More About Story: Writings on Stories and Storytelling 1995-2001

"Ruth's latest book is another crown gem for your resource library. This collection of articles and reflections cover a variety of storytelling topics. We especially enjoyed the article of "Storytelling Application A-Z" as well as the articles on finding original sources and reflections of the differences between storytelling and drama or theater. One of the most useful chapters is the one titled, "Mommy, Daddy, Please Tell Me a Story." We know that many of the visitors to Storyteller.net are looking for ways to simply tell bedtime stories to their children in new and genuine ways. Ruth's article has some good tips- such as telling stories from your own life history and how to develop stories for oral telling from the written word. This book, however, is not just a lightweight collection of warm or inspiring thoughts alone. Ruth does a great job of providing footnotes, comments and a list of additional resources when needed. Rather than just a simple "sit down to read book," this collection allows you to take just enough information in as you need it. You will find this book to be both challenging and reassuring. We think you will come back to often to this read as you become a better teller, thinking to yourself, "Now, I know I read about this somewhere." as you pick up this book from your shelf. Now, our only gentle critique is: Ruth, you left Storyteller.net out of the resource listings in the back. Oh, woe is us. (Giggle) But, truly, we would encourage all authors and editors to be aware that references to national organizations should include the URL to their correct web sites. This is a small bump in an otherwise outstanding book." -Storyteller.net Reviews

More About Story: Writings On Stories And Storytelling 1995-2001 by Ruth Stotter (founder of the Dominican University Storytelling Program, San Rafael, California) is a superbly insightful guide to the art and craft of storytelling, especially oral storytelling. Ranging from general tips for telling stories to giving kids a good bedtime story to advice for relating Native American folktales in particular, More About Story is a fine, practical guide for aspiring storytellers everywhere who want to improve their abilities and presentations. Also highly recommended is the previous book in this series, About Story: Writings On Stories And Storytelling 1980-1994 (094356509X).