Do Tell Story Swap
email: dotellstoryswap@sonic.net
WHO WE ARE
Do Tell Story Swap was begun in 2010 by co-founders Kenneth Foster and Elaine Stanley in Santa Rosa, CA. For 13 years, storytellers and story listeners have been enjoying sharing stories of all kinds. The Swap meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm.
During the Covid-19 pandemic the Swap moved online using Zoom. For the past two years we have expanded to include members from many other locations, including Washington, Utah and New York. Our Zoom is made possible by the Storytelling Association of California and has benefited from the extensive reach of this venue.
Do Tell Story Swap tellers represent a wide variety of different genres and styles. Stories are always told and not read for a true storytelling experience. We provide a friendly, noncompetitive environment to encourage all who would like to tell a story. We offer mentoring for those who want to improve their storytelling skills. And we are always welcoming to those who just want to listen. What are stories without an audience?
Every year starting in 2011, Do Tell Story Swap is part of TELLABRATION!™ a world wide storytelling event in November. Our own storytellers are joined by tellers who are nationally and internationally known. This outreach to our community has brought great storytelling to our community at large.
Recordings of each month’s Swap are posted by Do Tell on our website. We also maintain an events page on our web site to provide more information on finding great storytelling (and listening) opportunities. For past Swap recordings check out SAC’s YouTube channel.
If you are interested in receiving our monthly reminder email and occasional additional news of interest, please email us to be included in our list of members at dotellstoryswap@sonic.net. We look forward to you joining us soon!
OFFICE HOURS
There are times when being able to talk to an experienced storyteller would help us take our storytelling to the next level. It may be simply getting a better idea of how to structure our story, make it more engaging, or practice and iron out rough spots.
And then there are questions: How do you find a story, build a personal story from scratch, or find your ideal audience?
We know these and many more topics would be great to explore with another teller.
So we invite you to join us at Office Hours!
How does it work?
You will sign up for a specific 30-minute time slot.
Send an email to dotellstoryswap@sonic.net prior to the Thursday before the Office Hours or as soon as possible to get a good time slot for yourself. This gives us time to bring in an "expert" if needed. For example, if there were questions about folktales, we could ask Beth Wakelee if she was able to join us.
Times are assigned first come first serve. We will confirm your “appointment” and send you a Zoom link.
Please include information about your questions, or if you are practicing a story, what the genre of your story is. By registering for this you will have an individual opportunity to discuss your interest specifically or to tell your story in a safe and non-judgmental space.
At Do Tell Story Swap we want to help you join this community more fully and enjoy your experience of telling your stories. Please direct any questions about this to the email above.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Some time ago Sharon Elwell suggested we make a video honoring some of our beloved storytellers who had such an impact on our Do Tell Story Swap. Each of these storytellers was a constant contributor to Do Tell Story Swaps, and some were at the very beginning of the Swap 11 years ago. Their generous sharing of their stories and wonderful telling styles inspired so many of us and enriched our Swaps. We believe you will enjoy the video.
Thank you to John at John Christian Flying Chair Productions who put together this video to honor these tellers. I’m sure it will bring back great memories of these treasured members of our Swap.
Enjoy the video and please “like” and comment on it to help us get the biggest impact of appreciation. We wish you all happy listening and tip our hats to these storytellers who were our friends in storytelling and remember with such gratitude.
Honoring Our Elder Storytellers
LISTENERS WANTED
What do storytellers need most? Someone to listen to their stories!
You’re invited to the Do Tell Story Swap. You’ll hear everything from personal yarns and new creative stories to folk tales from around the world. If you love a good story, drop by to listen. Of course, if you get inspired to join in with a story of your own, that’s welcome, too. We look forward to seeing you!
