The other day, during our StoryMasters monthly meeting, someone tossed a grenade into the room with a simple question: “What actually defines a story? And do they have to be true?”
My gut reaction was a resounding, “Of course!” But immediately, I realized the answer is a bit more… layered. Like a sourdough starter or a complicated ex, storytelling is rarely just one thing.
The Genre Reality Check
- Historical Tales: Non-negotiable. If you say it happened in 1912, it better have happened in 1912.
- Folktales / Fairytales: Purely metaphorical. We know wolves don’t wear grandma’s nightgowns, but the danger is real.
- Tall Tales: Truth stretched until it snaps
- Personal Narratives: The Gray Area. These must be emotionally true, but the facts often get a “haircut.”
The “Artful Edit”: Why We Tweak the Facts
In a personal story, you aren’t a journalist; you’re a guide. If you include every person who was in the room, your audience will get lost in a sea of names they don’t need to know.
To keep the “Truth” from getting in the way of a “Good Story,” we use a few professional tricks:
- The Mashing Rule: If five people were at the meeting but only two said anything useful, combine those five people into two characters.
- The Dialogue “Upgrade”: You might not remember exactly what your boss said in 2015, but you remember how it made you feel. Creating dialogue that captures the spirit of the moment keeps the scene moving and prevents you from sounding like a dry lecturer.
- The Omission: If it doesn’t add value to the “Point” of your story, leave it on the cutting room floor.
Dinner Party vs. The Stage
There is a massive difference between an anecdote and a story.
At a dinner party, you’re among friends. You have “Common Ground” equity. You can get away with a rambling, “And then… and then… and then…” style because your friends like you. But on a stage? The audience is looking for a transformation.
A true stage story requires a Story Arc. While an anecdote is just a sequence of events, a story requires:
1. Conflict: Something goes wrong or a challenge arises.
2. Stakes: Why does this matter? What is at risk?
3. Resolution: How did the experience change you?
So, do stories have to be true? I would say we stick to the 70/30 rule: The heart of the story must be 100% true, but the details (the 30%) should be polished, pruned, and perfected to serve the audience.
After all, a story isn’t a data dump—it’s a gift. And like any good gift, the presentation matters just as much as what’s inside.
This is such valuable insight!! Love this Miyo!!
Thank you so much, Jenn!