How Pandemic Letters to My Kids Reaffirmed My Belief in Storytelling
Throughout the pandemic, I wrote letters to my kiddos, ages six and two. I wanted to capture this (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime experience—how it felt, what it looked like, what we did—so that years from now, when they’re older, we can reflect on it together.
While the whole world experienced COVID-19, the stories I shared in these letters were unique to me. That’s the power of storytelling: No two people will recount an experience the same way.
For as long as I can remember, the magic of storytelling has had a hold on me. Inspiring me to put pen to paper. To craft something one of a kind, filled with feeling and truth and conviction.
As a little girl, I would tell stories to my mom, and she would write them in a notebook. I enjoyed plotting a beginning, middle, and end that told of conflict and resolution—all neatly nestled between lined pages. I enjoyed a good story arc before ever learning the term.
I carried this passion for writing into my professional life, too. Carving out a niche that allows me to help executives and brands articulate and share their stories. Similar to my pandemic letters, these stories are unique to the companies and people who stand behind them.
My job is to unpack these stories. Refine them. Give voice to the feelings, truth, and conviction that make them one of a kind. In doing this, the narratives become memorable, shareable, and ownable.
Why does this matter? Data, facts, and figures are intriguing. But a good story pulls people in, makes them believe in something, and inspires them to share it with others. (Like I said, stories are powerful stuff.)
For executives and brands with a story to tell, getting that first word on paper can feel daunting. In my practice, I offer workshops to help clients take this leap. During these guided sessions, we work to uncover your story, personality, and voice. I then translate this into concise messaging that serves as the foundation for future brand content and thought leadership.
A critical step in the workshop process—before I ever write a single word—is to learn others’ stories, including:
Your customer’s story: Who are you writing for and what do you know about their interests, passions, and pain points? When you know this, you can identify how, where and when you fit into their lives.
Your competitors’ stories: What do your competitors say about themselves? Your value proposition is only compelling if others can’t say they do the same thing. You must know everyone’s “thing.”
The stories others are telling about you: Do you know what your competitors, peers, and current and prospective customers say about you? Writing is as much about listening to others as it is telling your side of the story.
Through this process we learn a lot that helps me shape your narrative. Things like how you’re different, what perceptions you may need to overcome, equity you can build upon, and the feelings and actions you most want to inspire. My goal is to turn a once daunting task into an energizing discovery.
I suppose, in a way, that’s what I did with my pandemic letters. By writing about our experiences, I uncovered more about that time than initially met my eye. Beneath all the scary I discovered good, too. A story inside a story.
Thanks for joining me here. I hope you’ll subscribe and follow along for more on the writing process, giving voice to your story, and creating content others want to read.