Content Marketing To-Do: What To Read, Watch, Listen To & Do This Week [3.31.16]

I am reading an amazing book — and no, it has nothing to do with business, or marketing, or content marketing.
I know, weird right?!
It’s called All the Light We Cannot See, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr. It is simply fantastic. And while I’m completely absorbed in the story, I often find myself drifting away from the narrative to admire the craft — because damn, this guy can write.
We talk a lot about story and storytelling here at Cursive. But this week, I’m trying to get back to the roots of what makes storytelling truly great — what it is about a story that can connect us, and alienate us, and open our minds. Here’s what I’m reading, watching, listening to and doing this week:

To Read: All the Light We Cannot See

(Because, see above.) Too obvious? Well then, go read some other piece of fiction — something that intrigues you. A story. Not a business book. Not a newspaper. A creative, well-written, awe-inspiring masterpiece.
Read it, and pay attention to the deliberate details and the carefully selected words and phrases. By stepping away from the marketing content, you’ll be inspired to craft even more compelling stories.

To Watch: The Clues To A Great Story

More than 2 million people have watched this TED Talk from Andrew Stanton, the writer of the “Toy Story” movies — and for good reason. In it, he shares how he creates stories (hint: he starts at the end!). He says:

“We all want affirmations that our lives have meaning, and nothing has greater affirmation than when we connect through story.”

To Listen To: Why People Buy: The Powerful Science of Selling

Mind. Blown. For real. Not kidding. Go listen to this.
This is the second episode of bestselling author Donald Miller’s new podcast, Building A Story Brand. In it, he interviews “Science Mike” McHargue about how storytelling affects people’s brains — and how that in turn impacts your marketing and branding efforts. Here’s just one gem from Science Mike (and now listen to the podcast for the rest):

“Reality is complicated, and what story does is allow our brains to build a simplified, usable model of reality — and that’s what our brains crave. … When people are wrapped up in a story, they stop daydreaming and are fully present in a way they would be in a life or death situation.”

To Do: Revisit the Real Definition of Story

With all this said, “story” and “storytelling” have become buzzy. Really buzzy. Buzzy to the point where the buzz is louder than the words themselves. A meaningless hum in a cluster of identical honey bees.
So I have a question for you: What is the definition of the word “story”?
Do you know? How would you explain it in your own words? Take a moment and think about it, and then go read our previous post: The Real Definition Of “Story” – And Why It’s Important To Marketers.
Well, that’s my to-do list for this week. Have suggestions for what we should read, watch, listen to, or do next week? Email us and share your thoughts! Or, add your suggestions to the comments below.