TO EDIT is TO INTERPRET; TO SPEAK is TO DEFINE; TO COMMUNICATE is TO STRUCTURE REALITY

This is one of my all-time favorite quotes. I came across it while writing a presentation in college & it has stuck with me ever since. [StoryTime with Tiffany: I almost didn’t get to give the presentation because the professor insisted on printing all the presentations himself. On the day I was scheduled, he accidentally brought someone else’s presentation to class but I still remembered my quote & gave my speech– without notes. I got an A.]

Why are stories are so important?

The idea that communication, storytelling, and fandoms can actually change the world may seem far-fetched to some people but considering stories were one of Jesus’ top teaching methods – I don’t think we should knock it.

I believe the stories we are told and the stories we tell ourselves –  help to shape & define our lives. A story is one of the most powerful educators on the planet.  

So stories we most identify with (and by extension the act of storytelling, the experience of being told a story, and the audience you share it with) carve into us & play a part in forming who we are. Stories we love bond us to other people that love that story too. Characters we identify with, or at least understand, call us to grow & expand our worldview.

The way I’m phrasing this makes me think I should be writing a really highbrow cinephile blog with movies like Citizen Kane, or covering Sundance films. That’s not me though. I grew up watching Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Rocky III, and Princess Bride. I might have been interested more in films of a Oscar-Winning nature – but my family was not the kind to watch those sorts of things. So that’s not really a genre I developed. We have always been more “blockbuster” than Best Picture. Some people – looking at you, Bud Boy – wouldn’t even let other people enjoy watching them if they were in the house. And that is what I mean by the audience you share a story with.

Regardless, now I love so many different types of media & storytelling & I’m enthralled by the fandom culture – I can’t even keep up with all the things I’m interested in. I’ve basically become a casual fan of everything because I’m invested in too many things equally, to become truly obsessive in just one. So this is a way to share & indulge in my many obsessions.

Join me in the journey of what some of my favorites things have taught me, why I like them & maybe find some new favorite things of your own!