We are rediscovering storytelling as an art in the Top End. The lovely Johanna (Yo) Bell, author of the picture book ‘CHEEKY DOGS’ has been holding workshops and delivering public storytelling events in Katherine, Darwin and Pine Creek.
The variety of stories and people telling them is amazing. From Commander Colleen Gwynne who led the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio by Bradley Murdock, to the guy who survived a croc attack, and the woman who had to take on an angry wild kangaroo on her veranda in Pine Creek.
The process included Yo holding workshops to discuss structure, tension, hooks and the flow – all to be delivered live in eight minutes. Due to the distance from Katherine I practiced my story, recorded it on the Iphone and sent off to Yo. We then discussed and tightened the story over the phone.
The night arrived, a beautiful dry season evening with a couch set up under a massive gum tree at the Finch Café. Six stories took the floor and I was the last one up. I did get nervous, lost a bit of the thread and went over time, but in the end it turned out quite well. I am keen to do it again.
To listen to my story being SPUN
To learn more about Johanna Bells Story Projects click HERE
