Salting My Story

Last night I told Ready to Serve, my new story, at the first pre-view.  I was plenty nervous about it. I have been writing and re-writing for two months and it still was not "off the book" for telling. I was presenting it as a "reading."

I feel good about the story - and the history I am capturing in it - but a bit of salt is missing and I knew it. I did not send another email blast or put up a Facebook evite. In fact I kind of hoped no one would come - except a few friends - a poet, an author and a storyteller, who had said they would be there. They were there ---- along with other exceptional folks - some I knew and some who came to Friendship for the very first time. 

They were all intent and wonderful listeners. During the Q and A they gave rich, rich feedback which has nailed my salt problem. They also threw out some other suggestions which give me a lot to think about.

Where is all this leading? - How about a tip?

Last night reminded me again that - as much as time and quiet are necessary for creative work - isolation gets hard. Bringing folks in from time to time, dropping your pride, and risking a "reveal" is an important part of the story development process.

But don't be careless about it - a preview is not a time for criticism - that does not help - it is a time when trusted folks can really help by giving constructive feed-back that points you to a solution. 

I am a huge fan of Charlie Rose and try to watch his interviews regularly. The other night he had the playwright, the director, and two actors from a current raved-about Broadway play.  He drew out a wonderful conversation about their process to perfect the production. In my hearing it boiled down to having a fine script, outstanding actors and - - a skilled and brilliant Director.

Listening to that talk around Rose's table I realized that what I was missing at a crucial point of my story was outside comment and direction.

Last night the comments from the group - who were hearing it new - picked up a few things I was too close to see and they saw other opportunities to set the staging and to separate the wheat from the chaff. It was wonderful! I am very grateful to them.

Let me clarify - no one was telling me what to do -- - they were telling me what they would like to know more about . Their questions opened my eyes and imagination to new possibilities for solving   my "salt" issue. I let down my defensive barriers and listened.

This morning I am back at the computer  -  moving on. 

I have another preview in Baltimore on May 22 .

17 days from now.

Another leg on the journey to the Capital Fringe in July.

More will be revealed.

Special thanks and deepest gratitude to everyone who was there last night.