Speak Up Storytelling

A virtual book launch with stories about becoming a writer, early hustle writing for pay, and rekindling fiction through Dungeons & Dragons. Topics include building a reader group, daily writing habits and legacy, inserting real people into novels, hunger for creative collaboration, music interludes, audience Q&A, and book-to-film option talk.

On episode #109 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more. Then Matt breaks down the latest installment of the Wonder Woman franchise, as well as the original Wonder Woman film and Mary Poppins returns, focusing on characterization and the endings. _______________________________________________ Speak Up Storytelling: http://speakupstorytelling.com The Other Mother Book Launch Extravaganza: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-other-mother-book-launch-extravaganza-tickets-133903722639 Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35 Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase The Other Mother: https://amzn.to/3guV5Eh Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks Matthew Dicks's blog: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

Scott Gawlicki, a talented storyteller known for his humorous flair, shares a captivating tale about his tumultuous gambling experiences, contrasting the thrill of the casino with the dullness of an internship cataloging severed limbs. He dives into the complexities of narratives, stressing the power of specificity and nostalgia in engaging audiences. The conversation also touches on effective storytelling techniques, the balance of humor and emotional depth, and the importance of community in crafting powerful stories.

David Golder, an employment attorney and live storyteller, shares a comedic yet poignant tale about rescuing a baby bird. He explores humor through precise lists and vivid imagery. The story balances surprise, vulnerability, and bittersweet stakes around fatherhood. Short, funny, and emotionally resonant.

Emily Apter, a former intern and literate storyteller known for vivid, descriptive performances. She shares a summertime “time capsule” tale that contrasts childhood fantasy with reality. The conversation explores oral storytelling versus essayistic language. They highlight pacing, effective use of lists, contrast, and choices for stronger opening lines.

Cathy Dunn, a law librarian and vivid storyteller, performs a first-person memoir titled "Roller Blades." She recounts childhood thrills on skates, an inventive way to speed up a hill, and a sudden garage accident that turns playful speed into shock. The piece plays with withheld details, pacing, and striking word choices to build surprise and emotional contrast.

John DeMeo, a teacher and storyteller, performs a nostalgic 1950s childhood tale titled Johnson's Grocery Store. He evokes era-specific details and a mischievous midnight caper. The conversation highlights nostalgia, dialogue-as-description, suspense and secrets, and tightening storytelling by removing process language.

Guest Tracey Segarra shares a heartfelt story about her father's unexpected appearance at her wedding despite familial tensions. The podcast explores storytelling techniques, virtual performance challenges, and the impact of authentic narratives. Recommendations include the TV show Watchmen and the Story Jam event for engaging storytelling.

On episode #102 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, we offer you a special treat: A sneak peak into an actual storytelling workshop. Join storytellers Anne Purky, Kim Jordan, Connie Atkisson, Ronna Levy, and Brenda Haynes as they participate in a live storytelling workshop with me. Listen to stories. Listen to feedback. Learn some storytelling tips and tricks along the way. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 August 22: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) (virtual) September 12: Solo show at MOPCO Improv Theater (8:00 PM) (virtual) September 26: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) virtual) October 24: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) virtual) October 25: Speak Up-Voices of Hope showcase (11:00 AM) (virtual) STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 September 12: Storytelling master class at MOPCO Improv Theater (10:00-6:00) (virtual) October 30-November 1: Storytelling weekend workshop at Copper Beech Institute (virtual) _______________________________________________ Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35 Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks Matthew Dicks's blog: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

Ann Gwa, a Boston-based storyteller and Great Hartford Story Slam winner, shares a personal tale about a tense phone call with an old friend. The conversation explores temporal transitions, opening lines, pacing, nostalgia, vulnerability, and the craft choices that make a memory feel immediate and bittersweet.