Earthmender Fiction
How to be a Storyteller and an Earthmender

Solar house, Frogmire by Derek Harper

I like exciting stories.
I like imaginative new worlds.
I like adventurous characters.

People have liked these sorts of stories for a long time. Such stories have been told around campfires, in books, on tv shows, in movies, or as part of computer games.

We live in challenging times: times when big changes need to happen and fast. Those of us who are storytellers, we have important skills that the world requires. We have the capacity to imagine and portray better futures in order to help people to create better futures.

When we immerse ourselves in stories, we put ourselves in a position to learn what it is like to be different people–to feel their pain and their joys. We start taking on their concerns, as if they were our own. We practise what it feels like to be in certain circumstances. In our imaginations we practise what actions we might take. We allow our minds and our hearts to be opened.

We need storytellers who can create cracking good stories that draw people in and inspire them. These stories need to represent the ways in which we can mend our relationships with one another and with all living things on Earth.

We have all seen and heard the dire warnings from dystopian fiction. But what does better look like? How do we get there? How do we maintain it? How do we ensure this is a healthy place for the human spirit and for all humankind? How do we ensure it is healthy for our living world?

The more visions of a fluorishing and functional world we collectively put forward, the more likely people will start acting on these ideas, finding which ones truly make a difference. In this way you are an Earthmender and we all become Earthmenders.

If this sort of storytelling excites you, please contact me. I lectured on storytelling for computer game design for nearly a decade. I am now opening my doors to helping people change the world with their most life-affirming visions.

My next engagement for teaching Earthmender Fiction will be at the Panton Hill Living & Learning Centre Thursday evenings in October 2021. You can find more details on the Living & Learning Nillumbik website.

Peace,
K Phelps

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How to be a Storyteller and an Earthmender

Utopia

And now we get to the really fun stuff! What is utopian fiction? What is its history? How can we write stories in a utopian world?

You can find the accompanying script at Patreon.

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Crossing Bridges

In this episode of Stories Make the Future we discuss how to write stories about campaigning for a better future. Dedicated to the late Member of Congress John Lewis.

You can find the accompanying script at Patreon.

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This is the Problem

In this episode of Stories Make the Future we discuss what is known as: Social Problem Fiction. This is particularly popular within the field of young adult storytelling.

You can find the accompanying script at Patreon.

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YouTube Course Launch!

We are proud to present our latest educational project! If you are interested in writing for a better future, this will provide you with tips in how to do so effectively.

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Storytelling for a Better World

Sunrise
CC BYSA 2009 Dori

Our culture needs to change, our vision of the future needs to change. In this way people are readier to embrace what needs to be done to achieve a better world. Storytelling engages the whole person: their thoughts, feelings, and connections with the people they care about. It is an excellent way to help people to take appropriate next steps, rather than digging in and denying what is happening around them.

Various genres have arisen to meet the challenge: solarpunk, hopepunk, ecofiction, utopianism, and more.

This course discusses how storytelling needs to evolve. We explore what would genuinely make for a brighter tomorrow. Together students then learn and apply the tools which will help us all to share healthier visions of what our world can be.

Sign up for this course will be on Patreon by donation (any amount). More details to come! Just comment below if you are interested.

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Remake the Future

In 2019 Friends Institute organised Remake the Future to help raise awareness of many solutions that could help turn around issues to do with climate change.

Guests included:
Dr Petra Tschakert from the University of Western Australia
Antony McMullen, cofounder and director of Cooperative Bonds
Alice Drury, lawyer with the Human Rights Law Centre
Josh McGee, convenor of Universal Basic Income Australia – Melbourne
Ben Howes, Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Program
Katherine Phelps, founder and director of Friends Institute

Remake the Future poster
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Coexist – Writing for Change: Human Rights

When


2017 February 12    

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Where

The Owl and Cat Theatre
34 Swan Street, Richmond, VIC, 3121

Event Type

Friends Institute as part of the Coexist theatre series presents a workshop about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and how to bring that to your scripts, novels, short stories, and more.

Places are limited, so book soon!

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My 2017 Wish to You All

2017 is opening with many challenges already in place.

I wish you the strength to find courage and to engage with events in order to create a world better than you found it.

I wish you the wisdom to be self-reflective and compassionate. Take the time to do what is thoughtful and kind.

I wish you to find greatness of heart, so that you exercise the capacity to include all humanity in your respect and goodwill.

I wish you an empathy that embraces all living beings, so that you work for their well-being as if they are the most treasured of family, because they are.

I wish you to be surrounded by a nurturing love that you give to yourself, so that you easily become the person you need to be in order to bring light to our times.

In friendship,

Katherine

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Writing for Change

When


2016 November 13    

1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Where

Owl and Cat Theatre
34 Swan Street, Cremorne, VIC, 3121

Event Type

As part of the Coexist series of events spend the day learning how to effectively write stories that inform, change people’s minds, and encourage action.

Learn about:

  • Writing beyond stereotypes
  • Researching your subject
  • Protecting those you write about
  • Keeping your storytelling engaging
  • and more

Bookings for the writing workshop are now closed. This event will be run again sometime in 2017!

Coexist
Living with one another, living with all life.
Plays and discussions about
social justice and the environment.

The second Sunday of each month at the Owl and Cat Theatre will be dedicated to putting on plays, having discussions, and holding workshops about the prosocial and life-affirming.

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