Narrative work is a long-term process, iterating through different phases and activities. It involves a fascinating mix of strategic planning, deep reflection, relationship building, creative co-creation and activism.
We broadly categorized narrative work into four phases, providing resources and insights from narrative practitioners for every step of the journey. As long as this journey might seem, it is comforting to remember that we do not have to walk it alone. Exploring the narrative creation cycle might help identify when and how you can best contribute to narrative work, and who else you want to connect with to go full circle.
Reflect
From time to time it’s important to pause and reflect. Engaging in narrative work invites us to look both inward and outward: Internally, it involves reconnecting with our core values and activating our creative imagination. Externally, it entails analyzing the narrative landscape and observing which marks we make.
Connect
For our narratives to be heard, we need strength in numbers. If people hear the same narrative over and over again – through different voices and stories – it starts to resonate with them. However, it’s not only about involving many people, it’s also about involving the right people. Having people with diverse skill sets on board will help you to boost your narrative impact.
Bring to life
This is the time to shift from planning to action. It’s time to let people see and experience the change we collectively envision. We can tap into creativity, humor, community, art, digital innovation – or whatever helps to inspire and mobilize.
Create
Creating alternative narratives is a journey of continuous iteration. It revolves around reflection, crafting, testing, refining, and adaptation. Narrative creation is an opportunity to ponder your purpose and core values, to develop shared visions that connect and inspire, and to better understand the people that you are trying to reach and mobilize.