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Recently stumbled across a comment to some post or other opining that writers (and, I suppose by extention all artists) should "go do something useful." And my first thought was...storytelling -- as in, engaging our imaginations to make sense of our world? -- isn't useful?
Well, color me gobsmacked. 
When you consider that storytelling even predates language (note the cool cave painting) it seems a pretty safe bet that telling stories -- whether it be through words, art, music, whatever -- is an intrinsic part of what makes us human. As is the enjoyment of them (now visualizing assorted cave folk dolled up in their furred finery, huddled cross-legged around the fire, held in rapt attention by the grunting, gesticulating dude telling 'em about his most recent hunt. And no doubt embellishing the odd detail, just to see them gasp or laugh or recoil in horror.
Too bad they didn't have popcorn, right?)
The ability to tell stories is one big reason we're at the top of the food chain. Useful? What could be more useful than something that engages our imaginations? That helps us figure things out, rather than simply accept them at face value? Heck, as far as I can tell storytelling is the very basis for invention. You know, for all that useful stuff?
Honestly -- I can't even imagine a world without stories, can you? And for sure I wouldn't want to live there. [shudders]
Anyway...now that that's off my chest 
, I'm giving away a copy of my Silhouette single title, PLAYING FOR KEEPS, to one random, story-loving person who comments here between now and the end of the day on Monday, April 6th, winner to be announced on Tuesday.
Karen T.
http://www.karentempleton.com
A Marriage-Minded Man, SSE, 9/09 (Book 3, Wed in the West)
Welcome Home, Cowboy, SSE, 7/10 (Book 4, Wed in the West)
What a dweeb!
What was that person SMOKING? A world without storytelling? Are you KIDDING me?
Look at the popularity (even STILL) of: movies...tv shows...novels...podcasts that tell a story...GAMES that tell a story (like some of the RPGs.)...
Did you ever hear Jenny Crusie's luncheon speech at one of the RWA Nationals? She talks about the world's need for storytellers. (As opposed to people who can craft a perfect sentence. <G>)
It's an inspiring speech for any writer. We use stories to make sense of life. To remind us that we are not alone. To escape from our own (boring, painful, whatever) existance. To take us places we'd never go in real life. To make us think. To make us FEEL.
I don't want to live in a world without stories, either.
The Family Plan - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
A World Without Stories????????
I can't even concieve of a world without books. I started reading at age 4 and there have been times in my life when reading was my entertainment. Like before television. Actually reading is still my entertainment because I don't watch that much TV even now.
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
Glad to hear there's a
Glad to hear there's a reason for this madness we call story telling. It's innate. We can't help it. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Winner - Ultimate Reunion Contest 2006
Honourable Mention - Ultimate Secret Contest 2007
http://www.marcybassettkennedy.blogspot.com/
I second that.
The dweeb comment, that is.
I've heard so many authors say they were having a discouraging time in their careers and then received a note from a reader who commented that the author's book took their mind off that day's chemo session or the nasty divorce they were going through or some other really negative aspect of life. What greater compliment than to know you lifted a fellow human up and made her day a little better because of the story you told?
Useful? I think that's mighty useful.
Marilyn
www.writingplayground.blogspot.com
We can't NOT tell stories
It's part of who we are, as a species. We're hungry for stories. And if some people can tell them better than others, let's pay them to tell their stories! I can think of hundreds of jobs I would call useless, but storytelling would never be one of them.
stories
I don't think there is a person alive who hasn't heard or told a story of some sort. People love to be entertained and that is one way to do it. When the listeners hear or read the words, they can paint their own pictures in their minds. A great story can make you laugh, cry, or check under the bed at night for the boogieman. Isn't that just amazing??
Perhaps more amazing is the nerve of one person to take it upon himself to decide what is and is not useful.
Happy reading and story-telling!!
Kathleen
A world without storytelling
A world without storytelling would be a sad place indeed. What better way to escape when life is dealing you a difficult time? There is no way I could have survived my dd open heart surgery, or her many other medical issues/appointments.
I believe everyone needs stories no matter the form they take: poetry, film or stage plays/musicals, songs, and books.
Nancy
January 2009 Member of the Month
Participant in Date with Destiny 2009
Participant in Pass the Plot Spring 2009
Stories
Stories are so important because family members tell you things that happened way back when. My grandpa tells me all about of the area where I lived was like when he was a kid. If we didn't have stories family history, just plain history itself would not be known by many. Plus you have books that help you get away from everyday stress so stories are definitely useful!
Nicole
February 2010 Member of the Month
useful
Stories are incredibly useful. In these hard economic times we need escape more than ever but most importantly to teach our children and help us all understand better and make sense of the world.
I can't imagine a world without stories and therefore storytellers - thank goodness i don't have to!
Bec
no stories?
I suppose the dweeb that made the comment has never told a story to one of his colleagues by the water cooler or coffee machine either! I'm sure we all swap tales of what we've done on the weekend, and what are we doing but telling stories? So what if the majority of us are not talented enough to craft it into a book that will help others relax and escape? How does he think tv shows or movies or live theatre gets put together without a creative writer behind it? A world without stories wouldn't be worth living.
Lynne
Storytelling is useful
Whether to entertain or inform, stories are needed in this world. Think of all the stories passed down within a culture from generation to generation. A very sad, misguided comment to say stories are not useful.
Tammy Y
June 2009 Member of the Month
Yikes!
It's been said here, well. A world without stories? Impossible!
Christine Rimmer
http://www.christinerimmer.com
Valentine Bride 2/10
A Bride for Jericho Bravo 3/10
All new Montana Mavericks story 7/10
Expecting the Boss's Baby 12/10