Creative Loafing’s “Tell Me a Story” Neglects The Wren’s Nest
This week’s cover story in Creative Loafing, our local alternative weekly, is about storytelling in Atlanta. Not only that, it’s about storytellers competing with and embracing technology.
The Wren’s Nest, however, was not mentioned. I wonder why not?
I’m trying not to be critical, but at the same time, I think it’s kind of like writing a story about professional sports teams in Atlanta and neglecting to mention we have this basketball team called the Hawks.
It’s not like we’re upset, maybe just baffled.
We think our storytellers are dope. Plus, there aren’t many storytelling venues in the country that offer (free) stories right on the website:
Miss Woodie Persons – Br’er Rabbit Takes a Ride.
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Not to mention a couple of our own storytelling podcasts.
All that said–it’s a good article, and you should read it. And then listen to the podcasts, down on the right hand side.
Carmen Deedy, who was at last year’s Decatur Book Festival, is amazing in particular.
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
7 Comments to Creative Loafing’s “Tell Me a Story” Neglects The Wren’s Nest
Lain,
Don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. My website/radio show – The Moonlit Road.com – is one of the oldest local storytelling shows of its kind, has featured several of the tellers mentioned (as well as Akbar), yet I was never contacted by CL for this story. Oh well, interesting article nevertheless.
I think it’s because you’re so famous already that people already know about it.
I would liken it to doing a story about small, local soda companies and writing about Coke. Nobody needs to read about Coke.
I wish all the things I said were true, but in reality I am also surprised.
Chalk it up to poor research on the writer’s part – and you should write a response to the article, inviting the writer, editor and readers to check out our website, podcast and to come by for storytelling – great opportunity to promote ourselves.
Carmen Deedy is awesome!
ronni
I wondered about that myself.
Shucks, thanks y’all.
Joe, I think you grossly overestimate our awesomeness, though that is appreciated. Carmen Deedy is more like the Coke of Atlanta storytellers, and her performing at the TED conference is news to me. Very cool.
Ronni, I may write something. Clearly there wasn’t enough space for everything, but given the strength of our website, I figured we were at least relevant.
They know we’re here, for sure though. In fact the first Creative Loafing I ever read was when I was fifteen, and I saw Joel Chandler Harris on the cover. It was at the Howell Mill Fellini’s, in case you’re interested.
Lain – Ronni’s advice is good and a great way to get some exposure after the fact. But regardless of if you write a response to the editor, you definitely need to contact the writer by email and/or phone. You need to cultivate a relationship with her/him (Sorry haven’t read it yet so don’t know who wrote it). Make sure you compliment the author on the story and then say you can’t help but notice we weren’t included and wanted to make sure they knew about all the story telling and technology stuff we are doing. Invite them to the WN and then tell them you will keep them informed on the upcoming events and news from WN. Make sure you add this person to our media list and send them relevant press releases in the future…..all just a few PR tips that an agency would have charged you $125+ an hour to give
It was written by Curt Holman. Write him and tell him to ask about my conversation with Andisheh on the subject. It was quite a hoot.