On episode #31 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we talk about two emails received related to Homework for Life, including a sample of Homework for Life from the 1800's! Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the value of waiting to tell a story, the possibility that you are in the midst of a story, and the way that some stories can stretch across decades.  Next we listen to David Ring's story about a trial, a possible death penalty, and a hit ordered on his life. After listening, we discuss: A great first sentence The way that choices about description and learning description in a certain way can help tell the story The power of contrast in description "Nonfiction" in storytelling The appropriate absence of humor in storytelling The elimination of "I remember..." from stories Next, we answer questions about using Homework for Life to recapture recorded memories and the differences between personal narrative storytelling and the telling of folktales, fables, fiction, or informational text.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS 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 Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter:  http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett https://amzn.to/2AzQUTG Meanwhile by Jules Feiffer https://amzn.to/2SFZGqv Cookies by Amy Krouse Rosenthal https://amzn.to/2RBX1AO You May Want to Marry My Husband by Amy Krouse Rosenthal https://nyti.ms/2mNuQg1  Matt Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Child https://amzn.to/2FivM7V  Trevor Noah's "The Brick https://bit.ly/2NR9XAF