The Creative Storyteller
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Maya Angelou
Something about storytelling stirs my creative juices and inspires me in so many different ways. I’m sure it is the same for other tellers and I’m not just talking about the story itself, although it if far from learning a story ‘off-by-heart’.
Storytelling involves both sides of the brain. It uses the logical, factual side to research the topic, sift through multiple stories and pick out elements that must be kept, as well as to help remember words and sequences, while keeping an eye on cultural/historical facts and influences that have to be considered.
Using the creative side, we let our imagination help build the story picture in our mind, so that what we are telling feels like part of us. We experiment with alternative vocabulary, expression and tone, body language, creating props and even choosing clothing, hats and the like. We have fun making the story our own.
And what about when we actually tell the story? Well, I'd love to see a live image of a storyteller’s brain when in full performance mode. I think both sides of the brain must create a beautiful harmony of electrical signals to get words, pace, audience reaction, story mood and energy all working together so that the teller and listener come away inspired, uplifted and fulfilled.
But right now, when I should be focusing on the tweaking and practice for several story sessions coming up, what is my creative brain doing? Well, this blog for a start! As well as making paper and felt mice for a prop, photographing a spiderweb and touching up some forrest trees art work. Why? Because I remembered the story of “The dark, dark woods” and wrote it down and these things go with the story. And, as I have mentioned several times before … I’m easily distracted. Now I will blame it on creativity! At least that’s my excuse this time. What excuse can you come up with?
Here are just some of my current inspirations:
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer
The Mistletoe Bride and other Haunting Tales by Kate Mosse
A Treasury of Spooky Stories chosen by Jane Olliver
365 Days of Art and Nature by Lorna Scobie
Needle Felting for Beginners by Rob Dace and Judy Balchin
Printmaking - a complete guide to materials and processes by Bill Flick and Beth Grabowski