CharlieKenny.me

I recently spent the day with a whole bunch of creative writers. It was a workshop run by the really lovely, equally fun Barbara Slade, a fantastic presenter, so knowledgeable, so well connected.

Anyway, Barbara was talking all sorts of ways to structure the screenplay that you deserve. Highly interactive and deeply engaging. Thank you, Barbara.

We talked about ‘Show and tell as opposed to say and tell.’ This is something I’ve been ‘banging on about’ for years; people buy into what they believe, and what better way to convince your audience than to turn up on the day and demonstrate why your story matters?

The next part of this story is a little off-piste … although it reminded me of when I was a small boy (5 or 6?), around the time when our family lived riverside in Perth, West Australia. So, Dad was adamant that his son needed swimming lessons, and the best time to start is when they’re young. 

Mum, not keen on the water, wasn’t bothered, not in such a hurry.

On this particular day, we (brother, Mum, Dad, and I) boarded the family boat and set off downriver, having a jolly time when we heaved-to (boat talk for pulling up). All I now recall of that day is Mum’s horrified face as Dad collected both of his sons and tossed each over the side!

“What are you doing?” Frantically cried Mum, watching her sons flap up and down, gulping for air.

‘They can’t swim, you fool!’

“Exactly. Do the boys know that bull sharks have been spotted in this part of the river?” Dad replied.

Somehow my brother and I clawed our way back to the boat, squealing all the way. Dad was impressed we made it back; Mum, I remember, didn’t share the sentiment!

It didn’t matter though, because the job was done!  Mum booked us in for ‘proper’ swimming lessons after school … all because Dad turned up on the day and made something happen.

We can wish our lives followed a different path, or that the next new face we meet was that special one we’d been looking to connect with – or we can make something happen.

Don’t wait. Time doesn’t. Step out with your story – start with peers, today. Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, you’ll feel great by simply taking action.

‘People buy from people.’