When I was 9, I really started falling in love with books. As I did, I started hearing the characters in my head. I heard the dialogue. I would catch myself reading it out loud and doing their voices because I liked hearing the story as well. I loved being a part of the story process. But, apparently, reading aloud to myself in school could be distracting for other students. So, I learned my way out of that habit…until I became a father. 

 

All of a sudden, I had the best reason in the world for reading stories out loud again. I had my wonderful daughters to read to, to do the voices again, and I remembered how much I loved it. Story time became one of my favorite times as a father. But little girls grow up and they don't necessarily want their dad reading them stories. I went back to reading silently.

 

The stories kept calling to me. I sang stories professionally as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. I told stories as a pastor with 30 years of public speaking experience. Throughout my life, there have always been more stories to tell, and I have loved telling them. 

 

Recently, my family has rediscovered Dungeons & Dragons, a game that is group story-telling, and I got to be the Game Master, the chief storyteller. Once again, I got to tell the stories. I got to do the voices. I got to engage with the listener and I loved it. 

 

I’ve learned I tell stories well. Let me know what you need, and we’ll make it happen together.