So: you’ve been to an Earshot workshop and now you want more storytelling stuff. See below! Or maybe you’re attending a workshop remotely and need a copy of The Handout. Well, there you go!
TO LISTEN:
To more stories. Listen to The Moth on the radio or podcast
To learn about this kind of storytelling: Speak Up, a podcast I find very irritating but useful. Matthew Dicks is a (sometimes irritating) master. Maybe try his books instead? (note to self) "Story forensics" episodes are the most useful to me.
TO READ:
My own blog entries on:
"Building a story: getting started"
"Nitty-gritty story tips"
How to invite storytellers to prepare for your event or service
Prompts
On the psychology and benefits of storytelling: Dan P. McAdams The Stories We Live By and others.
On the craft of stories: Long Story Short by Margot Leitman
On how short stories work and what they do (big overlap with storytelling and preaching, if some necessary divergence): A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders. I found this to be life-changing. Hugely helpful articulations.
TO DO:
Google "storytelling" in your area and go listen. Go tell a story. I mean it. Take your business cards with you, so when people come up to you afterward and say, "Did you say you're a pastor?" you can give them one.
Reach out to me at EarshotStories@gmail.com to talk about kicking something off in your own area/town/congregation. I travel and teach this stuff, y'know!