Evolution of Stories
Introduction
Whenever it comes time to design a cover for one of my books, I invariably find the perfect artwork sitting amongst old paintings long ignored. After laboring for weeks or even months to paint something new and worthy, fresh and aligned with my current story, my gaze accidentally lands on something old that exactly expresses my new revelations and new insights…into life.…just….right…
Wait. Huh?
Turns out, I’ve been spinning this tale subconsciously for a while. Why didn’t I see the value in that beautiful little painting before? Years ago.
The book I’m writing right now is a childhood story, from about the age of 7 or 8, and some of my memories are so concrete I can still smell or taste them. I can still feel the prickles of pride. Or the stomach turning shame. I’d be the first to admit that I probably don’t have everything exactly right, but I’ve organized it all into a narrative that makes sense to me. With illustrations.
Yet, I have a sister who is 17 months older than I, who must have lived in another household her memories are so different than mine. Her story is not my story. Does it matter? I’m the one spinning my own tale.
Or, am I?
That’s exactly what I’m seeking to understand by mapping the evolution of a story. And who am I as the storyteller? Truth-seeker or soothsayer? Creator or destroyer?