Anecdotes

On the RISK! podcast, we periodically feature super short stories we simply call “anecdotes.” These are mini-stories that typically feature a single event, run 3–4 minutes, and to which we will add music or other sound design. While the stakes in these anecdotes may feel a bit different than a typical RISK! story, the stories should still be just as engaging— hilarious, heartfelt, shocking, etc.

Here are two examples:

“Mr. Sparks” by Kevin Allison

“Me and My Fam” by Alexandra Anagnostopoulos

Unlike other RISK! stories which come together through workshopping with one of our story coaches, anecdotes usually come to us as fully formed little stories, already recorded and ready for us to simply edit and add sound design.

Those two examples Kevin mentioned:

“Elf on the Mother F’n Shelf” by Vin Brue

“White Light” by J Carpenter

Many more examples can be found here: RISK! Stories with Keyword “Anecdote”

How to (and how not to!) tell an Anecdote

  • Aim for 3 to 4 minutes. If you’re running long, it’s better to trim content than just speak faster. If your story simply must go longer than 4 minutes, that’s okay. But we may ask for a shorter revision after you submit a first draft.
  • Don’t read your story. And don’t overly memorize it to the point where it sounds like you’re reading it. Just speak naturally, like you’re telling it to a friend. Your delivery should sound conversational, not literary.
  • Check out Kevin’s little Quick Tips! videos, covering show-don’t-tell, emotions, dialogue, and characterization in stories. These videos and more can be found at Storytelling Resources.
  • Listen to Kevin!

Recording Your Story Draft (under 5 minutes long)

How to Submit your Anecdote

  1. Learn now to make a quality recording. Everything you need to know about making a great recording on your own can be found here: Recording Yourself. If you send us a great little story that was poorly recorded, we can’t use it and will ask you to re-record it! Unsure if your quality is good enough? Send us a test first!
  2. Record your story: Let the recording roll for 5+ seconds before and after you speak. Feel free to retake parts you may have stumbled through. Maybe even tell your short story through twice! All the while, keep the recording going, and don’t crop or make any edits yourself. More details here: Recording your story.
  3. Rename your file to include your own name, so we know who it’s from.
  4. Email your file to pitches@risk-show.com, and include:
    • your name (as well as a stage name or pseudonym, if you prefer)
    • a phone number where we can reach you by text
    • a title for your story (optional)
    • any ideas you may have for music that might accompany or follow your story (also optional)