Saturday, 12 August 2023

Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling by Danyah Miller, illustrations by Kate Bunce, review Lynda Waterhouse

This book came to me as a gift.

It had been donated by the author, Danyah Miller, as part a Crowdfunded campaign, SPACE FOR STORYTELLING, which I’d supported.  Discovering the seven secrets of storytelling was to be my reward for making a contribution.

In this book Danyah generously shares with us her knowledge and insights built up over many years as a parent, from working with families, with children in schools, in the theatres, and from so many wise women that she has encountered.  

Danyah passes on her secrets to us through the medium of story.  She introduces us to the Dale family, Darinka and Adam and their three children. At the beginning of the book they are struggling to manage work and home life. One day they meet Dorothy, an older woman who offers them understanding, advice and practical support. Gradually Dorothy gives them the reassurance and confidence to create their own spontaneous stories and to see the transformations they can bring. The depiction of the family feels real, Adam struggles, the children don’t always get on, and things don’t always work out.

The Seven Secrets has its own chapter which is explored through situations that the Dale family encounter, e.g. Chapter One – A Welcome Stranger: The First Secret – Imagination, Chapter Four- In Search of Treasure: The Fourth Secret-Puppets and Props, and Chapter Seven - One Step at a Time: The Seventh Secret-Confidence.

At the end of the chapters there are games and activities, an information section and recommended reading. The beginning of each chapter is introduced with a line drawing black-and-white illustration by Kate Bunce. My favourite is the drawing of the den.

Danyah says, ‘I believe that sharing spontaneous stories, on a daily basis, is a simple, satisfying and successful way to reconnect with yourself and with each other. The story games included in this book will enable you to share stories easily and effortlessly, creating harmony, positivity and peace.’

I devoured this intelligent and magical book in one day and will keep it on hand for reference for many years to come.

The crowd funder was successful and from September SPACE FOR STORYTELLING will create an affordable space for storytellers, actors, authors, stand–ups, poets and anyone who uses spoken word as part of their practice. https://londondreamtime.com/

Hawthorn Press

www.hawthornpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-912480-86-9

 

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