Make It Memorable- Bob Dotson Part 2

Read, in Dotson’s book, pages 43 thru 55. Respond to what you read, and use these questions if you get stuck: What strikes you as interesting? In what ways do you agree or disagree with him? How does this fit where you are as a writer, and how will it help you become a better one?
(100 words minimum)

I thought it was interesting how he compared storytelling to onions. I like that comparison because the story needs to have layers to make it more interesting. While someone is telling the tale, a series of strong images and sounds are being projected. I agree that this is how it must be done if you want the viewer to feel like part of the story. I'm glad Dotson talked about not making your stories into movies, because I feel like I try to make my stories longer with more detail when really the public doesn't have much time to watch a long story. It has to be to the point, yet captivating. I also really liked how he mentioned to write to express, not to impress. It's not about how good you sound, it's about what emotions and reactions you get out of your viewers.

So, Dotson highlights the following:
- How to defeat the TV remote control
- Be conversational
- Gobbledygook and clichés
- Active voice
- Write in threes
- Surprises

Read this story and watch this one (a bit of a sports theme this week). Write two paragraphs (one about each) that explains how the story uses/handles at least three of these aspects. Give specific examples (100 words in each paragraph, so at least 200 total words).

I think the story of Nate Smith had some Gobbledygook in it. When the story was talking about how Nate did sign the sheet, but signed his brother's name instead, the phrase "that's a lot of soybeans to eat" was said. It may be a cliche, but I'm not sure because I've never heard that saying before. Either way, it's not needed and as a viewer I shouldn't be confused about what the writer is saying. Another aspect this story had was write in threes. "Righteousness has its own rewards" is a good example in this story. Lastly, it was conversational. The whole format of the story was very casual, nothing too complicated or fancy. This is how the writer would talk in person.

In the 12-son football dynasty video, it showcased the aspect of surprises. After talking about all sons being in football, and being on a more sad note, a pleasant humorous surprise was brought up to the viewers. Steve Hartman: "Cursing like true Minnesotans." Mom: "Oh sugar!" was a funny surprise broughten up in the story. Another aspect was the active voice. Steve Hartman speaks very confident, with no passiveness. The story itself isn't too interesting (it's unusual, but not interesting), but Hartman made it more interesting with an active voice. Lastly, this story defeat the TV remote control. Hartman wrote to express the relationship between the family and football, not to impress.