Hi Andy, nice to meet you. If you write about songs, I don't know if you've heard of Kevin Alexander, but he runs a publication you might like on Medium. :)
Bob Dylan, a songwriter known for his potent metaphor-laden musical storytelling, must have known something about the Rainey Bethea case, as he seemed to recall it and many similar ones in just the opening line of his song "Desolation Row" ("They're selling postcards of the hanging..."). And while public hangings may be a thing of the past, the remainder of the lyrics chronicle a cynical, surreal place not unlike America today.
That's the value of storytelling- it unites past, present and future together, each impacting upon the other. Removing the ability and right to tell stories is the first step towards actually creating the so-called "fascist" state some consider the 21st century United States- but since, as yet, no one has been able to completely silence storytelling and may not ever, it seems like an exaggeration to think of it as such. (Note: I am not a American, so I don't directly have skin in the game...").
Hi Linda. This was uplifting--no small feat this week. Thank you. I write historical fiction, which I think of more as truth-seeking. Like, what really happened, really. But you are right, we need stories to connect us and help us right now. I'm going to keep that in mind as I write. Happy Valentine's Day.
I love historical fiction too, Maise. I read a ton of it and have a couple of history pubs on Medium. I think historical fiction is a perfect way to tell a story and let truths sneak into the reader's mind without finger wagging or lecturing.
Loved this. Thanks. I write stories about my past, travels, coaching, and family. I hope they entertain and maybe teach. I try not to be afraid of what is happening in our country with the hope that there are still good people out there.
What do I write about? Conversations with my wife, Deb. Stories that come into my head, lately driven by characters who want to be written down and will not shut the frak up until I do. Observations and suggestions and stories from my life ("creative nonfiction"). Poetry.
Thanks, Linda. I write about whatever interests me at the moment. Last week, it was about how bacteria and humans are a lot alike, and this week, it's about idioms. Next week, it's about a locked-room mystery, a case I investigated and never solved a half-century ago. Nothing earth-shattering, but it keeps me from watching TV. As usual, another great, inspiring read from you.
Funny thing, Tom. When my ex left, I let him take the television. Never did replace it. Never much liked watching it alone anyway and I get a lot more writing done. And thank you
Thank you Linda for your encouraging words. Stories do indeed change hearts and minds. In these trying times we writers must rise to the challenge. We can create the stories that make for a kinder, more loving and accepting world. Happy Valentine Day to you.
Thank you for reminding me of the power of story. I needed it. You made this history lesson (this story) incredibly vivid and poignant.
I write slightly gritty, moderately spiritual fiction which I hope is part of the stories that get told to inspire and encourage. Of course, I’d appreciate you checking out my stories, but mostly I hope you’ll read and tell stories.
I write historical novels because our present is there in those stories. The lust for power. The erasure of women. The money grabs. My novel has it all, but it's set in 1200 England leading up to the Magna Carta which righted some wrongs. Hoping for a repeat...
Thank you for the reminder of the quiet, slow, but undeniable power we have as storytellers. On Medium and Substack, I write personal essays that I hope either entertain or illuminate something for the reader. The middle-grade fantasy series I have coming out in spring 2026, though: it's set in another world but full of parallels to our own, my song to those who are open to hearing it while also, I hope, losing themselves for a bit in a good story.
Yeah. The storytellers change the world. And I would love to review your books when they come out, Jan. By then I might have a big enough audience to make a teeny splash for you even. lol
I definitely write some stuff that could be called out for causing division. My nonfiction essays leave no doubt about my position on today's issues. But they also mostly launch directly into and bounce around an echo chamber. I see no harm in that. Some of us need to vent.
Most of my fiction is also influenced by our current "condition," to borrow a less combative word for what is happening. But my fiction is typically more subtle than the nonfiction, and usually allegorical, except for my novel in progress about an alternative world in which slaves are emancipated in the late 18th century. That one throws subtlety out the window.
I think when fiction is influenced by the world as it is, that's the the best fiction. Like Kafka said, if a book doesn't wake us up with a blow to the head, what are we reading it for?
Hello, my name is Alexsondra , I write about my life of turmoil and abuse and the road to healing through forgiveness. None of us are one sided. In fact I like to think of my life as a kaleidoscope that uncovers the many layers of the person I know now as me. I was raised in a family of story tellers. My grandparents, Italian immigrants, taught about decency, compassion and strong character, through stories. It was my grandfather who instilled why not to be judgmental. You may only perhaps judge, once you know someones character and seeing that would take quite some time, it's best to hold your tongue.Never was there a meal without a good story, even if it had been told ten times before.
I love all your work, but I especially love this article. Yes, we need more human connection, we need more stories, we need to be less individualistic... Right now!
Great stuff.
Thank you, Gary
Hi, my name is Andy Weinnig. I write about my experiences with mental illness. I also write about how songs I relate to my life all on Medium.
Hi Andy, nice to meet you. If you write about songs, I don't know if you've heard of Kevin Alexander, but he runs a publication you might like on Medium. :)
Thank you, Linda! We've been lucky enough to run several of Andy's stories at The Riff.
Bob Dylan, a songwriter known for his potent metaphor-laden musical storytelling, must have known something about the Rainey Bethea case, as he seemed to recall it and many similar ones in just the opening line of his song "Desolation Row" ("They're selling postcards of the hanging..."). And while public hangings may be a thing of the past, the remainder of the lyrics chronicle a cynical, surreal place not unlike America today.
That's the value of storytelling- it unites past, present and future together, each impacting upon the other. Removing the ability and right to tell stories is the first step towards actually creating the so-called "fascist" state some consider the 21st century United States- but since, as yet, no one has been able to completely silence storytelling and may not ever, it seems like an exaggeration to think of it as such. (Note: I am not a American, so I don't directly have skin in the game...").
I love Dylan's work too. Music, writing, art is the stuff that moves us and affects change for sure
Hi Linda. This was uplifting--no small feat this week. Thank you. I write historical fiction, which I think of more as truth-seeking. Like, what really happened, really. But you are right, we need stories to connect us and help us right now. I'm going to keep that in mind as I write. Happy Valentine's Day.
I love historical fiction too, Maise. I read a ton of it and have a couple of history pubs on Medium. I think historical fiction is a perfect way to tell a story and let truths sneak into the reader's mind without finger wagging or lecturing.
Loved this. Thanks. I write stories about my past, travels, coaching, and family. I hope they entertain and maybe teach. I try not to be afraid of what is happening in our country with the hope that there are still good people out there.
There are, Susan. There are good people. I read a post by Michael Moore this morning explaining how this can still all be set right. It gave me hope.
Thank you for this nudge to create more stories.
You are very welcome. :)
What do I write about? Conversations with my wife, Deb. Stories that come into my head, lately driven by characters who want to be written down and will not shut the frak up until I do. Observations and suggestions and stories from my life ("creative nonfiction"). Poetry.
Stuff.
With you, Jack, the word stuff holds magnitudes.
Thank you, dear lady! 💚
Thanks, Linda. I write about whatever interests me at the moment. Last week, it was about how bacteria and humans are a lot alike, and this week, it's about idioms. Next week, it's about a locked-room mystery, a case I investigated and never solved a half-century ago. Nothing earth-shattering, but it keeps me from watching TV. As usual, another great, inspiring read from you.
Funny thing, Tom. When my ex left, I let him take the television. Never did replace it. Never much liked watching it alone anyway and I get a lot more writing done. And thank you
Thank you Linda for your encouraging words. Stories do indeed change hearts and minds. In these trying times we writers must rise to the challenge. We can create the stories that make for a kinder, more loving and accepting world. Happy Valentine Day to you.
Aww. Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, Carla. And thank you, too
Thank you for reminding me of the power of story. I needed it. You made this history lesson (this story) incredibly vivid and poignant.
I write slightly gritty, moderately spiritual fiction which I hope is part of the stories that get told to inspire and encourage. Of course, I’d appreciate you checking out my stories, but mostly I hope you’ll read and tell stories.
https://stevendthomas.substack.com/
Thank you, Steve. Sometimes feels like the answers we need today have been answered yesterday if we just look back now and again.
I write historical novels because our present is there in those stories. The lust for power. The erasure of women. The money grabs. My novel has it all, but it's set in 1200 England leading up to the Magna Carta which righted some wrongs. Hoping for a repeat...
You are so right Terri. Our present is right there, in those stories. I love that you're writing historical fiction. It's my favorite genre
Thank you for the reminder of the quiet, slow, but undeniable power we have as storytellers. On Medium and Substack, I write personal essays that I hope either entertain or illuminate something for the reader. The middle-grade fantasy series I have coming out in spring 2026, though: it's set in another world but full of parallels to our own, my song to those who are open to hearing it while also, I hope, losing themselves for a bit in a good story.
Yeah. The storytellers change the world. And I would love to review your books when they come out, Jan. By then I might have a big enough audience to make a teeny splash for you even. lol
Well, isn't THAT a lovely offer! You bet I'm taking you up on it >3
I definitely write some stuff that could be called out for causing division. My nonfiction essays leave no doubt about my position on today's issues. But they also mostly launch directly into and bounce around an echo chamber. I see no harm in that. Some of us need to vent.
Most of my fiction is also influenced by our current "condition," to borrow a less combative word for what is happening. But my fiction is typically more subtle than the nonfiction, and usually allegorical, except for my novel in progress about an alternative world in which slaves are emancipated in the late 18th century. That one throws subtlety out the window.
I think when fiction is influenced by the world as it is, that's the the best fiction. Like Kafka said, if a book doesn't wake us up with a blow to the head, what are we reading it for?
Hello, my name is Alexsondra , I write about my life of turmoil and abuse and the road to healing through forgiveness. None of us are one sided. In fact I like to think of my life as a kaleidoscope that uncovers the many layers of the person I know now as me. I was raised in a family of story tellers. My grandparents, Italian immigrants, taught about decency, compassion and strong character, through stories. It was my grandfather who instilled why not to be judgmental. You may only perhaps judge, once you know someones character and seeing that would take quite some time, it's best to hold your tongue.Never was there a meal without a good story, even if it had been told ten times before.
I think I would have loved your grandparents.
In the words of the 1990 classic, Pump Up the Volume, "Talk hard."
I don't know what I write... probably pop-culture inspired drivel. But I enjoy writing it!
Funny thing is, your profile sounds like it was written about me. I love pie and coffee and work in tech, too. Now I need to go look lol
I love all your work, but I especially love this article. Yes, we need more human connection, we need more stories, we need to be less individualistic... Right now!
Thank you, Sophie, glad you liked this one. I'm all for being individualistic, but with our ears and eyes and hearts wide open. :)