KISS & Tell

This week, I listened to a 2019 keynote speech and Q&A session with human rights innovator Derreck Kayongo. He shared with project managers his journey from Uganda to Kenya and then to the US, along with the inspiration behind the Global Soap Project and its launch. The keynote address, “Harnessing Your Power to Create Change,” resonated with my creative side.

While listening, I projected thoughts about the struggles of future newsletter edits. My last newsletter was one of the biggest edits I’ve ever made, and I’m still torn about the parts that ended up in the trash. Derreck then began to talk about “Simplicity in Storytelling.”

“Alright, let’s GO!” I thought. “I love telling stories!” And I want to share the whole story. The idea of condensing my stories intrigued me.

How do I streamline my storytelling without losing the message?

Initially, it seemed Derreck told the audience to use “simple words” and keep stories brief. Then he went into more detail about how it is “easy to get caught up in the complexity.” The core message of any story, when delivered from the heart, can be shared without elaboration.

Derreck described his pitch for his non-profit idea to investors, hotels and other businesses to gain funding and support. He had many angles to share (environmental waste, lives to be saved due to soap brought to undeveloped communities, etc.).  Understanding his audience, he tailored his story to the core truths of what the project was and how it would benefit them, the investors.

I understood this as I thought of my last newsletter on the Egola Virus. My initial 800-word draft ballooned to 3,000 words, showcasing my amazing “reverse-editing skills.”

Chopping the newsletter draft in half was painful. I was deeply attached to my words and reluctant to let go of any parts. I considered splitting up the newsletter to avoid edits. 

Later, I realized I was trying to say too many things in one newsletter. I trimmed unclear parts, repetitive paragraphs, and words that no longer resonated in the moment. It wasn’t as easy as I asked myself, “What was the root of the idea I wanted to convey?” Yes, the roots will grow and branch out into different directions. Yet I didn't need to tell the story of every branch or angle.

My editing process is not clean, nor is it consistent. It is a continuous learning process that consists of:

• Reading aloud

• Removing repetitive ideas

• Sectioning the work for review

• Identifying filler words or phrases

• Determining if the included information should be shared.

As much as I want to improve my editing skills, I want to move away from extra editing time and write more succinct stories from the get-go. Derreck Kayongo’s message about storytelling was relevant, on point, and timely as I prepared to work on future writing projects. Derreck also shared something all creatives can relate to:

My favourite writing projects that showcase honesty, transparency and passion are the ones given time to breathe. More often than I realized, I step aside to put space between writing drafts. Stepping back more often will help me uncover new perspectives and refine my editing.

In short… I may need to KISS more (Keep It Simple, Superstar) without losing the core message. I still want to write from my gut. And every so often, I will need to take a step back and pucker up.

Everybody loves to hear a good story. Deciding what to keep and what to cut out of a story is a creative skill in itself. And as creatives, we have to master the art of slicing and dicing our work all the time.  

Creating can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we are afraid to begin creating because we don't have the complicated backstory to go with it. Create anyway. Start small and keep it simple as best you can. I want to publish a book, but I started my writing journey first with daily journaling. You don't have to strive to become the best creative overnight. Be patient to be creative. The most remarkable things take time.

Blowing a big kiss, fellow creatives.

Nadine