The Story Frame

Short and funny personal stories and thoughts on how to write them.

Points of Entry and Tactical Storytelling

Editing and Honing the Universal in Your Story I knew early on in my life I wanted to be a writer. Actually, I wanted to be a reader. I loved reading. But at that time, I didn't think you could get paid for that. So, I switch my dream career from reader to writer. I wrote a lot during those tim...

by Carlos Garbiras — Apr 01, 2025 editing productivity storytelling writing

The Hairbrushing Vortex

Or how simple parenting acts can drive you insane I heard the shouting, "I either brush your hair, or I cut your hair." And I thought, "Who is this asshole talking out of my mouth?" Before I had kids, I believed I didn't need Buddhism because I embodied the dharma. I was Buddha reincarnated, the ...

by Carlos Garbiras — Mar 31, 2025 culture parenting relationships satire

It's Time to Wake Up Early... Tips on Developing a Morning Routine

Free Memoir Writing Workshop Details At The End of Email My favorite season of the year is here. Spring. This is when the New Year should happen. This is when the New Year used to happen until the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar. "April Fools' Day" was created as a holiday meant to mock and...

by Carlos Garbiras — Mar 25, 2025 habits productivity writing

Worried About Including Others in Your Essay? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions

Most of the time, I'm not thinking about whether or not I'm going to include someone in a story because when I do, it will end up being playful and in good nature. But when an essay is a little more thorny or raw, and I feel uncomfortable about what I have to say about a person, I use a handful o...

Mar 20, 2025 creativity editing storytelling writing

"How Much Can I Share? And What Happens When My Family And Friends Read My Stories About Them? "

TL;DR: it's complicated. Tonight, I will be hosting my weekly free memoir writing workshop. Find details at the end of the email. Last week, I hosted my free "Memoir Writing Workshop," and an attendee asked, "How much can I share about others in my stories?" This is a difficult question to answe...

by Carlos Garbiras — Mar 18, 2025 editing publishing storytelling writing

Invisible Art: How Storytelling Can Sell the Nonexistent

Oh, man. What is this word that I'm looking for? What did this Miró painting evoked in me? This painting is so... So... Oh, I know. So dumb! What a fucking dumb painting? Listen, I have to admit to you. Sometimes, what critics call high art is just above my limited intelligence. This canvas, whic...

by Carlos Garbiras — Mar 13, 2025 creativity editing productivity storytelling writing

What Miro's Museum Taught Me About Storytelling in Art

Next week, I'm hosting a monthly in-person storytelling circle in Petaluma at Grand Central Coffee Shop. I'm producing this show with two friends, and one of them invited me to present it to a group of artists she guides through Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. I thought, "I can pitch an event a...

Mar 11, 2025 artmaking creativity productivity storytelling writing

Two Misconceptions About Storytelling (Free Storytelling Workshop Tonight)

I recently bought Mike Sacks' "And Here is the Kicker," and when I added it to my humor writing collection on Kindle, I saw that this collection has become quite sizable. I have been reading on writing and humor writing for over ten years. I especially like interviews with comedic writers because...

Mar 07, 2025 editing productivity storytelling writing

My First Facebook Live Was A Terrible, Horrible Disaster...

And I'm doing it again! Five minutes before my Facebook Live started, I realized I had already gotten myself into my pajamas. So I quickly ran to my closet to get a sweater to look presentable from the waist up. I sat at my computer. I needed to run the workshop from there because I was showing ...

Mar 04, 2025 creativity editing productivity storytelling writing

Is This Story True? Join Me Tonight at Let's Talk (Story-)Shop

When I perform at story slams, I typically have people approach me after the show and ask me if my story is real. The thing about most story slams is that the stories you tell need to be real. Some people choose to make up stuff. I don't. Life is plenty bizarre without any help from me. Then they...

Feb 27, 2025 coaching creativity editing productivity storytelling structure writing

The Winter Funk Finally Got to You: 4 Tips To Get Back to Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It

There is a funk going around, isn’t there? In almost every conversation I am having, people are feeling a bit down. Maybe it is the fact that even after making a conscious effort not to follow politics, Musk and Trump still manage to do something outrageous that can pierce your information barrie...

Feb 25, 2025 creativity editing productivity storytelling writing

Stop Chasing Flow and Find Pockets of Time Instead

It is the only option you have if you are a busy person There is very little hope for a day when, at 6:15, someone you love screams in your face at the top of their lungs, kicks you in the balls, and punches you in the stomach. There is no better adjective to describe such mornings than 'shit." ...

Feb 20, 2025 creativity editing productivity storytelling writing

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The Story Frame

Short and funny personal stories and thoughts on how to write them.

The Story Frame

Short and funny personal stories and thoughts on how to write them.

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