A story vs an anecdote
Discover the difference in our craft elements series
In this installment of our “What makes a good story?” series, we’re covering the difference between a story and an anecdote. Think: that funny thing that happened to you at the grocery store versus that conversation with your mom that made you think differently about something for the first time.
One of the biggest differences between a story that reads like an essay versus a clever anecdote you might tell at a birthday party is that well-crafted stories have a clear beginning, middle, and end. (We’ll get into narrative arc next week and how to make that beginning, middle, and end really count.)
What’s the point?
Another big difference between an anecdote—even if it’s hilarious, interesting, or touching—and a story is that a story needs to have a point. In the world of personal essay craft, this generally refers to a theme. It also can include elements we talked about last week—inner and outer story—but your story should have a clear takeaway for a reader or listener. A universal theme is essential—one that is tangible, clear, and relatable to your audience, even if your story itself may be incredibly unique. Sometimes we refer to this as the lighthouse of your piece, or the North Star.
Either way, if you can’t clearly identify a point to your tale aside from, “Can you believe that just happened to me?” it may be more of an anecdote you share over brunch or on the phone with your bestie.
Want to learn a little more about what goes into crafting a good essay? We’ve got you.
We are excited to host another personal essay writing workshop after the spring LTYM show!
Join us for From Page to Stage on May 28th from 6-9 for an intimate workshop where we give you all the tools and support to write your story. You can read all the details here.
After seeing this year’s LTYM show, we think you might be feeling extra inspired to work on a story of your own! We had our first rehearsal last week, and as usual, “pure magic” is the only way we can describe the alchemy of the first time the cast gets together to hear the stories as a whole. We cried, we laughed, we cried while laughing. . . and we are more excited than ever for you to hear these incredible readers take the stage. If you want to learn more about then, click here.
Thanks to our amazing LTYM sponsor, Zori Levine
I (Pam) am obsessed with Zori Levine. Buying our new house while listing our old house during the height of the pandemic was damn near the most stressful experience of my life and Zori was the best realtor I could have asked for.
She was kind and straightforward, and even though she is one of the highest producing agents in the state, I felt like I was her only client. I joke that she functioned like a marriage counsellor and a therapist, but, you guys, it’s not really a joke.
Plus, this woman came over on one of the hottest days of the year with all her gardening tools and helped me clean up my disgusting yard for HOURS.
In other words, if you are buying or selling a house in Boulder County, you want Zori on your side.
Upcoming events:
Tickets are going fast for I’m My Therapist’s Favorite: A comedy show about the chaos in all of us. Join Pam, Steph, and a stellar lineup on Sunday, April 26th at the Louisville Underground.
Come cheer Pam on at the Front Range Funny Festival this month! Festival dates are April 18-20 and 25-27, stay tuned for Pam’s show times and dates.
Can’t catch LTYM Boulder live? Grab a ticket for the livestream + recording here.
Join Steph and sound healer Michele Theoharris for an absolutely delicious evening of journaling, meditation, movement, and a juicy sound bath. This is a great early Mother’s Day gift to yourself—if your creative fires could use a little nourishing, come join us on Wednesday, May 7th at Sunny Isle Yoga in west Arvada. Space is limited, so grab your spot now.
