The Inquisitive Inkpot
Exploring Tales and the Art of Telling
Category: Perspectives
When Does a Signature become an Autograph?
Autographs: we worship them. We cut in line for them. We spend money for them. Everyone has that person whose autograph they would do most anything for. And yet, what makes an autograph so special? Isn’t it just a glorified signature? Yes, basically. But… Continue Reading “When Does a Signature become an Autograph?”
Of Saplings and Stories: What We can Learn
When I’m not writing stories, I work with trees. Let’s be clear: I’m not the one cutting trees down or doctoring them up—no, no, you will not see me wielding a chainsaw or fertilizer. Instead, I run the marketing and communications department for a… Continue Reading “Of Saplings and Stories: What We can Learn”
If My Book were a Child
If my book were a child, I would think it most darling for nudging me with ideas while only half-conceived. “I hope you look like me,” I would tell it with fondness. For this unborn book would carry my name. And if my book… Continue Reading “If My Book were a Child”
The Subtle Power of Dog stories
Every time I read a book or watch a movie that’s a “dog story,” I am 90% more likely to cry. Can you relate? Maybe it’s that the dog almost invariably dies. Or maybe it’s that the dog reminds me of my dog. Or… Continue Reading “The Subtle Power of Dog stories”
The Female Warrior Returns… well, sort of
According to archaeological findings and DNA tests, female warriors appear to be a historical reality– not just a legend.
The Healing Power of Stories
“Stories are wild creatures. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they may wreak?” Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls If you are at all familiar with Ness’s beautiful tale, however, you will know that the primary aspect of stories it explores is… Continue Reading “The Healing Power of Stories”
A Comedy of Subtitles
Unless you’re used to watching foreign films or you have a hearing impairment, you probably don’t find much use for subtitles. Neither do I—unless, of course, I’m watching a historical drama set in 1800s lower-class England, where everyone has a thick Cockney accent. Then… Continue Reading “A Comedy of Subtitles”
The Power of Short Stories
For all the bite-sized TV dramas, music videos, and social media posts out there, it seems people often overlook the common thread that these share: they are all short stories. And while plenty of psychologists and social scientists argue that our attention span is… Continue Reading “The Power of Short Stories”
Finding the Freedom to Laugh at Life
When my friend told me my life was material for a 4-star sitcom, I couldn’t decide whether that was flattering or insulting. “I would watch that show,” he said emphatically. “It sure would be better than some of the stuff out there.” On the… Continue Reading “Finding the Freedom to Laugh at Life”
Networking: Making Friends in all Places
You can’t grow up today without having the importance of “networking” drilled into you. We’ve all heard the pro-networking adages: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” “You scratch their back, and they scratch yours.” “It helps to have friends in high… Continue Reading “Networking: Making Friends in all Places”
