sure no one is forgotten.
• The one-month prep of Christmas baking; gotta be prepared! What if we get unexpected company? I need to bring something when we go visit!
• All the decorations that take a week to put up.

And with all of these tasks, expectations, and traditions, we often forget the true meaning of Christmas. A relatable issue, felt by many, making it universal. And Dr. Seuss is taking about exactly that.

2- Good stories have a clear structure and purpose

According to Aerogramme Writer’s Studio, using The Story Spine is a great tool for building a well-constructed story structure. As you can see in the following diagram, How The Grinch Stole Christmas follows the requirements of the Story Spine perfectly:

Once upon a time…	there was a grumpy Grinch.
Every day…	he’d be annoyed and frustrated with the Who’s and their Christmas celebrations and traditions.
But one day…	he set out a plan to ruin Christmas, by taking it all away!
Because of that…	he made a suit, sleigh, and reindeer to fool the Who’s into thinking he was Santa.
Because of that…	he snuck in their homes and took all their presents, decorations, and food.
Because of that…	he managed to bring it up the mountain where he planned to dump it.
Until finally…	when Christmas morning came, all the Who’s gathered for their traditional Christmas song. The Grinch, defeated, realized Christmas wasn’t about “things”.
And ever since then…	his heart grew three sizes, he returned all the items, and he realized Christmas wasn’t about the material items.

All in all, giving How The Grinch Stole Christmas clear structure and purpose.

3- Good stories give you a character to root for

Although seeming like the villain at first, the Grinch is the character we are rooting for in this story. How could anyone hate Christmas? Worst yet, how could anyone want to “find some way to stop Christmas from coming”?! We grasp onto hope that he’ll change; That someone or something will show him the goodness of Christmas; That someone or something will make him happy.

4- Great stories appeal to our deepest emotions

Is it safe to say, we feel for the Grinch? We see him sad, angry, annoyed, and lonely. Do we relate to the same feelings at times during busy holiday seasons, when the stress creeps in and starts to somehow outweigh the joy? Are you nodding to yourself as you’re reading these questions?

5- Great stories are surprising and unexpected

This story is full of unexpected surprises which is exactly what appealed to me when I first heard it as a child. My favourites were:

• The Grinch’s ability to take EVERYTHING from the Who’s homes, in an evening. The stockings, the presents, the Who’s feast, the tree, and even the log for their fire.
• Cindy-Lou catches the Grinch stealing (oh no! What’s gonna happen?!)
• The dog, Max, somehow successfully pulling that very full sleigh all the up Mount Crumpit.
• The Grinch’s heart growing three sizes (love that one!)
• The Grinch deciding to not only bring it all back to the Who’s, but to also join in the festivities 🙂 Who would’ve thought?

6- Good stories are simple. They are focused

Dr. Seuss definitely keeps this story simple and focused. Never veering off the path of the Grinch’s mission to “stop Christmas from coming”. Making this story pleasantly easy follow and understand.

There is no denying the brilliancy of Dr. Seuss’ storytelling. He wrote about hard topics in a manner in which children could understand. His serious, sensitive, important messages, composed with literature and illustrations having a deeper meaning that what appears on the surface. A story filled with so much connection, that we’ve enjoyed it for the past 65 years and counting.

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”

There is nothing quite like a life-struggle chronicle based on a true story to pull at the heartstrings. Detailing the trials and tribulations of Michael Oher, The Blind Side depicts a story of a teenage boy from impoverished circumstances in Memphis, Tennessee, to NFL stardom as an offensive with the Baltimore Ravens.

“Don’t worry, I got your back.”

Michael Oher

The story provides a strong protagonist, who viewers empathize with from the get-go. Michael Oher walks through the inner-city housing where he grew up, aptly named “Hurt Village,” backed by an opening monologue from Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), foreshadowing the impact a “Left Tackle” will have on her life. The opening scene alone appeals to two of PIXAR’s principles – have a character to root for (an underdog) and appeal to an audience’s deepest emotions.

As the story progresses and Michael is introduced into the Tuohy family. Viewers are captivated by the contrast of the uncommunicative teenage boy to that of Leigh Anne Tuohy, the strong-willed and dedicated matriarch of the Tuohy family. As the movie’s plotline progresses, viewers unravel the dynamic relationship between Michael and the Tuohy family while seeing glimpses of his past and upbringing. While the topic is not an easy one to digest, the portrayal of Michael’s story is simple and has a clear structure.

At the climax, The Blind Side evokes the surprising and unexpected PIXAR principle, depicting the actions of Leigh Anne Tuohy as somewhat underhanded when she is questioned as to her true intentions of caring for and supporting Michael on his journey to the NFL.

Following the climax of the movie, Ashley Fell’s four I’s – Interest, Instruct, Involve and Inspire – can be seen. While the story sparks interest; the true intrigue stems from the moral dilemma presented when the Tuohy family’s seemingly selfless and loving actions are viewed as profit motivated; hoping to ensure their alma mater, Ole Miss, secures the best collegiate football players. This pivot in the storyline instructs viewers to consider alternative pre-conceptions of the Tuohy family. As the story continues and follows Michael back to Hurt Village, viewers, who have grown to love and care for Michael, are now concerned for his well-being and rooting for his safety.

As this story is based on true events, the alignment of the events with the elements of great storytelling could be considered more complex than traditional storytelling – as the story had to ring true to the events of individuals and respect their experiences. Alison Macadam’s Beyond the 5 W’s: What should you ask before starting a story? provides a great basis for understanding if, and how, a story should be told – and how to ensure the story conveys what it is intended to.

• What is my story’s driving question?

In a simple sense, for all characters, the driving question is “Why you should never judge a book by its cover.” While Michael Oher is a shining example of this – all characters within the movie depict unique characteristics of stereotypes.

• What is the story not about?

Football. While Michael Oher is known now for his impressive football career, this story focuses on Oher facing adversity, overcoming challenges, and inspiring the people around him.

• How will I ensure my story is fair to the people and ideas it represents?

The balance between true events and an exciting narrative is nuanced. While some of the characters attributes may be extenuated, ultimately, the storytellers stayed true to the story of Michael Oher, making it that much more relatable to a wider audience.

• How will I engage my audience — and hold them?

Throughout the story, the slow and steady release of information relating to Oher’s backstory demonstrates the storyteller’s ability to know what intrigues an audience. It was less about what they know, but what they don’t know is what holds the audience’s attention in this story.

• What are my dream ingredients?

Oher’s courage and resilience driving him to pursue a dream – the typical American Dream. Michael’s story contained sentiments of a harsh reality mixed with humor and feel-good family moments, the dream recipe.

• What will the audience remember when it’s over?  

The ending of this movie depicts inspiration – a true rags to riches story that is dependent on things the everyday person can provide – kindness and humanity.

I have to admit, I struggled to identify a story that was memorable enough to dedicate an entire blog post to.  I’ll admit, I am not much of a reader. I tend to digest content in the form of podcasts, which do not always tend to move in a linear story line. But then I remembered Netflix. I am most definitely guilty of binging an entire season of a show in one weekend. As much as I advocate for healthy living and limiting one’s screen time, there have been a few shows that I have not had the self-control to turn off the TV and move onto something else. 

One show in particular had me completely glued to the couch and unable to take my eyes off the screen. I even have had reoccurring dreams about this series. If this doesn’t show you how dedicated I was to the storyline of this show, I don’t know what will. This show is called Ozark. This show evoked emotion, had a relatable protagonist who we could root for, had a purposeful structure, and had impactful impressions on the audience. 

Although the storyline of this series had many twists and turns, it tended to follow the principles of the The Story Spine (a story framework developed by teacher/author, Kenn Adams).

Ozark follows Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who becomes wrapped up in a money laundering scheme. When the scheme goes wrong, Marty is forced to relocated his family to the lake of the Ozarks to try and make amends with a powerful Mexican drug cartel. See more details, here.

This story synopsis follows the parts of the ‘Story Spine’ like so:

• Once there was a financial advisor named Marty Byrde
• Every day he laundered money for the Mexican drug cartel 
• But One Day the cartel leader found out that Marty’s business partner was stealing from the cartel 
• Because Of That, Marty had to relocate him and his family to the Ozarks to launder an obscene amount of money to repay the cartel
• Because Of That, the Byrde family has made both friends and enemies in the Ozarks that affects their business of working for the cartel
• Because Of That, there is continued chaos in the Ozarks which all began when the Byrdes arrived

This series is not yet finished so there is not a defined climax and end, but it is clear that because the story spine was used as a back bone of the storyline, the audience remains engaged. 

Another reason why Ozark was such a good story is because the protagonist, Marty, is very relatable. Marty is relatable in the sense that he keeps on trying his best, but despite his effort he does not always succeed. This also follows the first in The 22 rules of storytelling according to Pixar, which is “You admire a character for trying more than for their successes”. 

The last reason why Ozark constantly had me at the edge of my seat was because it evoked emotion in me. We got to know the characters so well, and were invested in their lives because of the emotional connection that was formed between them and us (the audience). I truly laughed and cried when watching this series, and it was because I was so emotionally involved with the characters and the storyline. 

Needless to say, I am stoked for the last season of Ozark to come out, as I will most definitely be glued to my couch, with my eyes locked to the screen when it does.