How to Choose a Blog Name
I admitted in my last post that, while I can construe my name to mean almost anything, it really is simply my name. Hence, the need for a subtitle.
I’ve always been a storyteller. As a child, I discovered my Red Flyer wagon could be anything: a car, a spaceship, even a Viking burial ship. In fact, I reenacted that burial…out loud…for my entire neighborhood…at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning — because it was too good not to share with others!
My third grade teacher Mrs. Gibbons booked me for my first legit gig. “If you finish your work early,” she told the class, “I’ll have Mitch tell you a story.” I loved being ranked as a reward alongside cookies and milk — so much so, in fact, that I concluded my calling in life was performing.
But the roar of the greasepaint wasn’t enough. But by the time I reached college as a theatre major, I knew something was missing. So I began writing and directing. But I needed still more. I needed my stories–indeed, my life–to be about something. I found that something six years later, during a time I’m currently exploring in my memoirs. In short, I turned into a message guy.
The old movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn is reputed to have snarled at a screenwriter, “If ya wanna send a message, use Western Union!” And yet many of the greatest storytellers do send messages.
The key, I think, is that their messages don’t “sit” on their stories like rodeo riders atop bucking broncos; they move with them, are, in fact, inseparable from them. 
What would Les Miserables be without its message? Or To Kill a Mockingbird? Or The Color Purple? Or even Toy Story?
In fact, I believe stories are the best way to deliver a message. Because in a well told story listeners not only hear but experience the message. And experience, as the saying goes, is the best teacher.
Hence, my blog site’s subtitle is The Power of Story.
But power to do what?
Power to change. Our beliefs. Our commitments. Our actions. Like any powerful tool, Story can be used for good or for bad. In his book Mein Kampf, Hitler used it to speak lies into people’s lives, lies that led to the deaths of millions.
Instead, as best I can, I use the power of story to speak truth into people’s lives (including my own), truth that brings life and purpose, rather than death and destruction.
I was originally going to call my blog site Don’t Read This, You’ll Only Encourage Him. But on second thought, maybe I should have called it…
Read This, It May Encourage You.
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You certainly have been an encouragement to me. Is that success?🧐
It is indeed. And I’m so glad to hear it, C.A.
Viking burial ship? Awesome!
I was reenacting a scene from The Vikings, one of my favorite movies when I was a kid.
This resonated Mitch. Resonating and connecting are two of the most powerful things we can share with other people.
Very true, Kate.
Aptly named and so very legitimate as well Mitch.
Thanks, Randy.
PERFECT!!
Why, thank you, Kathy!
Beautiful words, Mitch. The power of story! I love your subtitle. Recently, I visited with a documentary/filmmaker from North Carolina (would you be surprised he and I spoke about “story” in a similar fashion?). He reminded me of you.
What I love most about WordPress is meeting other story tellers. Those who weave their experiences into words that others can feel–and learn!
You are a Master storyteller to me, Mitch. Your words convey so much in a beautiful way. Through giggles and gasps, “aha’s and amen’s” and “Holy Cows to Hallelujahs!”. YOU encourage US! God bless you, dear friend.
Back atcha, dear friend. But surely you know that.
Aww, thank you. I do. You’re so kind, dear friend.
Your subtitle, The Power of Story, does indeed beg the question, “Power to do what?” And I agree, stories can inspire change. But the first word that came to my mind was “encouragement.” And then I see you closed with that thought! God bless you Mitch as you encourage many of us day after day!
Aw, bless you back, dear friend. You too are a first-class encourager!
Interestingly, Jesus sometimes told stories to mystify his listeners, so that even people who rejected His teaching had to stop and try to figure out what He meant. For those who took the time to try and understand what He meant, once in a while, an unexpected soul here and there was won.
Indeed, Pete. As a new believer, I wondered why Jesus was so cryptic at times. And then, as I began studying and ruminating on what he said, I began to realize how deeply his words had sunk into my consciousness.
“In fact, I reenacted that burial…out loud…for my entire neighborhood…at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning — because it was too good not to share with others!” Bless you forever for this !!!! <3
;>)
You should Probably choose one that reflects your story and yes, it works too.
That name would work, too. I like it. Like you, I was encouraged to write at an early age by my favorite aunt, that also, taught me to read on a third-grade level before first grade. My mentor was Mark Twain. A Big Chief tablet and a handful of yellow pencils and I was off and running. Later, I found Steinbeck, Hemingway, Faulkner, Wolfe and others, but my allegiance remained to Mr. Clemmons. Mitch, I think some folks are born to be story tellers, or here in Texas, like the sainted J. Frank Dobie, we call them Daichos. You are one of them. My wife, Momo always ask me what I’m a doing. I tell her, ” Ima writing as fast as I can.”
Thanks, Phil. Glad to know I’m a fellow Daicho. I think (first time I’ve heard the word ;>).
Mitch, it’s an old word from Mexico. The old ones, story tellers were called Dichos, passing them down to generations. Texas, being part of Mexico for generations, became part of the mix, and the lore. In the 1930s, there was a slew of them in Texas, Dobie, being the godfather of the group. Texas, is a different culture than the rest of the US. You probably figured that out from my writing. The Alamo was the catalyst that set it all in motion and keeps it going to this day. Welcome to the brotherhood, you fit in nicely.
Honored to be included, mi amigo.
Blog name is a big deal! And you’ve been at this a while.
So it seems, Jacqui. ;>)
Didn’t you recently point out to your readers to use strong, confident words? So, what about “Read This, It WILL Encourage you.” 🙂
<3
I see how you got here, and I think it’s really great. There is power in words, and when they’re put together right … you get Mitch’s blog.
“I loved being ranked as a reward alongside cookies and milk…” This is beyond cool. 🙂
Aw, thank you, Maddie.
It does encourage me! Thank you!
And yes, the power of the story is strong!
My pleasure, Carolyn!
What a great read – thank you! Subscribed 🙂
My pleasure, Manny, and thank you!
“If you love what you do, you may never work a day in your life”
Or so the saying goes.
Blessings
Exactly. Blessings to you too, my friend.
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