Thanks Sairam! The best part is I really enjoyed writing it. Leaned into the 6yr old part of the storytelling spectrum you explained. Fun to write like a kid again.
Great post, John. As a long-time fly fisherman, I'm a sucker (geddit?) for anything with a fishing metaphor. And so pleased to have participated in the Troika Consulting exercise.
The George Saunders book, A Swim in the Pond in the Rain, is one of my favorites, too. I read many of the stories in the past, but his analysis is fantastic. Truly a masterclass in the art of the short story. And it includes what may be the best short story ever written, "Master and the Man" by Tolstoy.
Haha thanks Drake! Yes first time reading Master and Man. My favourite from the stories he analysed. Struggled a bit with Gogol, but understood his style much better after reading Saunders's analysis.
Love the story and enjoyed the troika exercise. In the group therapy world, we sometimes do this as well. It's called "the fishbowl." Patients get to watch the two therapists talking about their vision for the patient, ways they'd like to help them, and ways they might be able to help themselves. It's umm...surreal. I like the coaching version better! 🥴
Oh wow! That does sound a bit frightening, but also helpful in a way. The fishbowl is such a good name for it. Can already see a sketch you can make about this ;)
Speaking of fresh perspective, where is Sylvensteinsee? Couldn't find it on the map, but it looks spectacular. I did look up the start and end point of your ride though. Did you turn around and go back, or was it a one-way trip? Getting out on my own bike for a ride like this is like having nature as an entire team of consultants—the fresh air, open road, and movement in the body often cut through the fog when I'm feeling stuck or lacking in clarity. It's one of the places I find my best ideas flowing. Does exercise work that way for you too?
100% Rick. I’m my best self when I exercise. Better ideas, less cranky, more grounded. Love the description of nature as a team of consultants. Very visual. Here’s the pin for Sylvensteinsee:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uipz4ogmvhTyc7tp9?g_st=ic. Breathtaking scenery. We took the train down, cycled across and took another train back up. Wishing you many happy miles and plenty of ideas on the bike.
Wow, that sounds fantastic. I’m literally just headed out the door myself for a ride. Vancouver is not too shabby itself on scenery. I’ve got miles of waterfront road just minutes from my house. Such a blessing!
John, A fabulous essay - I loved the tale at the beginning - totally set up your lesson/perspective/coaching perfectly. And of course, having taken part in a Troika exercise with Randy and Nancy - I can attest to the excellent benefits I received from them!
Thanks so much James. Had a lot of fun writing this one! I kept thinking about the story-lesson-application structure in your essays, which I tried to replicate here. Wonderful to hear you benefited from the exercise.
We need more stories, John. You're a natural! I loved the way the story setup the takeaways.
Thanks Sairam! The best part is I really enjoyed writing it. Leaned into the 6yr old part of the storytelling spectrum you explained. Fun to write like a kid again.
Great post, John. As a long-time fly fisherman, I'm a sucker (geddit?) for anything with a fishing metaphor. And so pleased to have participated in the Troika Consulting exercise.
The George Saunders book, A Swim in the Pond in the Rain, is one of my favorites, too. I read many of the stories in the past, but his analysis is fantastic. Truly a masterclass in the art of the short story. And it includes what may be the best short story ever written, "Master and the Man" by Tolstoy.
Haha thanks Drake! Yes first time reading Master and Man. My favourite from the stories he analysed. Struggled a bit with Gogol, but understood his style much better after reading Saunders's analysis.
Love the anecdotal start John. Going to definitely try this out. Good job.
Thanks Ishan. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a while. Good to hear you’re also ready to take the plunge.
Great newsletter, John! Sairam's storytelling workshop sounded awesome. Will also try get my hands on the George Saunders book.
Thanks Nic. Such a good read - keen to hear what you think of it.
Love the story and enjoyed the troika exercise. In the group therapy world, we sometimes do this as well. It's called "the fishbowl." Patients get to watch the two therapists talking about their vision for the patient, ways they'd like to help them, and ways they might be able to help themselves. It's umm...surreal. I like the coaching version better! 🥴
Oh wow! That does sound a bit frightening, but also helpful in a way. The fishbowl is such a good name for it. Can already see a sketch you can make about this ;)
Speaking of fresh perspective, where is Sylvensteinsee? Couldn't find it on the map, but it looks spectacular. I did look up the start and end point of your ride though. Did you turn around and go back, or was it a one-way trip? Getting out on my own bike for a ride like this is like having nature as an entire team of consultants—the fresh air, open road, and movement in the body often cut through the fog when I'm feeling stuck or lacking in clarity. It's one of the places I find my best ideas flowing. Does exercise work that way for you too?
100% Rick. I’m my best self when I exercise. Better ideas, less cranky, more grounded. Love the description of nature as a team of consultants. Very visual. Here’s the pin for Sylvensteinsee:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uipz4ogmvhTyc7tp9?g_st=ic. Breathtaking scenery. We took the train down, cycled across and took another train back up. Wishing you many happy miles and plenty of ideas on the bike.
Wow, that sounds fantastic. I’m literally just headed out the door myself for a ride. Vancouver is not too shabby itself on scenery. I’ve got miles of waterfront road just minutes from my house. Such a blessing!
I love A Swim in a Pond In The Rain. Such a great book. Glad you liked Noted too
Yeah almost sad it’s over. One of the best “writing about writing” books I’ve read. Thanks for the recommendation!
John, A fabulous essay - I loved the tale at the beginning - totally set up your lesson/perspective/coaching perfectly. And of course, having taken part in a Troika exercise with Randy and Nancy - I can attest to the excellent benefits I received from them!
Thanks so much James. Had a lot of fun writing this one! I kept thinking about the story-lesson-application structure in your essays, which I tried to replicate here. Wonderful to hear you benefited from the exercise.