Vision Share: Pick a View

Six Views – Step 3

Now represent one of your views visually and share it with somebody else.

You can evoke your chosen comparison with a drawing, photo, or other visual depiction. This activity is meant to help you envision your “I” voice.

Suggested Time for Activity: 20 minutes

Sharing: with a friend or writing group; social media

Snap a photo or make a quick sketch. Or take more time with a drawing, even create a video. Just try not to be too literal in depicting, say, your hand.

Q. Can I make a collage of all six views?

No, pick the comparison that you think represents your “I” best. Choosing one will get you to focus on the aspects of yourself you most want to convey.

Practice choosing what to say about yourself.

In truth, everyone is a collage of traits, influences, and preferences — or puzzle pieces, as I refer to the “Puzzle of ‘I'” in my introduction. For first-person storytelling, however, it’s helpful to practice choosing what to say about yourself.

You may not know who your audience is yet, but considering different “I” views can also help you determine who you’d like to write for.

Q. Can I include the written words of my comparison?

Keep in mind that you’ll be sharing this.

Yes, as long as the words don’t replace the visual elements entirely. Adding the words in a caption on a sketch, for instance, could create clever connections. Cartoon captions often underscore a joke or make the punchline.

Regardless, keep in mind that you’ll be sharing this with others.

Q. What if I don’t want to share my visual representation?

It’s up to you, but I encourage you to try it with a friend or family member. The ultimate goal of becoming a better storyteller is to communicate with other people. The response of your fellow humans will let you know if you’re on the right track.

The ultimate goal is communicating with other people.

Sharing a quick sketch or photo – in person, via email, on Zoom — is often fun and motivating. People like pictures. It’s also a great warmup for sharing your writing when you’re ready for that.

A Word About Social Media: Sharing your visual representation on social media is not required. If you enjoy sharing and interacting with more followers, please do. But if not, avoid social media for the “Vision Share” step.