NSN Storyteller Profile ... Linda Goodman

Linda Goodman,an Appalachian Mountain native of Melungeon descent,learned the art of storytelling from her father,a former coal miner who was himself a master yarnspinner. Her stories create a magical world where fantasy and ordinary heroes come together to both entertain and inspire her delighted audiences.

Programs include A Little Bit of Kindness (anti-bullying); Daughters of the Appalachians; Scenes from the Dim, Smoky Past; Melting Pot:Tales From Around the World; Mo and Oz: the Stories of L. Frank Baum; Women: Woundrous, Wacky and Wise; Men: the Good, the bad, and the Lovely; Shattered Silence(domestic abuse);and others.

Linda teaches workshops on storytelling in the ministry, family stories, cultural integrity, teaching children to tell stories, intergenerational stories,and making stories from fragments.

Linda is the proud recipient of the Southern Connecticut State University Storytelling Institute's Excellence in Storytelling Award, of 3 Storytelling World Winner Awards, and is a charter member of the Barter Storytellers in Abingon, Virginia. Her stories have appeared in the Chicken Soup and Stories for the Heart series. Her book,Daughters of the Appalachians,and her CDs,Bobby Pins and Jessie and Other Stories can be purchased at her website.

Linda has appeared nationwide at schools, theaters, churches, universities, and art centers. She performed at the Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival on October 5, 2012.

Recommendations

You have captured the dialect, the intonations, the unique expressions, and the imagery of the colloquial speech and culture unique to this section of Appalachia, but also connect with emotions and characters that are universal. It is a rare talent that can accomplish both.
--Rev. Ashley M. Calhoun, Appalachia, VA

We have many excellent storytellers coming to my institutes, but it seems quite apparent that you are the highlight. You are the storyteller that sweeps listeners off their feet. You strike a chord in every listener's heart.
--Gwendolyn Nowlan, Artistic Director, Storytelling Institute, S. Connecticut State University

I felt strongly that we could offer no better service than to bring you to the Twin Cities.
--Bob Walling, President, Open U, Inc., Minneapolis, MN

Appalachian stories,personal stories,anti-bullying stories,stories about domestic abuse,ghost stories,folk tales,fairy tales,multicultural stories,myths,legends,tall tales,and customized stories.

All Ages

Yes

Yes

50 roundtrip miles FREE! Over 50 miles, reimburse @ 35 cents/mile. Lodging provided by client; home stays OK.

All

Yes

NSN, LANES, VASA, Voices in the Glen, Dramatists Guild of America, Virginia Writers Club, Virginia Commission for the Arts Writers in Virginia Directory