Anti-Case
Radical Honesty
We often try so hard to be shiny and chic, it could almost be cute, if it wasn’t… tragicomic. But the real connection isn’t on the glossy surfaces. (Clearly it isn’t.) It’s where we stumble a little, and accidentally reveal our lovely little weirdnesses.
Tim Chang, one of Silicon Valley’s top VCs has said: “Vulnerability is the next super power.” Couldn’t agree more. Our true connection – humanness – is where we dare to be real.
So.
(This only slightly hurts.)
The Plot Twist (the bad kind)
Between 2015–2019 (yes, four years) I wrote a whole novel script about – yes, a global pandemic.
Then, obviously, 2020 happened.
Absolutely no one wants to read fiction about a global pandemic after a global pandemic. (I wouldn’t.)
But I’ll keep the humans
The story is gone, but I still love the characters. To my joy, so does my publisher. I have a weakness towards grumpy old Northern Finnish men.
Old men are the same everywhere. (I’ve watched them watching asphalt being laid, or a construction site, or in car repair shop — giving advice no one asked for, arguing fiercely over it, and then going fishing like nothing happened.)
Edit, edit, edit – some more edit
So, of course, the whole fiction needs to be taken apart like an old engine and rebuilt piece by piece (where are the old men when their advice is actually needed?).
A pain, yes. But also a privilege: I get to spend more
“Vulnerability is the next Super Power.”
Also in team building. (There is neuroscience behind it.)
time with the grumpy gang.
(And in case you wondered: yes, I do have some published novels, too.)
What I learned
Always publish a novel about a pandemic before a pandemic.
Or, don’t write about global pandemics.
Editing can save everything. Keep the good parts, throw out the rest.
How my stumbling might be useful to you
Radical Honesty Kick-off: There is neuroscience behind building a true team connection (yes, through vulnerability). Curious? Just ask.
Story Architecture Sprint: I have taken so many stories into pieces, I can help you do that with your brand or strategy — ideally without repeating my mistakes.
There are some other things too, if you want to collaborate. Bring your curiosity, I’ll bring mine.
Or, if you are a geek like me, the architecture of a disgustingly well-written story (say Friends-episode) might tickle you – once you see the beauty of its structure, you can’t unsee it. It’s the kind of pattern-whispering you can carry into anything you build.