The Story Frame Newsletter

The Story Frame

Lessons, Hacks and Inspiration to Write Your Story

Numbers, strategies, frameworks—they wake up the moment a human walks into the room. A person turns information into meaning. A story turns data into connection. A small moment of tension turns a dry idea into something you actually want to read. And if you can't find a person? Use yourself. Your...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 18, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

If You Want to Write More, You Gotta Lower the Bar

I knew I wanted to write since my early teens. I'd give it a shot, and when I realized it looked nothing like the things I'd love to read, I'd move to start working on something else--never actually finishing anything. When I had my first daughter, that changed. I started hauling A*$, lowering ...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 17, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

The Best Stories Are Made of "Insignificant" Moments

When people start contemplating writing about their lives and the pivotal moments that changed them, they first think of BIG events--cue walking away from the explosion in the background. In reality, some of the best stories are about the little moments that change it all. That one person you sai...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 17, 2026 memoir writing storytelling writing

The Structure I Stole From Debate (and Still Use Today)

I learned a simple structure to form paragraphs and arguments during my time debating competitively. Then I bastardized it to use as my own. If you are looking for a quick way to express your opinion or expertise, just follow this structure: Short statement (your thesis or opinion) Add the facts...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 16, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

Most Stories are Imperfect Memories

You don't need to remember all the details of a story; just a handful. But you do need to remember the emotional landscape associated with it. People want to know how that anecdote you want to tell made you feel. Instead of trying to smash every small detail into a story, make it simple. What is...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 14, 2026 memoir storytelling writing

Writing is a Poweful Exploration Tool

I'll be honest, I could be wrong about this. I do believe that writing is for everyone. However, not everyone takes advantage of it. Writing is not just a means to become a writer, a published author, or a novelist. Writing is one of the most powerful, most humane tools at our disposal. It helps ...

Jan 13, 2026 journaling memoir writing storytelling

Writing Your Story Starts with Typing, Not Talking

Some people harbor a desire to write, but they wait for a "big" story before they start. Personal storytelling isn't about drama—it's about both grand and mundane events that create tension. Stories about off-roading in the middle of a plaza in Isla Mujeres are cool. But so are the little anecdot...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jan 12, 2026 storytelling

Parenting Books are Sales Books in Disguise

Parenting Books are Sales Books in Disguise The thing is not the thing... (also, I'm back!) My youngest daughter called for me a little before six. She has a scheduled light that turns on when they can get out of the room. (It sounds horrible as I write it down, but really, it is the most humane...

by Carlos Garbiras — Nov 06, 2025 communication storytelling writing

When My Mom Slipped and Stumbled at a Foam Party

The Avatar in her hair curlers remote-controlled my destiny I didn't kill him because I thought it was amusing. I had a green light to turn left, and as I started going, I saw him. He floored his motorcycle and ran his red light. Calling his vehicle a motorcycle is generous on my part, as it was ...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jul 10, 2025 coming of age culture parenting storytelling

The Vasectomy Dialogues (Part 1)

A man is more than the sum of his names When I think of manly, I think of my friend Travis. It's weird that I don't think of myself. I'm just not that guy. I'm the guy who gets excited about artsy chocolate truffles, can tell you what a pecan duja is, and who you can find saying phrases like, "W...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jul 02, 2025 culture masculinity society

The Polynesian Art of Wayfinding and Storytelling

The very first cellphone my family had was a Motorola MicroTAC flip phone, which was made out of the same mold used to make bricks. If someone studying cold cases discovered that this model was used to kill several victims in the early 90s, I would totally buy that. And I loved taking it out at n...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jun 26, 2025 productivity storytelling writing

Telling a Bartender in Birmingham, I Dropped My Daughter in the Water

The unspoken risks of traveling to the South early in the pandemic Our drinks were side by side, and we had ordered the same thing: Glenfiddich 18 on the rocks. But while he had a proper single, my glass seemed three times fuller than his. I know why I got more than my coworker, Trent; my charm ...

by Carlos Garbiras — Jun 25, 2025 culture race whiskey

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The Story Frame

Lessons, Hacks and Inspiration to Write Your Story

The Story Frame

Lessons, Hacks and Inspiration to Write Your Story

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