Jul 15 2022 8 mins 2
I have always been able to see things from other people's perspectives, which helps me be a very good writer and teacher, but when I start taking on their beliefs and habits, it can become a problem. So, I had to learn some tools to help me and that can help you too.
In this episode, you will learn:
1. How does Beth Barany's ability to slip into other people's perspectives help her be a good writer and teacher?
2. What is systems thinking and how can it be applied to storytelling?
3. What are some of the different mental models of looking at the world?
"I am constantly growing in this space and that is so exciting."
As a kid, I would automatically slip into a character's perspective from a story or a movie. I didn't know it at the time, but I was stepping into their shoes. I was taking on their perspective. I was even taking on some of their beliefs and habits of speech and mannerisms. This ability of mine to slip into other people's shoes has actually helped me be a very good writer and teacher… and can help you too.
Resources:
Donella Meadows, Thinking in Systems: A Primer
https://books2read.com/thinkinginsystems
Start here for Dana (Donella) Meadows Lecture: Sustainable Systems (Part 1 of 4)
A Philosophical Look at System Dynamics by Donella Meadows (YouTube)
What is Family Constellations?
https://www.hellingerinstitute.com/what-is-family-constellations/
Summary:
1) When Beth was a kid, she didn't realize that she could see things from other people's perspectives so easily. Now that she's an adult, she has used that skill to become a good teacher and coach. As a fiction writer, she is interested in creating positive futures, unlike the world we live in today.
2) Beth Barany is the creator of the how to Write the Future podcast. She explains how to understand systems thinking and how it can help us create new stories. She also shares the show notes and a lecture on thinking and systems by Donnella Meadows. In upcoming episodes of the How To Write the Future podcast, she’ll talk about systems thinking and how we can apply that to the worlds that we bring into being through our novels and fiction.
3) Beth Barany is in the early stages of exploring the material from her podcast. She invites you to join the conversation about how to write the future on Twitter or LinkedIn @BethBarany or email her at [email protected].
Other episodes you'll enjoy:
Start with Episode 01: Introduction
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/10918821-how-to-write-the-future-episode-01-introduction
ABOUT THE PODCASTER: BETH BARANY
I have always loved science fiction and fantasy, the worlds, as much as the adventures. But I know how it can be a struggle to build those immersive worlds. So I was excited to create the "How to Write the Future" podcast for science fiction writers who want to write positive futures.
Connect with Beth Barany:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethBarany
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbarany/
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on your podcast service.
