It's a bird! It's a plane! It's an LLC!
Tips, tricks, inspiration, and encouragement for storytellers of all stripes
Greetings from Sarasota—
There are times in rehearsal when an actor will approach an especially emotional moment. Often, in the face of such an emotional moment, that actor will abruptly laugh.
Not because the moment is funny. But because it’s scary or sticky.
And the laugh is a defense mechanism.
But actors are meant to be instruments of courage, so I have learned as a director, when that laugh blurts out, to say—GO! Whatever that wall is, run through it! Whatever that cliff is, jump off it! Don’t think, just GO!
This tip tends to work in real life situations, too. When resistance bubbles up, when imposterism tickles you behind the ear, it’s usually a sign you’re onto something really, really delicious.
But here’s the thing about jumping off a cliff… sometimes you have to build your wings on the way down. Build your plane mid-flight.
Learn by doing.
Much like this storytelling project I’ve been working on these last three or so years.
Those of you who’ve been with Page&Stage for the long haul know what I mean. You’ve plummeted, pulled up before hitting the ground, and settled into a somewhat stable glide with me through four newsletter delivery platforms, three website hosts, and two podcast softwares.
And now, I am proud to announce, we are gaining altitude by shedding my original sole proprietorship and launching into an LLC.
Behold!
As I’ve continually refined and reflected on my offerings, I’ve realized that everything I do—from writing and publishing to theatre and teaching to newsletters and podcasts—snuggles underneath the storytelling umbrella.
And that’s what Cannon Story Company (LLC!) is going to help me do in a more focused manner.
Moving forward, you won’t see many changes here at the newsletter level. It’ll still come to your inbox every Friday, and will continue to offer tips, tricks, inspiration, and encouragement for storytellers of all stripes, along with occasional anecdotes and announcements of cool storytelling events.
My podcast schedule will be wonky for a while. I’ve got interviews in the can for Page&Stage and I’m drafting future 100 PLAYS scripts, but that regular Monday drop has—for good reasons—been upended.
Those good reasons include new play commissions and awesome clients.
SPEAKING OF—I’ve got 3-4 slots open for new clients! And Cannon Story Company has given me a new way to offer more cohesive and inclusive storycoaching packages.
You can check out the updated website HERE and the coaching packages HERE.
If you’re not sure a storycoaching package is right for what you’re up to, never fear, you can still sign up for a free 30-min consultation (info available on the website), and I’ll give you the best advice I can. If we end up working together, awesome. If not, also awesome—as long as you still get out there and tell your story!!
Thank you for jumping, falling, and gliding with me.
BOOK EVENT
Thursday, October 23, at 5pm, join me and seven amazing first-time memoirists at the Senior Friendship Center for the next installment of the Joyful Journeys Author Series!
The flyer below has all the info, and a QR code you can scan to reserve a spot, or just mash the purple button and it’ll take you to the sign-up page.
I’ll be there hosting and selling copies of this memoir anthology, along with my own books.
Quick reminder that you are welcome to comment on this newsletter. I do my absolute best to respond to every comment, so if something I’ve offered above tickles that question/comment/complaint nerve in your reader-brain, I’d love to hear about it.
And if there’s a storytelling topic or issue you’d like me to address—writing, acting, directing, speaking, whatever—email me directly at jason@jasoncannon.art. If I don’t have a ready answer, I’ll make it my mission to go find one.
Thanks as always for reading, and have a great weekend—
Jason “Cliff Jumper” Cannon