Storybook Styles

For my storybook project I am definitely interested in doing the animals. Specifically Hanuman and Sampati. I am interested in using stories of the two from Bucks Ramayana and Narayan K. Ramayana. My question is are we allowed to make up our own stories for the characters for at least one of the stories? I would like to create my own original adventure for the characters. Like maybe one of them adopts a pet or goes on vacation.

First Person Storytelling is definitely an option for me. I really enjoy writing in the style.  I can definitely see how stories being told in this style could be monotonus, with no real dialog.  I think there is something special about getting to hear a characters inner thought while on a journey or accomplishing a task.

I also found the notion of Diary style interesting, which might be something to try. I would like to look into this style a little more before fully committing because I think this might be tough from an animal’s perspective. I need to look into the examples for this but I think I have a good idea of how it could be done.

(Dear Diary: Ken Banks)

Letter writing style also interested me because it can include back and forth dialog. Like what if Hanuman was texting another character as he went to find Sita!  No big deal…crossed the ocean as a giant. Found Sita, fought some demons. The usual.  I personally think that would be really interesting. Wonder if I could do it from a facebook post type of format…or twitter...would that be diary style then?! I think both those styles would add some modern flair to the stories.

The last style I like was I remember when style.  I think that would be a great way to tell a story. Especially if you told the story like it was being passed from one generation to another. Take the story to a dream like/reminiscent state to retrace their steps on a journey or significant moment.  

I believe all these styles would bring in a new element of interest to the stories. There are several directions these styles could bring as well. I can’t wait to do more research and get started writing!

Storytelling Week 3: Hanuman's Journey to Sita

Early one morning Hanuman was preparing for his journey to find Sita. He had just left the court of Sugriva. As he went over his plan he knew he would have to cross the sea.  They had word that Sita had been taken to Lanka after the evil Ravana abducted her. How was he to cross the ocean? The sooner he could get there the better. All of a sudden Hanuman got an idea. He could shape-shift, but into what?  He knew he was strongest when he shape-shifted into a larger version of himself… but what fun was that?

 Hanuman's closest friends dropped him off at the coast and of course Rama was there to see him off on his journey. Rama handed him a ring as they were saying goodbye. Rama explained that once Hanuman had found Sita, he should present her with this ring so that she would know it was safe to travel with him.

 

(The Ocean leading to Lanka: Pixabay)

As his friends left, Hanuman took a moment to himself and drew in a deep breath to clear his head. He knew this might be a tough battle across the sea. He then shape-shifted into a giant version of himself and entered the water.  The waters were rough and the wind was wild. There were times when he was ready to give up and head home. There was also a moment when he was ready to just give up then and there and let the sea swallow him up. The sun was blazing and he was worn out but when he lifted his head, he could see land in the distance.  He swam with all that he had and reached land.  He then shape-shifted back to normal size, which luckily restored his energy.

He then started his search for Sita. After what seemed like forever, he found the Ashoka Vana pleasure garden. He entered and there she was, being guarded by demons. As Hanuman approached Sita, he noticed she was covered in dust. He held out his hand containing Rama’s ring. Sita looked up and with surprise and relief in her eyes she took the ring and replaced it with her own piece of jewelry, which let Hanuman know she trusted him. He made himself a giant again and destroyed Ashoka Vana.

Once he knew Sita was safe and hidden, he made himself really small and let Ravana’s son capture him. He knew that way he would be taken straight to Ravana himself.  After a debate and a struggle, Ravana set Hanuman's tail on fire; after a shape-shift Hanuman used his giant tail to set Lanka on fire.  Hanuman collected Sita and set out to return her to Rama. It was a long journey back; it took two whole days to return home. He kept a watchful eye on Sita; he didn’t want her to fall ill or be injured before he could bring her safely to Rama. Once they returned, both Hanuman and Sita were exhausted. Before they entered the city, they decided to stop and rest. Word had already made it to Rama and he was waiting to see the beautiful Sita.

Author's Note:I chose to tell Hanuman’s side of the story through third person style. Since this part of the story is told in the book, I thought it would be interesting to make my own additions to the overall story. I wanted to pinpoint what Hanuman was going through when given such a large task. He not only had to cross the ocean but he had to save Sita from Ravana and return her to Rama. I made this a major change to the story to add a twist. I believe Hanuman's character is strong enough to be the one that brought Sita home. The lack of dialog between Sita and Hanuman was meant to keep those guarding Sita out of the loop regarding his plan to rescue Sita.What a big feat! Can you imagine how you would feel if you were asked to do so? For the photo I chose, I wanted it to show the length that Hanuman had to travel. To cross the ocean is not an easy task. He had to fight the tide, the wind and who knows what other animals and dangers dwell below the surface. I added a few details and changes from the original story to give this tale its own spin in hopes it could live separately from the book, or be an addition/adaption to keep the story going. I wanted to keep the dialog in the story to a minimum because he is alone on the journey for some time. This story is based off of The Ramayana by Narayan, R. K. (1972).

Reading Diary B: Sita is found!

For this reading diary I want to focus on the character Hanuman. Just because if I decide to do my storybook project over Hanuman I might find some details here that I could use later.

First off Hanuman shape-shifts to a giant version of himself to cross the ocean, he then shrinks once he has arrived at Lanka. He finds Sita in the pleasure garden being guarded by demons. He gives her Ramas ring so that she knows, he has been sent by Rama himself. Hanuman is then captured by Ravanas son…which is pretty clever because he will be brought to Ravana at some point. Ravana ends up setting Hanumans tail on fire then Hanuman burns Lanka to the ground.

 

(Screenshot: Hanuman finding Sita)

Ravana is upset he was attacked by a Hanuman. He contemplates several fates for the monkey and Rama. He sends Vibhishana to Rama. Rama builds a bridge across the see. Meanwhile Ravana tries to trick Sita with images of what looks to be Ramas decapitated head. After several battles Ravana is dead. Because Sita has spent time with demons Rama tests Sita to see if she has been affected by them.  Rama is no longer exiled!

I am really starting to think that Hanuman is an even better topic then I first thought. After reading this part of the story! I am already imagining the adventures and internal monologues that could take place.  I want more to read!