Jacqueline Woodson: What reading slowly taught me about writing | TED

The Power of Stories and Slow Reading

Introduction to the Selfish Giant

• The narrative begins with a description of a Selfish Giant who owns a beautiful garden, which he isolates by building a high wall after discovering children playing in it.

Personal Reflection on Childhood Reading

• The author reflects on their upbringing in a religious family, emphasizing the importance of reading both the Bible and Quran over watching television.

• Despite feeling jealousy towards friends playing outside during summer days, the author found solace in books, learning to immerse deeply into stories.

The Experience of Reading Slowly

• Unlike peers who rushed through books, the author read slowly, using their finger to track words until discouraged by teachers.

• This method was seen as an effort to improve reading speed; however, the author cherished taking time with each sentence.

Insights from "The Selfish Giant"

• Through repeated readings of "The Selfish Giant," deeper themes emerged about empathy and understanding behind the Giant's actions.

• The concept of "fictive dream" introduced by John Gardner highlights how readers can become immersed in fictional worlds created by authors.

Storytelling as Connective Technology

• The speaker emphasizes storytelling as one of humanity's earliest forms of technology for sharing ideas and memories across generations.

• Historical examples illustrate how stories have driven human progress and innovation throughout time.

Modern Challenges to Story Engagement

• As technology evolves rapidly—from boomboxes to streaming services—there is concern that traditional storytelling may be overshadowed or diminished.

• Despite changing formats (books to audio), stories continue to transport readers and connect them with diverse experiences.

Embracing Slower Narratives

• The author expresses contentment with slower narratives that allow for deep engagement, leading to a fulfilling writing career focused on thoughtful storytelling.

Writing as Connection

• Writing serves not only as an expression but also as a means for readers to feel seen and heard, fostering connections through shared experiences.

Purpose Behind Reading and Writing

• Literature provides avenues for understanding both past struggles and future possibilities while offering escapism from current hardships.

Historical Context of Literacy

The Power of Storytelling and Its Legacy

The Resilience of Narratives

• The speaker discusses the danger faced by literate individuals who hold onto their narratives, emphasizing that despite threats, stories persist through layers of meaning.

• There exists a depth to storytelling, with multiple layers beneath the surface narrative, which ensures its survival across generations.

• Personal reflections reveal that the speaker's story is intertwined with those of almost-silenced people, highlighting a collective history that transcends individual experiences.

Generational Connections to Storytelling

• The contrast between those who left their homes during migration and those who stayed illustrates how both groups carried forward their historical narratives in different ways.

• Oral traditions are emphasized as vital methods for preserving stories; activities like storytelling on porches or sewing quilts serve as means to convey history and resilience.

Honoring Ancestral Legacies

• Laughter is portrayed as a transformative tool for processing pain and reclaiming narratives from oppressive histories.

• The act of reading slowly is presented as a form of respect towards authors and ancestors, allowing for deeper connection with past struggles and triumphs.

Continuity Through Storytelling