#InternationalWomensDay

I love to tell folk stories with women at their heart, and there are a lot of them. The idea that women in old stories were all just there to be wooed and/or rescued by a hero is a misconception - but it does have to be said that in a lot of stories, that *is* the case. You sometimes have to search a bit for the stories in which women have a more active role without being cast as 'evil witches', because there aren't all that many of them in this part of the world.

As a folk historian, I appreciate the stories as they are, the products of layers of history and retellings, and try not to look at them too much through the lens of modern values. But as a storyteller, I see myself as part of a living tradition that, by its 'folk' definition, changes according to the values of those practicing it. I find a balance of what feels right, and don't get too purist about any of it.

That said, here are a three of my favourite woman-centric stories, local to Northumberland or the Scottish Borders:

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#storytelling #folklore #WomenInFolklore #TraditionalStories #Northumberland #ScottishBorders

As a #freelance #creative, the thing I struggle with most is self-promotion and marketing - which unfortunately is a big part of freelancing!

Which is leading up to say, I'm always looking for work. I don't intend to spam the feed on here with this sort of thing, but if anyone is looking for a #storyteller or someone to run #CreativeWorkshops, I have lots of dates available in the new year and beyond.

I have a background in #EFLTeaching and #CreativePractition and can offer #EFLTutoring; performance #Storytelling of #TraditionalStories; #StoryMaking and #CreativeWriting workshops (I have a Masters in Writing for Young People); and #Folklore talks for adults, with a focus on #Northumberland and the #ScottishBorders. I have lots of experience working with #schools and #YouthGroups.

I try to keep my prices affordable, I tailor sessions to the needs of a group, and I can offer online sessions as well as in-person events. I've been working in the above areas for over a decade.

There's more info on my website: https://spindriftstories.wordpress.com/ or just get in touch if you have any queries, ideas, or project ideas!

Apologies for the self-promotion, it won't happen often. Boosts appreciated, but no obligation!

#JobSearch #Freelance #ArtsJobs #Education #MythsAndLegends

All set up to start at 11! Time for a coffee at the café behind me before we get going.

#storytelling #TraditionalStories #ChristmasMarket

http://agiosthomas.wikidot.com/to-pagoro-xonaki #agiosthomas #history #liatani #tanagra #traditionalstories #viotia