How Can Everyday Life Inspire Compelling Stories

In our everyday life, there are many opportunities for us to find wonderful stories just waiting to be told. From meeting new people to daily tasks or enjoying nature, life is full of inspiration. The magic of these everyday experiences has a big impact on storytelling because of their relatability; they often connect us more than big stories do. Follow along with me as I show how everyday life can and has influenced storytelling.

The Power of Observation

To find interesting stories in your day, you need to pay more attention to what's around you. We often rush through our routines and miss details that could spark great stories.

This was true for my first book, "Asher's Christmas Adventure." This story was inspired by an event that happened during Christmas time. When I was rushing out of the house to go shopping, Asher slipped out of the door, and I didn't know it. When we watched the door camera later that evening, Asher had a wonderful time in our front yard with many animal encounters. My husband saw the situation as a great opportunity for a children's book, sparking my new author journey.

Roald Dahl's story, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was based on his childhood exposure to chocolate companies. He watched them have contests and enforcing strict security measures to make sure their chocolate making secrets were not stolen by competitors.

Listening to Others

Listening closely to others can help you find amazing stories. Everyone has their own experiences and challenges that are great for storytelling. By having real conversations with friends, family, or even new people, you can discover different viewpoints that inspire you.

A book I cherish is "Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans. It was inspired by stories from his mother's time at a convent. The author turned the setting from a convent to an "old house in Paris that was covered in vines".

Utilizing Emotions

Emotions are key to storytelling. Everyday experiences are full of feelings like joy, sadness, nostalgia, and frustration. Using these emotions can turn your stories into deep explorations of being human.

"The Velveteen Rabbit," by Margaret Wise Brown is a beloved story about a stuffed rabbit who wants to become real. It explores themes of love, loss, and self-worth, inspired by the idea that love makes us real, a truth many children experience as they form attachments.

The Journey of Storytelling

Finding stories in everyday life is about exploration and creativity. By sharpening your observation skills and truly listening to others, you can uncover engaging narratives that connect with your audience. Storytelling thrives in the simple moments we often overlook.

Embrace the ordinary and let your creativity turn experiences into stories that entertain, inspire, and connect. Remember, the world around you is full of inspiration, ready for you to discover and share its stories.