Storytelling
Many storytellers list the places where they've told stories
in the past, as well as where they'll be appearing in the
future. That's fine for them ... but I resist doing this.
To list all, or even most, of my venues makes me feel
like I'm bragging. Listing only my so-called "large
and prestigious" venues is unfair to the many wonderful
people who've engaged me to come and tell my stories
in their smaller venues. Some of these have been pure
magic - the sweetest of them all!
On the other hand, I will mention one venue ... the National Storyteller Festival in Jonesborough, TN. That festival is "the granddaddy of them all" and I was both pleased and honored to be invited to be a Featured Teller there. Festival audiences really are wonderful - they're the best listeners in the world! Likewise, I was thrilled to be invited overseas to tell stories in Australia, Ireland, Israel, and Japan. Each of these venues were wonderful and unforgettable. Also, I have been delighted to participate in every Tellabration! that has come my way.
I really do quite enjoy "talking about" the "story- telling gigs" I've had - both those that were great and those that were not so great. So, if you phone me (203-322-2284) or email me (PawPawP@aol.com), I'll be pleased to share my thoughts with you . In fact, I think "talking together" is very helpful to both parties in planning an event. That way, I learn about your interests and concerns and we can discuss what will most likely work best for your event. I promise I'll be honest and candid. After twenty years of telling stories, I know what I can do.
I often jokingly say my favorite audience is 500 skeptical men. What that means, of course, is I enjoy introducing new listeners to the joys of storytelling. The size of the audience is not what is most important. The mix of the audience, the arrangements of the facilities, and the menu of stories are keys to a successful event. Of course, you do
need a good storyteller ... and I assure you, I qualify on that count!
I'm often asked "what kind of stories do you tell?" All kinds, of course. To tell a story well, I must love it dearly and feel it ought to be told. As with all storytellers, the stories we tell reveal who we are and the values we hold. Certainly, I like stories that are humorous for I believe laughter bonds us together. Also, when I find a story about a person helping others in some unexpected, even unmerited, way - I will be drawn to tell it. Stories are shared experiences ... and shared experiences are the basis of all human relationships.
So, get in touch with me, if you like. Let's see what we can do together! I love to hear from people who want to talk about storytelling. J. G. "Paw-Paw" Pinkerton