The Big Soul We All Share
A Low-Stakes Guide to Wonder: Inaugural Edition
👋 Welcome to the inaugural edition of A Low-Stakes Guide to Wonder! I like to think of myself as an explorer of the world, reporting back what I find—whether it’s wisdom, absurdity, or something in between. But let’s not take that metaphor too seriously since most of my exploring happens while sitting on my bum, powered by caffeine and curiosity.
I’m creating a space of beauty and light amidst the shitstorm. So come on in, and let’s embark on this creative journey together. Each month, we’ll explore the magic of storytelling and life’s everyday wonders. Let’s dive in!
🎬 Top 100 Exploration: The Grapes of Wrath
Our group read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck a while back, but we kicked off 2025 with the movie, our first cross-genre repeat among the Top 100 albums, movies, and novels.
John Ford’s 1940 adaptation comes in at number 23 on the Top 100 Best Movies List. The movie brings Steinbeck’s novel to life with striking cinematography and powerful performances, particularly by Henry Fonda as Tom Joad. Steinbeck himself was pleased with the film’s portrayal of his work.
A Powerful Moment
A poignant part of our discussion revolved around a scene in which a man arrives to deliver the news that a tenant farmer and his family have been evicted from land they’ve worked all their lives, removed from the only life they’ve ever known.
"Now don't go blaming me. It ain't my fault."
"Whose fault is it?"
"You know who owns the land, the Shawnee Land & Cattle Company."
"And who's the Shawnee Land & Cattle Company?"
"It ain't nobody. It's a company."
"They got a president, ain't they? They got somebody that knows what a shotgun's for, ain't they?"
"Oh son, it ain't his fault, because the bank tells him what to do."
"All right, where's the bank?"
"Tulsa. And what's the use of pickin' on him? He ain't nothing but the manager, and he's half crazy hisself, tryin' to keep up with his orders from the East."
"Then who do we shoot?"
"Brother, I don't know. If I did, I'd tell you. I just don't know who's to blame."
This moment captured the systemic failures and injustices that are central to the story’s tension.
Many in our group drew a connection to modern struggles, particularly the recent case of Luigi Mangione, who shot the United Healthcare CEO—an act that, while tragic, sparked widespread discussion about systemic inequities and the powerlessness many feel in the face of corporate greed.
The film’s exploration of collective responsibility and societal blame resonated deeply, reminding us that such stories remain strikingly relevant today. The richest among us don’t just benefit from history’s repetition—they bankroll it.
📖 Bonus Read
Our first book of 2025 was Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, number 19 on the Top 100. If you’re interested, the audiobook is narrated by Joe Norton, and it's very well done. He is so expressive and well-paced, he really makes the story come alive.
The novel inspired me to write a flash fiction piece, Still Standing, Still Singing, featuring the world from Mary Rambo’s point of view. In the novel, Mary is a kind, middle-aged black woman who takes in our protagonist, the invisible man, after his ordeal at the paint factory. She nurses him to health, feeds him, and allows him to get behind on his rent, only for him to leave her in a dramatic, disgraceful way. She’s not in the novel for long, but she’s significant. Mary’s story deserved more space, and I hope I did her justice. 😎 You can read it here.
🔍 Wisdom & Reflection: The Power of Beginnings
Every story begins with a spark. The first chapter is a promise to the reader—a hint of the adventure to come. As I begin this newsletter, I’m reminded of the importance of starting small, staying curious, and being open to where the journey leads.
One of the most memorable lines from The Grapes of Wrath movie (straight from Steinbeck’s prose) reminds us of our shared humanity:
"Fella ain't got a soul of his own, just a little piece of a big soul, the one big soul that belongs to everybody."
This profound idea speaks to the interconnectedness of our lives and stories, urging us to consider the greater whole we belong to. When we understand that we are never truly alone, that we are part of something larger, it can transform how we move forward. Every new beginning is not just our own—it ripples through the people and communities around us, shaping and reshaping the shared story we’re all telling together.
🌀 Personal Insight: New beginnings often spark personal insights. I’ve become aware that one of the things I’m most terrible at is asking for help. And yet, here I find myself leading a small nonprofit, where collaboration and support are essential. It’s like the universe said, hahahaha, I see your weakness and I am FORCING you to overcome it. And so, here I am, learning to lean on others, to trust in shared effort, and to appreciate the strength that comes from asking for help—a lesson in new beginnings and a reminder that self-growth never truly ends.
💭 Reflection Question: How have new beginnings—or the challenge of asking for help—shaped your path? This month, I invite you to reflect on where you’re growing, what you’re learning to ask for, and what story you’re eager to tell.
Storytelling, too, is a way of asking for—and offering—help. It’s how we share our struggles, hopes, and questions, inviting others to respond, reflect, and add their own wisdom to the mix.
💬 Community Question
❓ What story most inspired you to become a storyteller? Or, if you’re a reader, what story changed your perspective on the world?
📩 Drop your answer in the comments! I’ll highlight a few responses in next month’s issue!
🎙 Mic Check: Midwest Writers Room Podcast
We kicked off Season 3 of Midwest Writers Room!
Episode 1 of our crisp new season features raconteur Nick Chiarkas—effortlessly cool and full of stories from a life well-lived. Learn about growing up in the Al Smith housing projects in NYC, his time as a Peace Officer at Woodstock, and the letter he received from J.D. Salinger. He also shares what he’s working on next in his Weepers series.
We also featured literary agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong, who shared what a day in the life of a literary agent looks like, the trends she’s seeing in publishing, and her best advice for querying writers—all packaged in her signature warm-hearted, practical wisdom.
🎊 Share Your Good News! On the podcast, we always take a moment to celebrate listener good news. I’d like to do the same here. Got something to celebrate? Whether it’s a creative achievement, a story you’ve read or written, or a piece of good news, I’d love to hear about it. Share your good news in the comments, and let’s cheer each other on!
⏭ What’s Next
Next month, I’ll share updates on my current work in progress, Soul Circus, and some fun artwork featuring the characters. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes insights and (I’m sure) a few surprises along the way!
🙏 Thank You!
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Here’s to a month of inspiration, creativity, and connection. Until next time, remember: your attention is your biggest asset. Be mindful of what you feed it.
🚀 Spread the Wonder: If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend who might like it too!
✨ See you next time!
Peace,
Luella
Fahrenheit 451 definitely changed my perspective and helped me appreciate the abundance of stories that we have access to while also making me curious of all the stories lost to censorship.
The Neverending Story taught me that words create worlds and The Outsiders showed me that truth makes them worth living in. Between the two, I found the kind of stories I wanted to tell—ones that make you believe and ones that make you feel. 🫶🏼