There’s this amazing thing that happens here in our humble City of Trees……it’s called STORY STORY NiGHT. Ever heard of it? If not, you should check it out. True stories on a theme, told live onstage and without notes. Simple…right? Anyone can do it. YOU can do it. But if the thought of getting onstage and telling a tale from your life leaves you feeling at a lose for words, our STUDiO can help you find em. And get this – it’s FREE. Every month. True story.

Part of my role at Story Story Night is to guide the story-curious through the oft winding path of bringing a life experience to the stage. I think of this process as a journey of sorts. What follows is an abridged version of what we call the Essential Elements of Story. If you want the full length version, well, you’ll just have to attend the STUDiO, dear readers.

An Instructorly Outfit: vintage knit tee by R & K Knits / vintage wool skirt by Pendleton
vintage velvet blazer by Koret / black leather riding boots by Frye / earrings by Hazel Cox
antique gold bangles and rings from grandma / glasses by Salt

I :  THE MAP
The map of your story is the direction in which you choose to guide your audience. If you remember to stay on track and indulge your audience by describing the highlights (or more often, low points) along the way, they’ll stay with you to the end.

II : THE PACE
Don’t wear your travelers out. More importantly, don’t wear yourself out. Give your story the space it needs in order to be fully realized and experienced by your audience.

III : THE LEFT TURN
This is the key turn in your story – the surprising moment when you choose not to stay the course and things get real. Now is the time to reveal to them your vulnerability.

IV : GO THE DiSTANCE
Now that you’ve taken these tourists of your life to the next level and invited them to be a part of the journey by taking that left turn with you, go the distance. Drive your story home by fearlessly reflecting on how that left turn affected you.

V : THE FAREWELL
Be sure to give your travelers something to remember you by. For the purposes of this journey, the perfect farewell gift is a solid, meaningful goodbye.

Thank you Kelly Lynae for the lovely photos, and thank you Jessica Holmes for turning your Story Story brainchild into a Boise phenomenon.