Professional storyteller James Murray is one of those people who just seems able to tell a good story.
From the moment he walks onto the stage he has an impact on his audiences. Whether making them laugh, causing a tear or two, or simply bringing back some precious memories, Murray’s stories strike an emotional chord with everyone who hears them.
Murray will be sharing his storytelling skills during the Just For Dads storytelling workshop, being presented at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Salmon Arm branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.
Dads can take part in this free, no-registration-required workshop while their kids are busy hearing stories from youth services librarian Stephanie Vollick.
“I remember my father telling me stories when I was a kid – even back before I started school,” says Murray. “Whether we were sitting around the kitchen table, driving in the car or curled up on the couch on a cold winter’s evening, he loved to tell us stories… sometimes I can hear his voice in my mind, like he was right there in the room.”
Event organizer Jennifer Findlay says Just For Dads is designed to provide an opportunity to experience and appreciate the art of storytelling as well as inspire dads to develop their own storytelling skills.
Murray agrees it is important for fathers and children to share time together. “What better way than by telling and listening to stories. Not just stories from books,” he says, “but real life stories about their experiences when they were kids.”
Just For Dads is the first in a series of storytelling workshops Murray will conduct through the Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap. For more information contact, Jennifer Findlay, literacy outreach co-ordinator, at 250 833-2095.