Story Exchanges
More than a decade ago I visited a Renaissance Faire in California, and though I had a bit of money in my pocket, I wanted to try the spirit of the time. Having nothing else to barter with, I told stories in exchange for food, libation, and a few very simple baubles. One of my best day's work as a storyteller I'd say! Later that night I met another storyteller who asked if they could "pay" me for one of my stories so that they could use it themselves ...and they paid me indeed with a story of their own.
Most everyone I know has taken part in a story exchange at one time or another. It is what we do when we gather around a camp fire and tell tales. It is what always seems to happen at one time or another at family reunions. Storytellers have been doing it for ages, swapping one story for another, and it's so much fun!
The Barefoot Storyteller would love to exchange stories with you, and you could plan a story exchange of your own...just gather folks and set a theme! Before you know it, you'll be a storyteller yourself!
Occasionally I particapate in used book drives not only by donating books, but also by promising to read one story to the group for every so many books donated. When I began this, it was one story per fifty books. Wonderfully, the program has been successful enough that I have had to place a limit on the number of stories I will read in one day at five, as often hundreds of books are brought in! If you would like me to read at your book drive, please contact me for my availability as I am always happy to volunteer my services at book drives.
Another wonderful reading exchange takes place along with the "Young Storytellers" who have completed my workshop, as they offer to read to the youngest children who are just learning to read themselves. The Young Storytellers often adopt a weekly library storytime or kindergarten classroom to read to,and in exchange take one of those weeks a month to hear the children read to them. Others read to children in hospitals, and some visit nursing homes.
I encourage these kinds of reading exchanges for everyone...it will enrich lives!
As I travel around to fairs and events throughout the year I often carry with me a box of free childrens books that kids and their parents may choose a book from. These books are gently used copies that I have gathered from flea markets, library sales, or are donated to me by families to be given away.
The Barefoot Storyteller is a proud member of the National Storytelling Network
