Week 10 Story Laboratory: TEDEd Videos, Style

Desk setup with blush background. Web Source: Pixabay

     For my story laboratory assignment, I chose to look over the various TED talks provided regarding creative writing styles. I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my writing and make it more interesting, so I thoroughly enjoyed listening to what the videos each had to offer. I decided to talk about three of the videos that really resonated with me and how I want to enhance my writing. The links along with my personal thoughts will be listed and explained below.

The Power of Creative Constraints: Brandon Rodriguez

This first video I wanted to discuss, attained ideas that I had never thought of. Brandon Rodriguez really emphasizes the concept of creative constraints and how they are necessary limitations and requirements that have to be acknowledged and understood before moving forward with any desired pursuits. Creative constraints are also beneficial in helping us explore different avenues of methods in order to reach our goals. When you adopt such a style of thinking, you are allowing yourself the opportunity to think outside of the box to reach better and more efficient resolutions. Decision making is a large aspect of creative constraints and at the foundation of the constraints blooms creativity. I really appreciated Rodriguez's perspective about challenges, because I have found writing in this course one of the most challenging experiences. I have learned so much and am continuing to learn about different ways I can improve my creative writing skills and enhance the ones I currently have. 

What "Orwellian" Really Means: Noah Tavlin

I thought this second video was very interesting because I have read some of George Orwell's novels prior to this assignment. The video expressed that "Orwellian" is a meaning or symbolic of authoritarian. But the irony portrayed with using his last name in that light is actually disregarding the message he was trying to get across. He was against any form of tyranny and interested in how language guides and shapes our thoughts and opinions. The video further talks about the irony called "doublespeak" where words are actually utilized to undermine the importance of meaning. This, in turn, creates slander to the ideas that are being represented. Orwell referred negative effects such a concept would wreak on the psyche. Doublethink is what encourages people to ignore the depths of their own perceptions and authenticity as to become dependent upon the current states notions. 

The video even brought out how our own perspectives are impressionable due to the prevalence of media. Our common sense and way of thinking are constantly being polluted in ways we have never considered or noticed. This has significantly affected how we form our opinions and assumptions. It is important to remain aware and alert about words being used to deceive us or cloud our better judgments. This is extremely important in writing because the way we project our ideas to others can be influential. It is vital to protect our minds and others mind from polluted thoughts and examine our intentions when we are writing.

How To Write Descriptively: Nalo Hopkinson

The last video I watched was relative to how I try and write. Specifically, the video tries to explain the point of fiction through the ways we formulate our words. It is important to display vividness to readers while striving to engage senses. That is why throughout your story, you should drive to put yourself in the actual story you are writing. This will allow the audience to form stronger connections with your story. It also suggested using well-chosen words when writing to bridge all of the senses while simultaneously increasing imaginative perception. 

I think this video was extremely beneficial in explaining how being descriptive in your stories can really change the way your audience responds. Additionally, being able to help your audience dive into another world can really make it more enjoyable for them. I feel like I am currently doing a pretty good job at creating visual imagery through words, but this video especially gave me more insight as to how I can challenge myself.