What Is Narrative Nonfiction?
Narrative nonfiction is a genre of writing that uses the techniques of fiction—such as character development, storytelling, and scene-setting—while...
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Writing Team : Oct 15, 2024 3:47:39 PM
For professional writers seeking to enrich their storytelling techniques, the ancient practice of story circles from indigenous oral traditions offers a wealth of advanced narrative strategies. This article explores the concept of story circles, their significance in indigenous cultures, and how modern writers can implement these powerful techniques in their work.
Story circles are communal storytelling practices found in many indigenous cultures around the world. They involve a group of people gathering to share stories, often in a circular formation that symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and narrative.
Here are some ways to take oral traditions into your storytelling.
Technique: Weave multiple storylines or perspectives into a single narrative.
Implementation:
Example: In Louise Erdrich's "The Round House," the central narrative is layered with tribal histories and family stories.
Technique: Instead of a linear progression, the plot spirals, revisiting themes and events with deepening complexity.
Implementation:
Example: Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony" uses a spiraling structure to tell the story of Tayo's healing journey.
Technique: Incorporate moral lessons or cultural teachings within the narrative without explicit moralizing.
Implementation:
Example: The Ojibwe story of the Seven Grandfather Teachings embeds wisdom about virtues within adventure narratives.
Technique: Allow characters or story elements to transform, reflecting the fluid nature of oral storytelling.
Implementation:
Example: Eden Robinson's "Son of a Trickster" incorporates shape-shifting elements from Haisla and Heiltsuk traditions.
Technique: Implement non-linear time structures that reflect indigenous concepts of time as cyclical rather than linear.
Implementation:
Example: N. Scott Momaday's "The Way to Rainy Mountain" blends personal, historical, and mythical time.
Technique: Integrate rhythmic patterns of repetition and audience engagement found in oral storytelling.
Implementation:
Example: Zora Neale Hurston's use of call and response patterns in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" reflects African American oral traditions.
Technique: Treat the natural world as a living, active participant in the story rather than a passive backdrop.
Implementation:
Example: Linda Hogan's "Solar Storms" portrays the landscape as a living entity integral to the characters' journeys.
When implementing techniques from indigenous oral traditions, writers must be mindful of cultural appropriation. Here are some guidelines:
Implementing story circles and techniques from indigenous oral traditions can profoundly enrich modern storytelling. These methods offer ways to create narratives that are cyclical, layered, and deeply connected to community and nature. By thoughtfully adapting these techniques, professional writers can craft stories that resonate on multiple levels, engaging readers in a rich, immersive experience that echoes the power of ancient oral traditions.
As you experiment with these techniques, remember that the true spirit of story circles lies in their ability to connect people, preserve culture, and pass on wisdom. Approach this practice with respect, creativity, and an open heart, and you may find your storytelling transformed in unexpected and powerful ways.
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