Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling

Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling: Discover the Magic of Storytelling

“Here, in this unique book, is the inside story of a supreme storyteller. Here you can discover how the magic of storytelling is made.” — Michael Morpurgo (from the foreword)

When Darinka and Adam unexpectedly meet Dorothy—at first near an old windmill—they embark on a roller-coaster journey that transforms their family through the power of spontaneous storytelling. Dorothy’s seven secrets are the magical tools they need to connect deeply with each other in daily life, from playing to shopping, enjoying mealtimes and bedtimes, and from tidying up to resolving disagreements.

“Everyone tells stories. Although most people would not consider themselves to be ‘storytellers,’ we all are. Humans are storytelling-beings. You and I are storytellers, whether we recognize it or not. We share anecdotes and memories, tell jokes, describe experiences, spin yarns. Our lives are made up of stories. We listen to songs, are persuaded by adverts, read books, listen to the radio, understand our history through the stories of those who came before us, watch films and TV. We make sense of the world through story.” (from the introduction)

Included in this book are fifteen simple, fun games that help the reader easily make and tell stories with children. The games, tips, and tricks provide the confidence to tell spontaneous tales with family and friends—any time, any season, and anywhere. Each Secret has its own chapter, explored through the lens of the story of the troubled Dale family, along with a story game section for easy reference.

Illustrated with pen & ink drawings.

C O N T E N T S:

Foreword by Michael Morpurgo

1.    A Welcome Stranger: The First Secret—Imagination
2.    Is She For Real?: The Second Secret—Observation and Senses
3.    There was Silence: The Third Secret—Memory
4.    In Search of Treasure: The Fourth Secret—Puppets and Props
5.    Ah! Snow: The Fifth Secret—Wonder
6.    Less is More: The Sixth Secret—Play
7.    One Step at a Time: The Seventh Secret—Confidence

About the Author

Danyah Miller raised her family on stories. She is an international storyteller, solo performer, writer, and teacher of storytellers. Her award-winning flagship production, “I Believe in Unicorns,” played in London’s West End and on tour throughout 2023. She helped produce two West End musicals, “All You Need is Love” in 2001; Olivier-nominated “Soul Sister” (Life of Ike and Tina Turner) in 2012; and “Pippi Longstocking, the Swashbuckling Musical Adventure” with Royal & Derngate Northampton in 2019. She studied drama, dance, and English at Bretton Hall College, and later improvisation, mime, and physical performance at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris. Look for Danyah Miller on YouTube.