We use Natalie Rotelli’s powerful 2013 LTYM Indianapolis story, “She Knew It” as a vehicle for exploring components of a great story.
Natalie hooks the reader/listener, draws us in with a strong narrative voice, and shares effective details that keep us invested.
Narrative arc: This story is a perfect example of a solid beginning, rising tension/conflict, and a beautiful resolution.
Natalie’s piece provides a clear inner and outer story and a theme that a reader/listener can connect with despite the unique circumstances.
This story has a clear moment of change, which is one of our “must have” qualities for a strong personal essay.
Natalie uses a great balance of showing and telling by using vivid sensory details and s haring her own vulnerability with generosity and honesty.
You can purchase the book, Listen To Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now, edited by our beloved Ann Imig, here.
Watch Natalie reading this piece on YouTube here.
Join us at Listen to Your Mother Boulder 2025
📅 Sunday, May 4th, 4:00 PM
📍 FUMC in Boulder, CO
🎟️ Get tickets & info here.
Or catch the livestream here.
Meet the amazing cast here.
Thank you to Listen to Your Mother sponsor, Jacque Michelle!
Jacque Michelle is your one stop shop for all things cute and fun, and we are so grateful for their longtime support of the LTYM show.
Featuring high quality fashion and accessories, home and hostess gifts, and a wide selection of greeting cards, books, baby itesm and so much more, it is the perfect place to find a gift for the woman in your life who has everything - or maybe a special present from you to you. Jacque Michelle is a woman owned and operated local business that supports fair trade markets and locally sourced artisans because they believe that who they buy from is just as important as who we buy for.
Learn more or shop online at jacquemichelle.com
I’m My Therapist’s Favorite on April 27th
Don’t forget to grab tickets for I’m My Therapist’s Favorite: A Comedy Show About the Chao In All of Us.
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