The Hook

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“Just because they are a story doesn’t mean they’re not real.” – H. M. Bouwman

I was talking to Adam, one of Mr. D’s preschool teachers who was a newspaper writer in one of his previous jobs. (I think there’s a whole post I should write of how lucky Mr. D is to have such interesting and experienced teachers). He told me that he once interviewed Jim and Lou Whittaker, the now 94-year-old legendary Seattle mountain climbing twins and entrepreneurs.

So I asked him what his favorite interview was and he said, without hesitation, Ginger Rogers. Apparently, the arts writer was sick the day Ginger Rogers came to Seattle to promote a book she’d written and Adam said he couldn’t get his hand up fast enough to volunteer. His memory of it was that “It was the closest thing to royalty I’ve ever experienced.”

I bring this up because Vicki Atkinson and I did a Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast interview with Stuart Perkins, of the Storyshucker blog. In my mind, he is part of WordPress community royalty. Part of this is strictly personal because he was the first person to follow me, and most of it is because of his ability as a storyteller. He told us he loves to use a “hook,” something to draw the reader in and it’s a tool he uses to great effect.

Talking with Stuart, we learned about his base – growing up on a plot of land in rural Virginia. His grandmother, “Nannie” had land there and gave each of her 5 kids adjoining plots so Stuart grew up in the rich base of family and garden that he describes so often in his posts. Nannie and that simple life as told in evocative, touching, and rich stories.

A great base, a simpler time, a big family of storytellers – all great hooks. Like Mr D’s preschool teacher, Adam described, I couldn’t have been more thrilled to do this interview with the fantastic and fun Stuart Perkins. I hope you’ll listen and subscribe.

Search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts or click here to listen to Episode 12: On Storytelling with Stuart M. Perkins on Anchor.

Show notes are on the Heart of the Matter blog: Episode 12 show notes

22 thoughts on “The Hook”

  1. I’ve already been to Stuart’s blog and just subscribed. Thank you Wynne for sharing the joy of his incredible writing.
    And of course, your insights are always poignant. 💕
    P.S. I really need to get listening to your podcast. Sounds interesting. I’ve never really listened to any before. Time is always the nemesis. You know.
    Have a wonderful Easter weekend.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I know what you mean about time, Alegria! Glad you’ve gone to his blog – it’s such a treasure trove. And if you happen to listen, I know you’ll enjoy hearing him as well! 🙂 Happy Easter weekend to you!

      Liked by 3 people

  3. Your children really do have such fascinating teachers and I bet their interesting life experiences permeate into the classroom environment.

    I’ll have to check out Stuart’s blog. I can say that I see the concept of the hook in your writing, Wynne – and I love the creativity with which you find the hooks to Centre your stories around.

    Liked by 4 people

  5. The podcast was great. I loved your reading of Stuart’s work. It does seem to have thst magical quality to pull people in. I will be checking out his blog.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Mr. Perkins is a wonderful story teller. I am going to make time this weekend to listen to your interview with him; the tab is open and waiting. I look forward to it! Thanks, Wynne. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That surprises me because I also think of you as WordPress royalty, Ally. I’m so pleased that I could introduce you to Stuart since you have introduced me to so many other lovely bloggers!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Lucky guy! I would have peppered Ginger Rogers with questions about Mary Ann and the Skipper and why the Professor was able to make a working radio out of coconuts but couldn’t build a boat to save his life. Royalty indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

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