Category Archives: Blog

Board Spotlight: Clint Atwater

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

Clint Atwater What propelled you into oral storytelling? I was introduced to the world of oral storytelling through Toastmasters. I have been involved in Toastmasters since 2012. During a conversation with some other Toastmasters, I commented that the speech projects I enjoyed the most were those where I shared personal stories. My friends suggested that I attend Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival, which I did in 2018. To say that I was blown away is a significant understatement. I … Continue reading →

Board Spotlight: Anette Stjarnhjarta

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

Anette Stjarnhjarta What propelled you into oral storytelling? My little brother Hans. He would ask me to tell him about my dreams and that led him to ask for stories. I enjoyed telling stories and to see how happy that made him. What is one story you heard that stays with you after many years – and why? The story about Pippi Longstocking. Pippi is red-haired, freckled, unconventional, and superhumanly strong – able to lift her horse one-handed! She is playful … Continue reading →

Board Spotlight: Nick Baskerville

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of Spotlights on your current VASA Board members. In the next few weeks, we’ll spotlight Nick Baskerville, Clint Atwater and Anette Stjarnhjarta. I’d love to see your picture, name and story up here in the near future. Nick Baskerville What’s the value of telling stories for you?  In listening to stories? The biggest value I see with being a storyteller or a story listener is seeing the same perspective.  A well-constructed … Continue reading →

What it means to be a VASA Board Member during a pandemic

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

By Clinton Atwater Editor’s Note: Another in our series of notes from VASA Board members. Clint also serves as our Association Treasurer, and as such has brought a steady, intelligent and pragmatic hand to VASA’s finances. When Gayle Turner asked me if I would consider being on the Board of Directors for VASA, I was both intrigued and honored. What I never considered is that my service would coincide with a pandemic. What a year it has been! Over the … Continue reading →

The Joy of Serving on the VASA Board

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

This mini-memoir by VASA former President and Board Member, Gayle Turner, is the first of a series of articles by present and former Board Members telling their stories of finding joy serving the board, our membership and the larger Virginia storytelling community. When I decided to explore the world of storytelling someone, I do not remember who, but I am eternally grateful to them, told me I should check out the Virginia Storytelling Alliance. I discovered they were holding their … Continue reading →