Nathan Branson
Whatever you read here is a way for me to hash out ideas until I can talk about them in real-time with whoever is willing to join in.
Training Students to be Creative Participants Rather than Detached Observers (Part 2)
An Argument for the Creative Writing Workshop
In my previous blog entry, I argued that the mood of literary studies today produces students who have a sharp critical eye, yet unintentionally can produce students who have an unhealthy cynicism. Literature teachers must train their students to be critical readers. Living in America in the 21st century means we are immersed in a consumer . . .
Posted in: critical thinkingstorytellingwriting tips
The Excuses That Keep Us From Telling Our Stories
A Reflection on Why You Should Speak Up at the Dinner Table
“Telling stories is not about one-upping. It is about swapping stories. To win the game you tell the right stories to get the better stories out of the other person.” ---my friend Bobby Lane
I have spent the last 2 months teaching freshman English composition classes online because of the coronavirus. The transition from teaching . . .
Does "getting over" someone who has passed away mean that we erase our memories?
My Brother and I were "Kindred Spirits" When it Came to Music
June 10th will mark 9 years since my brother Daniel and his girlfriend Suzanne passed away in a car accident. I am self-conscious of openly writing about this topic, in fear people will shake their heads thinking "Yea, Nathan just won't let it go," or "Nate is such a melancholy person." If I am a melancholy person, I . . .
The North Carolina State Motto: One Reason I Became a Christian
During my senior year of high school that I achieved the goal of becoming semi-popular. High school is more like a hierarchy than a democracy. My senior year I had tasted what it felt like to be near the top of that hierarchy. Some of it conscious and some of it unconscious, I had struggled for three years of high school to be admired by . . .
What We can Learn about Storytelling from 90's sit-com "Full House"
Transitioning From a "Story-Consumer" to a "Story Teller"
Our culture is desperate for storytellers. On a weekly basis we watch movies, television and any number of streaming media because we are in search of a story. I watch at least 2 movies a week. If I let myself, I could make a habit of watching something every night. However, I do not believe we were only created to listen or watch other . . .
Storytelling Serves as Key Part of the Grieving Process
My brother, Daniel, passed away in the summer of 2007. He was working at a Christian summer camp in Andrews. One weekend, he and a group of friends went to an Atlanta Braves game. Tragically---Daniel and his girlfriend Suzanne died in Atlanta in a car accident after the right front wheel broke off the Jeep they were riding in on the way home. . . .
Posted in: brotherhoodgriefmemorystorytelling
Why Personal Stories Help Develop Relationships
I consider myself a mediocre storyteller. I'm not the kind of person who regularly takes the stage at a family gathering or a party to unravel a story. Yet on a family vacation recently, I had the chance to tell the entire story of the one time in my life where I truly thought I was going to die. I sat in a beautiful mountain house in . . .
Posted in: memorystorytellingtravel
