I think what this exercise really does is remind us that great storytelling isn’t about format, it’s about connection. Whether through words, music, or visuals, it’s all the same impulse…To translate something invisible into something we can all feel. Watching and reading the same story lets you see how many ways there are to reach the same emotional truth. A wonderful read Idris Elijah about storytelling and connection that I will use as inspiration in my art!
I was just telling Brooke how I was thinking how this exercise could be applied to music. Now I wonder if there are other disciplines that this could apply to. Very thought provoking comment, Jody. Thank you 🙏🏾
This exercise reminds me of how songs change when you perform them live versus record them in a studio. The bones are the same but the emotion, pacing and delivery shift depending on the medium. Reading the book is like hearing the demo. It’s intimate and raw. Watching the adaptation is the polished stage version. Both reveal something about how emotion translates across form. I enjoyed reading this exercise Idris Elijah and plan to use it to improve my storytelling in my music!
Excellent idea Brooke! As I edited this newsletter, I wondered how one could use this technique for music. Love that you can take this exercise for storytelling and apply it to music! 🤩🙌🏾
This topic came at the perfect time! I’ve been trying to get better at pacing my own stories and I think watching and reading the same story back-to-back will help me spot where the momentum drags. It’s like having two versions of the same song. One stripped down, one fully produced. I’m curious to see how each handles tension and timing. Thank you for the helpful writing tips as always Idris Elijah!
I love this idea because it turns something passive like watching Netflix into something active and analytical. I’ve often noticed how differently I respond to stories depending on whether I’m reading them or watching them. The screen forces you to observe but the page invites you to feel. Comparing both makes you aware of how storytelling really works. What gets shown, what gets cut and what details are doing the emotional heavy lifting. Thank you Idris for this engaging and useful exercise to improve our writing!
I think what this exercise really does is remind us that great storytelling isn’t about format, it’s about connection. Whether through words, music, or visuals, it’s all the same impulse…To translate something invisible into something we can all feel. Watching and reading the same story lets you see how many ways there are to reach the same emotional truth. A wonderful read Idris Elijah about storytelling and connection that I will use as inspiration in my art!
I was just telling Brooke how I was thinking how this exercise could be applied to music. Now I wonder if there are other disciplines that this could apply to. Very thought provoking comment, Jody. Thank you 🙏🏾
This exercise reminds me of how songs change when you perform them live versus record them in a studio. The bones are the same but the emotion, pacing and delivery shift depending on the medium. Reading the book is like hearing the demo. It’s intimate and raw. Watching the adaptation is the polished stage version. Both reveal something about how emotion translates across form. I enjoyed reading this exercise Idris Elijah and plan to use it to improve my storytelling in my music!
Excellent idea Brooke! As I edited this newsletter, I wondered how one could use this technique for music. Love that you can take this exercise for storytelling and apply it to music! 🤩🙌🏾
This topic came at the perfect time! I’ve been trying to get better at pacing my own stories and I think watching and reading the same story back-to-back will help me spot where the momentum drags. It’s like having two versions of the same song. One stripped down, one fully produced. I’m curious to see how each handles tension and timing. Thank you for the helpful writing tips as always Idris Elijah!
You’re most welcome! Love how you put this as having two versions of the same song. Couldn’t have said it better. 🤩🙌🏾
That's ill! Definitely saving and trying this technique.
I love this idea because it turns something passive like watching Netflix into something active and analytical. I’ve often noticed how differently I respond to stories depending on whether I’m reading them or watching them. The screen forces you to observe but the page invites you to feel. Comparing both makes you aware of how storytelling really works. What gets shown, what gets cut and what details are doing the emotional heavy lifting. Thank you Idris for this engaging and useful exercise to improve our writing!
You’re most welcome Brian! Love your insights here. Thanks for sharing! 🙌🏾😋