It’s been almost a decade since I was introduced to the art of storytelling.

I had grown up in the North Georgia Mountains where me, mama, and daddy would spend Friday nights on our front porch. Each remembered moments from their childhood and would say things like, “When we were young . . . “ Rocking back in forth in their homemade rocking chairs, one would share, and then the other would respond. Far too busy catching lightening bugs, I listened as a polite kid but nothing more. Rarely did I internalize the stories or remember the names and faces associated with the aging photos that filled mama’s ratty scrapbook. Today, I wished I had listened harder. A lot harder. And when I hear tellers of all ages relay the same wish every time they stand in front of a microphone, I realize that we as a society must hang on to the oral tradition of storytelling. We should remember the often insignificant stories that usually turn into life-changing and defining moments. Like sitting on the front porch and enjoying a Southern moon and a cool breeze. It is only later that we wish we could scoop those moments up in a jar and bring them out when we need them the most.

And if you’re interested in the best of the best? Meet Donald Davis. A Methodist minister-turned-storyteller that will leave you in stiches while you push back the tears. As the stories unfold, you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement and smiling at the mere fact that you did the same thing. Asked the same stupid question. Made the same insane choices. Answered with the same attitude.

Share your story with someone you love, someone you hate, even a total stranger. More than likely, lives will change.

The Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival | April 12-13, 2024

“The Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival showcases the art of Southern storytelling with an emphasis on Appalachian stories, both traditional and contemporary. Festival events include two days of outstanding storytelling performances; workshops for students and visitors to learn storytelling, speaking, and performance skills such as how to connect with audiences through humor and how to find your own voice as a speaker; special programming for young children; a display of quilts by local quilters to showcase the stories shared in this art form; and much more..”

Make plans to attend the 2024 festival, the 10th anniversary of the festival. Log on to the website for up-to-date information.

International Storytelling Festival | Jonesborough, Tennessee | October 4-6, 2024

The International Storytelling Center is located in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and during the first weekend in October, the world gathers. “It is our organization’s goal to inspire and empower people everywhere to capture and tell their stories, listen to the stories of others, and use storytelling to produce positive change.” In 2023, October 6-8 world-class storytellers share the stories that have made created them. Known as the Storytelling Capital of the World, the sleepy town of Jonesborough, Tennessee, comes to life as thousands converge on the downtown area to hear the best storytellers on the planet and celebrate the power of the story.

Can’t make it to Tennessee? It’s virtual. Find all the information here.