Hi! Welcome to the 4 CreativeWheels newsletter — your weekly dose of insights on creativity and fuel for your creative journey.

Just one more week and we’ll celebrate a 10-week streak! I’m excited to reach the milestone. It’s just the beginning of a wonderful story unfolding.

Talking about stories, in this week’s issue, we explore the captivating power of stories.

Without further ado…

Let’s start the ride!

Main Wheel

My knees were hurting. I crouched, hands on the ground and eyes looking forward. I was still feeling the pain of that fall. Yet, I couldn't shake the goal out of my mind.

The goal was to arrive home as soon as possible and not miss the rest of the story. My siblings and I were listening to our uncle's intriguing story. It was good.

We were all glued to our seats and our focus on Uncle. That was until I was sent to get something at the grocery store.

The story continued in my absence. All I wanted was to miss as little as possible. But in my pursuit, I fell. My very goal of arriving early was the detriment that led me to return later than normal.

Fortunately, the story wasn't over when I reached home. And my uncle gladly recapitulated the parts I missed.

There was no candy to be given, no biscuits, nor chocolate bars. I got nothing beneficial or pleasurable except listening to the story. And to this day, I love stories that much.

I've been searching for why I love them. And after some research, it turns out the main reason I love stories is because I'm human.

Humans have always been loving stories. Storytelling has been one of our main ways of sharing information throughout history. In the far past, it occurred around a fire. In the near past, it happened at the dinner table. And nowadays, it occurs around a screen.

Regardless of where it takes place, stories are present in our lives. And they seldom fail to get our attention. It's important for us as creatives to know that. This knowledge may be normal, but powerful when put in use.

There are several creative mediums that focus on storytelling. We have fiction literature, movies, plays, and even games. Their main quest is to tell a story to their audience. That's their craft.

And it's why we're so attached to the works from those mediums. Their craft bonds with everyone in any period, culture, or land. We have films inspired by stories from thousands of years ago. And they still feel fresh and worthy of connection.

However, not every creative creates in those mediums. Thankfully, we all can benefit from the use of stories. Or should I say, we can all include some ounces of storiaine in our works.

It can be a subtle or heavy use. The effects will still be felt.

Storiaine is a drug that has a unique influence to motivate and persuade as it charms our emotions. When we have a good sip of it, we often empathize with the characters. We share their doubts, courage, happiness, sadness, fear, or triumph.

Under its lovely power, dopamine is produced. It increases our focus, motivation, and energy. The chemical that fosters empathy and promotes social bonding, oxytocin, is also activated.

No wonder why little Richard hurt himself. He just wanted to feel the highs that storiaine gives. And its highs are key for moving an audience.

It’s what makes its use potent and opens up the chance to make a connection. A great deal in making an impact on your audience is forming a bond with them.

This is where stories work best. They help the process of bonding go effortlessly. They take whatever message you want to get through and make it as light as a powder for better penetration.

You don't feel the work and mechanics of a good story when you're listening to it. It can be heavy, but you take it in with ease. You might not be in the story, yet you don't feel like an outsider.

It glues you to your seat just like it did with my siblings and me.

You can include or sprinkle storiaine on anything. No matter how complex or simple the object or subject can be.

You could have a wonderful painted portrait of your neighbor in your art exhibition. To say, “This is a portrait of my neighbor,” won’t convince your audience of the painting’s importance.

Instead, you could recount how the painting came to be. You could point when you needed help your neighbor was there. In your gratitude, you wondered what you could do as a thanksgiving.

And the thought of painting a portrait that highlights your neighbor’s kind and gentle spirit was crystallized.

You could make a product. The product is good and helpful. Yet, it’s challenging to communicate its use, necessity, and importance without using technical terms.

So, to convey its properties for all to understand, you use storiaine. You talk about the circumstance of a certain person. The person overlooked the situation. Everything was fine, at least that’s what the person thought.

Slowly and surely, the circumstance grew bigger. That individual tried the conventional ways to solve it. Yet, he wasn’t satisfied. In his curious search, he found your product. He had doubts, but as time went by, his doubts disappeared.

These are examples among many of how well the drug can work. It’s simple but impactful.

No need to be fancy. No need to be surreal or extraordinary. And no need to add interesting but fake elements.

Like my uncle, you can have people excited or interested to hear what you have to say next, with just a story.

So, there you have it. From cave paintings to Hollywood blockbusters, stories have captivated us for millennia.

Storiaine isn't just an amusing concept. It's the smoothest channel to human connection.

Next time you share your creation with others, remember the power of storiaine. Sprinkle a pinch of narrative magic, and watch your audience do their best to miss as little as possible, just like Little Richard.

The human craving for stories is a gift. And with a little creativity, we can all use storytelling, weaving worlds, and forging connections that leave a lasting bond.

Inspiring Wheels

I sincerely apologize for the lack of content here. I’ve been sick and going to the hospital. I couldn’t find the strength and energy to search and find interesting to share. Thanks really much for your understanding!

Want to share this issue of 4CW with a friend, colleague,… any human being? Just copy and paste this link: https://4creativewheels.beehiiv.com/p/may-9-2024 😉 😃

Thank you so much for reading! 

As always, feel free to reply to this email & share your thoughts, stories, and any experience related to this topic. I’d love to hear them!  

C ya next Week! 

Embracing Creativity™,

Richard M.

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