On episode #28 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up events, offer insight on Tasmanian Devils, respond to some listener emails about PTSD, and apologize for failing to record a new episode last week.   Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the value of finding "worsts" in your life, then we talk about how to apply perspective to your Homework for Life in an effort to find more stories.  Next we listen to Erica Donahue's story about attending college in rural Virginia as a fish out of water. After listening, we discuss: The effective use of details in a story The broadening of stakes The power of contrast The avoiding of thesis statements The value of the slow reveal Next, we answer questions about effective transitions and how and when to tell stories involving trauma.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS New York City Public Library appearance registration Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks  Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter:  http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe Your geographic opposite:  www.antipodesmap.com This Is Going to Suck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3J4Q5c1C1w RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: My Name is Yeh: http://mynameisyeh.com Epicurious: www.epicurious.com Matt: 52 Things I Learned in 2018: https://bit.ly/2Uez6FS