by Edie Melson with Karen Porter

We are so excited to introduce a new event this year at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Our own Karen Porter is going to emcee our first Storytelling Café.

We wanted to give you enough time to prepare if you want to participate or come watch.

Below are all the details:

If you want people to listen when you speak or turn the page in your book, tell a story.

Our best example for telling stories is Jesus

• He used parables to explain deep theological concepts
• A parable is an earthly example with a heavenly meaning

We see stories all around us.

• Books
• TV
• Movies
• Commercials
• News
• Even Brands tell their story

Stories are important.

• Engage the brain and emotions
• Give sudden understanding
• Entertain

A good story can become great

• The hook of a story is conflict
• The heart of a story is dialogue

A good story teller uses words and actions

• Uses great descriptions
• Sets the scene.
• Shows the characters through dialogue and body language
• NEVER gives away the punch line until the end
• Don’t forget the power of the pause

Two rules to storytelling?

• Structure is important such as Normal>Conflict>New normal – but it is hidden in the telling of the story.
• Every story must make a point.

Here’s the schedule:

Monday Night.  Jim Henry Auditorium (conference level of Mountain Laurel)

• Tell any kind of story in front of the audience.

Funny

Sad

True

Fiction

Must be appropriate (clean and must not be culturally insensitive)

• Five (5) minutes – You will be timed

First 10 people who sign up .

• Your story should have

Characters

Setting

Dialogue

Description

Pauses

Action

• Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the fun. Be a part of the audience to cheer and laugh and encourage the storytellers.

A private critique by a professional coach is available for any storyteller who participates.

Still uncertain? Join us on Tuesday evening, May 14 at 7pm EST for a Facebook Live in our Blue Ridge Conference Writers Facebook Group!

To sign up, just email us  at:

BRStoryTellersCafe@gmail.com