See a photo of Brendan, his bio, Part 1 of this Q&A, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Q&A with Brendan Nolan, Question 5:

Q: If you could share just one piece of advice or wisdom about story/storytelling/ narrative with readers, what would it be?

A: Too often when we prepare a story we strive for the approval of the highest being in the land, whoever that may be. We want to do our best for the story, it deserves no less. We hunger for recognition of our genius in fashioning a new story that will live long after we have passed on.

However, when we deliver it we do not get the reaction we expected. We get a reaction; just not what we thought it might be. That is because we are not well placed to be our own best judge. And our listeners do not share our experience of preparation. They react at what they see or hear. They react to our telling of the story, so we must accept that as their verdict. It is the challenge of the storyteller to have that reaction course as closely as possible to the intended result.

So, in telling the story, tell it to the one intimate listener who has not heard you before. It is a new story, a new listener, and a new journey for all.

Enjoy and give it your best. You have created a story and a telling.