About Linda Gorham - My Story

Getting hooked

I saw a storyteller perform almost twenty years ago. Afterward, I went up to her and said, “I loved your show and I think I’d like to tell stories too!” She was very encouraging and suggested I try telling a few stories in a safe place and see how it works. I appreciate her encouragement because that is exactly what I did. I learned a couple of stories and told them in my older son’s kindergarten class. Wow! The reaction of the students and the teacher inspired me. I was hooked!

Going for it After many years of telling for fun (yes, that means no fee), and after many encouraging comments from teachers, librarians and the media, I decided to make storytelling a career. Quite a change I must say from my thirteen years working in a corporation as a manager in Human Resources and Training areas. But if life doesn’t offer opportunities for change, then what’s it all worth, right? I simply decided to “go for it” and I devoted myself to the world of Story.

Midwest Literary Festival

And that means with a passion. I jumped in with both feet, all heart, and unstoppable energy. And I’ve loved every minute of it. Sharing stories with children, teens and adults has provided a natural high for me.

"Your show was fantastic! You involved the children in participating in the stories in a super way. They, and we, the teachers, were spellbound by your words, tone, actions, volume, pitch, and every movement. Truly you are a master of storytelling!" - Shongum Third Grade Teachers, New Jersey

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Jumping in

In addition to my work as a storyteller, I’ve become very involved in the storytelling community:

Activities:

• Co-leader, 2004 Storytelling Tour of South Africa
• Co-chair, 2003 National Storytelling Conference
• Board member and festival planner, Illinois Storytelling Festival
• Co-founder and two-term secretary, ASE: The Chicago Association of Black Storytellers
• Coordinating member, Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival

• National Storytelling Network
• National Association of Black Storytellers, Lifetime member
• Northlands Storytelling Network
• League for the Advancement of New England Storytellers
• The Fox Valley Storytelling Guild
• Illinois Storytelling Incorporated

• CD: Common Sense and Uncommon Fun – winner of four national awards
• Story-video produced by the Illinois Arts Council and WTTW11 television for a show called Arts Across Illinois
• Co-author, Telling Stories to Children, published in 2005 by the National Storytelling Network

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Loving every minute

• From a student, “Mrs. Gorham is better than recess!”
• From a PTA mom, “My own children had a great time, and my fifth grader reports that my status has been elevated to "cool mom" for scheduling you. (The praise doesn't get any higher than that!)”
• From a principal, “It was the best educational assembly I’ve ever witnessed!”
• From ghost story coordinator, “I’ll never look at an ear of corn the same way ever again!”
• From a literacy day organizer, “Linda’s stories of relationships brought humor to the message of using words to facilitate peace in the world.”
• From a festival organizer, “Thank you for telling an important story, for allowing us to laugh, to moan, and most importantly to feel.”

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There are no limits

Storytelling has taken me from preschools through colleges. I’ve told stories and presented workshops for adults in corporations. I’ve told stories to students with physical and emotional challenges. I’ve even told stories for college orientations and facilitated workshops in law schools.

Story lets us soar high into our imaginations and deep down into our psyche.

There are no limits . . . no walls . . . no ceilings. That’s what I love about Story!

One of my recent experiences was to go scuba diving – with sharks no less! Why? Well, why not? I’ve never been one to turn down an opportunity to experience a new Story.

Another thrill was flying . . . well, paragliding actually . . . in Alaska. I still can’t believe I actually jumped off a mountain with only a parachute (and an experienced pilot – very important!). But I figured if I could enjoy flying with Story, I should try flying in the sky.

What’s next?

My father used to say that he had pre-planned my entire life on the day I was born and wrote it down in a Little Black Book. When I did something good, he would assure me it was part of his master plan and he would say, “Of course, it’s in The Book!” I don’t think even my father could have predicted the amazing world that Story can open up.

Who knows where Story will take me next?

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