“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world.” ― Robert McKee
Stories wield significant sway over behavior by plunging audiences in fictional worlds that evoke emotions, shape perceptions, and offer relatable characters. Through narrative transportation, viewers can empathize with characters, adopt their viewpoints, and internalize their values. This process can inspire positive change by promoting empathy and influening real-life decision-making.
As with media and high-profile "influencers", the portrayal of social norms and role models within narratives can impact societal expectations and aspirations, potentially leading to either positive or negative behavioral outcomes. Thus, storytellers can be a force for change—and for good.
The fantastical story, The Mark of X, was written specifically for our kindness program. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
After an accident that put her in a back brace and gave her a stutter, an average schoolgirl finds herself a target for bullying.While struggling to overcome her fears and unfair treatment, she learns she’s not the only one, and that there is much more to bullying than she realized. What’s more, she discovers fighting fire with fire just leads to more devastation.
The Mark of X is a 20K-word novella that serves as the basis of the Kindness Counts movement, intended to model to all members of the family how to treat one another.
Join Xerena for a swashbuckling adventure full of hope and perspective, growth and redemption for readers of every age.
Our aim for the story is to bring families and communities together in a way that is fun and informative without being preachy. As such, our heroine’s age is never given, allowing readers to fill in the blanks that work for them. Additionally, we provide a diary to readers that mirrors the protagonist's diary. Writing prompts and thought-provoking questions give participants ample opportunity to question their actions and values, all which leads to better interactions.