Congratulations Clint Atwater for becoming a 2025 ORACLE Award Recipient from the National Storytelling Network. Board Member Jessica Robinson presented Clint (also a VASA Board Member) with the Award at the NSN Conference in Georgia this July.

ORACLE Award Reflection, by Clinton Atwater

When I began my storytelling journey in 2018, I never imagined where the path would lead. I founded Storytelling Connections with a simple vision: “Connecting Stories and People.” What I discovered along the way was something far richer—a community that would shape not just my craft, but my purpose.

I am deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and friends that VASA has brought into my life. While it may sound like a familiar refrain, the truth remains: this recognition belongs as much to you as it does to me. The encouragement, wisdom, and shared passion for storytelling that flows through this organization made this achievement possible.

Receiving the ORACLE award represents the pinnacle of my storytelling career thus far, but more importantly, it reflects the power of a community that believes in lifting each other up. Thank you, VASA, for being the wind beneath my storytelling wings and for showing me that the best stories are the ones we create together.

From Vision to Recognition: A Storytelling Journey

Reflections on receiving the National Storytelling Network’s ORACLE Award and the power of connecting stories and people

When I began my storytelling journey in 2018, I never imagined where the path would lead. I founded Storytelling Connections with a simple vision: “Connecting Stories and People.” What I discovered along the way was something far richer—a community that would shape not just my craft, but my purpose.

I am deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and friends that the Virginia Storytelling Alliance (VASA) has brought into my life. While it may sound like a familiar refrain, the truth remains: this recognition belongs as much to you as it does to me. The encouragement, wisdom, and shared passion for storytelling that flows through this organization made this achievement possible.

Receiving the ORACLE award represents the pinnacle of my storytelling career thus far, but more importantly, it reflects the power of a community that believes in lifting each other up. Thank you, VASA, for being the wind beneath my storytelling wings and for showing me that the best stories are the ones we create together.

The Puzzle of Human Connection

Have you ever wondered how separate lives intertwine? Imagine a vast, intricate puzzle—each moment of laughter, reflection, and shared truth a unique piece waiting to find its place. This vision has driven everything I do through Storytelling Connections and Let Me Tell Ya!, because I believe that understanding how our stories connect reveals something profound about the human experience.

I don’t just tell stories; I awaken them in others, empowering voices, fostering understanding, and turning individual experiences into shared moments of meaning. Through mesmerizing performances, transformative mentorship, and the deeply connective energy of Let Me Tell Ya!—both a thriving storytelling community and dynamic storytelling events—I bring my mission to life every day.

Your story isn’t just yours—it’s a vital piece of something greater. And when we come together to share these pieces, we don’t just listen to stories—we become part of them, witnessing the extraordinary beauty of the human experience, woven together, one story at a time.

Let Me Tell Ya! – Where Stories Come Alive

From this vision grew Let Me Tell Ya!, a community built on a simple truth: Our lives are filled with stories; stories connect our lives.

Our Vision

We envision a world where storytelling flourishes as a bridge between hearts and minds, where every person feels empowered to share their truth, and where communities everywhere are strengthened by the stories that connect us all.

Our Mission

Welcome to Let Me Tell Ya! We are a vibrant community of people who share an appreciation for the magic of storytelling and believe that every story matters and every voice deserves to be heard.

Our mission is to foster a safe and supportive space that fills a critical need in our lives by bringing together storytellers of all backgrounds and experience levels. We welcome anyone who wishes to learn how to tell stories, expand their storytelling repertoire, and connect with like-minded individuals who care deeply about the art of storytelling and about each other.

Whether you’re overcoming stage fright, developing your craft, or simply looking for an audience that truly listens, you’ll find encouragement and practical support here. Through our monthly online Guild meetings, we provide a platform for storytellers to share their latest works while receiving thoughtful, constructive feedback in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. Our members offer valuable insights on what resonated, what could be improved, and what listeners craved more of.

Our monthly open mic Story Swap offers a fun and engaging showcase of family-friendly stories based on themed prompts, encouraging storytellers to craft concise five to seven-minute narratives that captivate and inspire.

Building Community Through Story

More than just a community, Let Me Tell Ya! is built on the foundation that storytelling is an art form with the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. We create a space where vulnerability is respected, creativity is nurtured, and authentic connections flourish between experienced storytellers and enthusiastic newcomers alike.

We celebrate each storyteller’s unique voice and journey, offering mentorship opportunities and peer support every step of the way. Our community thrives on the belief that we all have something to learn and something to teach, creating meaningful connections that extend beyond our monthly gatherings.

The confidence and skills gained in our supportive environment empower our members to share their stories with the wider world. At Let Me Tell Ya!, we don’t just tell stories—we build a community where stories and storytellers thrive.

The Journey Continues

Receiving the ORACLE award feels like both a culmination and a beginning. It’s a recognition of what we’ve built together, but more importantly, it’s fuel for the journey ahead. Every story shared, every connection made, every voice empowered adds another piece to the grand puzzle of human experience.

Because in the end, that’s what storytelling is really about—not just the stories we tell, but the connections we forge, the understanding we build, and the community we create together. Thank you for being part of this journey, and remember: your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard, and together, we’re creating something beautiful.

Join Our Storytelling Community

Ready to become part of this vibrant storytelling community? Visit my website at www.StorytellingConnections.com to see upcoming events and sign up for my newsletter, Ruminations of a Raconteur, where I share insights, stories, and updates from the world of storytelling.

You can also find all our virtual events posted on Eventbrite, making it easy to discover and register for the storytelling experiences that speak to your heart.

Let Me Tell Ya!