E Ellis Allen (girlonstilts.com)

Picture this—a low metallic hum swells, then hushes. The gentle sigh of a solo flute breaks the nothingness, its melody wavering like a leaf shivering in the wind. A sprawling forest is silhouetted by the distant punches of suburban lights on the horizon. Through the trees, the story unfolds as an alien creature looms at the entrance of a UFO poised for takeoff—

This is the opening scene of Steven Spielberg’s 1982 Sci-fi/Adventure, E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial, enhanced by the musical magic of John Williams’ movie score, and a partnership to articulate the awesome power of storytelling!

At its core, storytelling is a deep dive into realms and possibilities different from our own to gain understanding and appreciation for what we just saw, read, or heard.

For millennia, stories have bridged cultures, instilled values, inspired introspection, nurtured kindness, and illustrated humanity’s resilience. They reflect and shape our reality as markers of progress and mirrors of our identity.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a story is worth a thousand experiences with the potential to unite, thus, elevating each tale beyond mere entertainment.

Every seasoned storyteller knows that conflict is the heart of the plot. It instills meaning and reveals what’s at stake.

We, as writers, view ourselves as the protagonists of our narrative, clashing against the faceless giants of production companies and streaming services. And no doubt, production services see themselves as the heroes of their own narrative. But at the heart of it, we’re all united by a common goal—to create compelling stories.

As Spielberg and Williams harmonized their talents to create an unforgettable masterpiece, writers and production platforms must foster similar partnerships.

Words have the power to incite conflicts, but they can also forge peace. It’s time for us to use our words, come to an agreement, lay down our picket signs, pick up our pens, and refocus on our shared passion for crafting stories that inspire, educate, and connect us—it’s time for all of us to get back to work!