17 Comments
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Diana G.Pinto's avatar

We have so much to learn from you.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

I really appreciate that, thank you Diana and I hope all is well up north.

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Alberto Cabas Vidani's avatar

I think that one important confusing factor is that we have storie without a character willing to sacrifice everything to overcome a huge struggle.

The stories in your most successful articles aren't like that. How would you define a story based on those articles?

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Michael Thompson's avatar

The traditional definition of 'story' is a character faces a challenge (Hero's Journey - Star Wars, Lord of the Rings...) My 'most read' posts that landed a book deal, got syndicated in mainstream outlets, kick-off with me facing a challenge and how I responded - our cornerstone stories (losing money, overcoming stutter - all of these put me in demanding situations where I had to fight tooth and nail to get out of them. For my 'water' 'peach' etc stories - those are good examples of circadian stories - which I'd define as snapshots of a moment in time.

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Alberto Cabas Vidani's avatar

Thanks for clarifying!

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Ral Joseph's avatar

learn so much from this in a couple minutes and I’ve learned in a week. I always say as a writers it’s our job to understand his history behind the scene.

If we can actually figure that out, then we can develop something that aligns with it that feels like it and also help helps through it.

This is amazing my friend. I'm ral, lovely, reading your work and being a part of your world.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you so much for this Ral. So glad you got something out of it and hope it helps going forward. Glad to be in your orbit as well.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

So helpful Michael. Thank you. It’s been a long time since I made a time line of events, challenges, and accomplishments in my life. You’ve encouraged me to return to that.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

So glad to hear that. The most 'basic' exercises, time and time again, pay off the most.

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Georgia Patrick's avatar

Michael, Fantastic! This is the best and most meaningful article you've written. You and I have been in this online relationship since 2018, so you know I'm the real deal and surround myself with exceptionally talented communicators. I would be honored and willing to cross-post this article, with your permission. As you know, a cross-post article cannot be behind a paywall, and this one seems to be complete and in the open to benefit all who would read it.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Hey Georgia - thanks so much for this - and by all means, cross-promote away. It'd be an honor.

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Georgia Patrick's avatar

See your email for specific approval steps.

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Nova Richards's avatar

No one I’d rather read about storytelling from.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Awwww. Love ya Nova.

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According to Mimi's avatar

Saving this wonderful advice for my writing folder! Thank you.

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Jim Sanders's avatar

TIMELINE?

As I get closer to completing the circle

I get closer to the starting point

I remember feelings as a child

Much better than those of yesterday

The perfect geometry of a circle

Yet never predictable

As there is no exact number

In calculating pi

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Susan OBrien's avatar

Thank you, Georgia, for bringing this wisdom into our lives.

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