"The Changeling": Practicing Starts Somewhere

The first time telling a story out loud is always rough and tumble for me.

That is why it is called a practice.

The shaky results from telling the Irish story of "The Changeling" was similar to the first times I told "Forsaken Brother" and "The Gardener's Wife".

While attending storytelling or writing conferences, often the workshop presenters teach that you have to get the stories out in the open whether that is telling them or writing them on paper.

Rarely are the first thoughts the ones that make it to the final draft of telling of the story.

Joanna Huffaker, my story buddy, was not expecting perfection for this first time through "The Changeling".

On the positive side, Joanna felt that the neighbor characters were clear and real. She shared images that lingered even after the story was done.

I did have to be aware of the different stages with the neighbors. When Mrs. Sullivan wants to show off her baby to the neighbors, I forgot to link the warnings from the neighbors so the baby would not be switched for a changeling from the fairies. It was not until after the switch had been made of Mrs. Sullivan's baby for the changeling that I realized that I skipped that part.

Joanna pointed out that whenever the changeling was a character in a scene, that the scene seemed to go too fast rather than expanding on the feelings that Mrs. Sullivan had whenever the changeling glared at her so that it seemed to burn through her skin.

This could have a mood much like a ghost story if that is what I desired.

More practices will come and improvements will be made.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

"The Changeling": French Scenes technique

It was time to develop the French Scenes for "The Changeling", as this technique guided me in the telling of the stories "The Gardener's Wife" and "Forsaken Brother".

Joanna Huffaker, my story buddy, was ready to delve into this adventure.

Basic concept of French Scenes (review):
French Scenes are main events of the story that begin with one or more key characters enter the scene and ends when one or more key characters exit the scene. Between entrances and exits are developments to the story whether in understanding the environment, revealing character, and forwarding the plot.

French Scenes tend to be divided into 5 parts though I could have as many as 32+ parts for a complicated story.

Here are the French Scenes for this Irish story--
Scene 1:
Enter Mrs. Sullivan with Baby
Exit Neighbors

Environment--

• Church--quiet, solemn, whispers, playing of hymns
• Market--buzz, vying for attention for different wares
• Bridge--over turbulent waters
• Green grass, blue skies, a couple clouds, sun
• Occasional livestock--cows and sheep

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--proud mama, bubbling, anxious to show baby, animated, high-spirited
• Baby--calm, happy, quiet, mild, serene (at this time he has bright-blue eyes, smooth skin, and tiny/delicate hands)
• 1st Neighbor found at Church--congratulatory towards Mrs. Sullivan then turns to worry
• 2nd Neighbor found at Market--annoyed and preoccupied
• 3rd Neighbor found at Bridge--spiteful, jealous, harsh

Moving Plot Forward--

• Bragging of Baby
• Attracts attention of Fairies
• Introduces Neighbors

Scene 2:
Enter Neighbors (Verbal Abuse--3 times)
Exit Neighbors

Environment--

• Church--quiet, solemn, whispers, playing of hymns
• Market--buzz, vying for attention for different wares
• Bridge--over turbulent waters

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--untroubled, unflappable, imperturbable which then turns to astonishment
• 1st Neighbor found at Church--worry, concern, troubled, sincere
• 2nd Neighbor found at Market--distracted, preoccupied, bothered, irritable
  
• 3rd Neighbor found at Bridge--spiteful, catty, ill-natured, grumpy, sulky, bitter

Moving Plot Forward--

• Neighbors give warnings
• Mrs. Sullivan does not listen
• Verbal Abuse emphasized

Scene 3:
Enter Changeling
Exit Mrs. Sullivan

Environment--

• Home--thatched roof, mostly made of white stone, rural, small windows, wooden table and chairs, bits of straw on the floor

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--alarmed, senses something, attempts to be calm and collected (which is a different personality for her)
• Changeling--loud, obnoxious, messy, impish, wails (at this time he has dull and lifeless eyes, wrinkled skin, and hands like talons)
• Home--eerie, feels cooler, too quiet and contrasts with the Changeling

Moving Plot Forward--

• Switch of the Baby for the Changeling is made by the Fairies
• Mrs. Sullivan needs to get the Baby back

Scene 4:
Enter Neighbors (Physical Abuse--3 times)
Exit Neighbors

Environment--

• Church--quiet, solemn, whispers, playing of hymns
• Market--buzz, vying for attention for different wares
• Bridge--over turbulent waters

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--urgency, wild-eyed, horrified when hears answers from Neighbors
• 1st Neighbor found at Church--sincere, slightly offended to be ignored the first time (suggests Changeling put out in elements/snow)
• 2nd Neighbor found at Market--exasperated, gives more time to Mrs. Sullivan so not bothered again (suggests to burn nose of Changeling)
  
• 3rd Neighbor found at Bridge--rough, on edge, rude, sarcastic, has "I told you so" attitude but pleased with Mrs. Sullivan's bad fortune, smirks (suggests roast Changeling alive on griddle)

Moving Plot Forward--

• Solutions revealed from Neighbors but denied by Mrs. Sullivan

Scene 5:
Enter Ellen Grey
Exit Mrs. Sullivan

Environment--

• Ellen Grey's Home--obscure location, herbs and remedies hang all over the home, things creatively placed about inside, many worn blankets

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--desperate, intimidated, leery, surprised, taken-aback, then becomes apprehensive and doubtful by choice presented by Ellen Grey but it may be the only option left
• Ellen Grey--amused for she has seen these reactions before, sharp and witty despite her looks, mysterious
  

Moving Plot Forward--

• Solution revealed from Ellen Grey that is more accepted by Mrs. Sullivan

Scene 6:
Enter Mrs. Sullivan
Exit Changeling

Environment--

• Home--thatched roof, mostly made of white stone, rural, small windows, wooden table and chairs, bits of straw on the floor

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--determined but uneasy, purposeful
• Changeling--curious, amused, talkative, creepy
  

Moving Plot Forward--

• Changeling reveals age so must return Baby

Scene 7:
Enter Baby
Exit Mrs. Sullivan with Baby

Environment--

• Home--thatched roof, mostly made of white stone, rural, small windows, wooden table and chairs, bits of straw on the floor

Character/Feelings--

• Mrs. Sullivan--relieved, happy, tender in showing her love in a quiet way (no longer bragging)
• Baby--calm, happy, quiet, mild, serene (at this time he has bright-blue eyes, smooth skin, and tiny/delicate hands)

Moving Plot Forward--

• Baby returned

It always feels good to work this process out!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

An Irish Story's Transformation: Multicultural to Universal

It was time to gather books on Ireland, as I had already checked out many books from the library on the Ojibwa and Colombian cultures.

I had several versions of "The Changeling" story, though I wanted to bring more multicultural influences into the piece. Sharing these elements makes the story more universal.

This is one of the storytelling paradoxes: the more details in the story, then the more universal the story.

I certainly want the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere to be universal. When it tours worldwide, the stories will transcend language barriers due to its ability to connect to individuals.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Joanna Huffaker: Story Buddy for "The Changeling"

It was like the BYU Storytelling Club days all over again.

Joanna Huffaker was an amazing Vice President and then she had to graduate before me. She missed the semester when we created t-shirts, so after eight years, I finally gave Joanna her club t-shirt.

After some hugs and pictures, we went to "play" with "The Changeling", an Irish story which will open my "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere.

Like what was done with my stories buddies Holly Robison and Julie Barnson, I had Joanna read the story aloud so I could conjure images while listening.

Then it was time to ask questions about "The Changeling":

• How do the neighbors play a role in the exchange made from the baby to the changeling?

They warned Mrs. Sullivan that if the baby was overly admired, then she would grab the attention of the fairies. Verbal and physical abuse are indirectly addressed as the neighbors suggest that Mrs. Sullivan call the baby names. Then, once the exchange is made, the neighbors suggest to toss the baby into the snow and elements, to burn the nose off, or to roast the child alive on the griddle.

• What is the "magic number" as to the neighbor suggestions?

Three kinds of verbal abuse are suggested and later three kinds of physical abuse are suggested. Many stories have the power of three, which will also be represented by the three neighbors.

• Who is Grey Ellen? (a.k.a. Ellen Leah) Is she in any other Irish folklore? Is there significance and/or meaning to her name?

Research is yet to be made.

• What are the Christian influences?

A crucifix above the cradle is one way to prevent fairies to make an exchange with a baby.

• What are the opposite images of the baby versus the changeling?

Eyes, Skin, and Hands. They could be bright blue for the baby while dull and lifeless for the changeling. The skin could be smooth for the baby while wrinkled, dry, and tight for the changeling. Finally, the hands could be tiny and delicate for the baby while they appear as talons for the changeling. Again, there is the power of three in the imagery.

• Was Mrs. Sullivan's fall before she had a chance to plunge the bar down the changeling's throat on purpose or even authentic to the tale? Was this part censored by Jane Yolen, who edited the version I found first? Does this matter to me? How will I approach this scene?

Much wrestling will happen before any answers can be made.

Since I will bookend the story with a personal story, then here are questions for this part:

• Is my Mom the one showing off my younger brother?

This would bring jealousy.

• How does "The Changeling" story connect with my personal story?

My brother will be "overly admired" as a baby. Like the neighbors for Mrs. Sullivan, I give the warning to my Mom. I could tell "The Changeling" as learned from a teacher at school. Mom and I could quietly smile at the baby versus "loud" compliments as what Mrs. Sullivan does once her baby is returned.

• How long do I expect the bookend personal story to take?

It may be about five minutes as the introduction part to the whole piece. The ending would likely be less than 30 seconds.

• Will the personal story be of general feelings or of one or more specific instances?

I am not sure at this point. The instances could be a list so not as much time is spent with it and so more time can be given to the folktale.

Every time I go through this question and answer process, I am invigorated. How about you?

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Joanna Huffaker: My 3rd Story Buddy Found

This was a reunion picture of Joanna Huffaker and I while at the October 2008 meeting for the Utah Storytelling Guild Olympus chapter. After eight years since the BYU Storytelling Club, Joanna could still recognize me despite the costume.

Since there are three stories, I wanted three story buddies that I would meet at least on a weekly basis.

Until my opening story was found, you could say that I "reserved" for Joanna Huffaker to be my buddy.

I was thrilled when I learned she moved from the Idaho back to the Utah area. My joy was even more full when she came to the Salt Lake City area and attends the same chapter guild meeting for the Utah Storytelling Guild.

When I founded the Brigham Young University Storytelling Club in 1997, she was my Vice President for a couple years until she graduated.

Here are memories of my "first encounter" with Joanna:

At BYU we have an area known as "The Gauntlet". It is probably one of the most dangerous areas of BYU. The Gauntlet is about 150 feet in length. On one side are all the booths. The other side has a railing. The trick is to try to get through the Gauntlet without getting any fliers--at least as few as possible. A lucky day meant I only got 3 fliers instead of 50.

Since the only way across campus was through the Gauntlet, I got a lot of practice dodging people with fliers. It became an art. Of course, it helped that in high school I was on the Cross Country team--not that I sprinted across. I had an assistant coach who had the team cool down by speed walking. We had speed walking races back to the school. I was known as the Queen of Speed Walking.

But then my view of the Gauntlet changed when I realized I needed to become part of the Gauntlet. I had to tell everyone about the new storytelling club, which meant I had to have a booth. . .with fliers.

I had written the club charter and I had found advisers. Now it was time to recruit members.

I got the signs ready for the booth with all the information necessary. I armed myself with duct tape and signs and set-up the booth. I positioned myself in front of the booth--ready to talk to anyone who came within 30 feet of me. I chased after people the whole day. My legs and mouth were especially sore, but I didn't care. I had a whole week of booths.

Then one day, when I was a few inches from the booth, I heard "Thud!"

I looked to see where the sound had come from. A girl with long brown hair had dropped her backpack. Some of the contents spilled out, but she didn't seem to care. She furiously scribbled on a piece of paper.

I slowly approached her.

"Would you like to know about the Storytelling Club?" I asked.

The girl stopped her scribbling and looked at me. "That's what I'm writing down."

I introduced myself. "Hi, I am Rachel Parkinson and . . ."

"Oh! You're the one I'm supposed to contact for more info! Oh, wow! I'm Joanna Huffaker!"

At that moment, I knew Joanna was going to be a strong member. She came to the meetings with enthusiasm.

So now you know what I will look forward to her being my story buddy for the Irish story "The Changeling".

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

The 3:00am Discovery: Opening Story Found!

Oh how glorious it is to feel like the whole program is in place for "Family Famine: Hunger for Love"!

I wrestled at night, for my mind was bothered that I did not have an opening story. With less than two months away, I was in panic mode.

I had actually found center and finale stories for other "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" programs beyond the premiere--but no opening stories.

Yesterday I talked with Don Doyle on the telephone for some advice. I did not talk long as he was in the hospice to be at the bedside of his wife. If I had known before I placed the call, I would not have called.

Nevertheless, he brought up the Irish story The Changeling also known as The Brewery of Eggshells. My mind was shaken when he mentioned it as I had considered the story at one time for the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere. I had brushed the story aside as I thought that it was a tale too familiar with people. I tend to gravitate towards stories that few people know.

However, this may connect me with the audience faster as they hear something familiar yet shared with a Rachel twist.

So as this story tossed around in my head, I tossed about and could not sleep. Then at 3:05am I knew that The Changeling really was the story for this premiere and by 3:08am I sent an email to Elizabeth Ellis on my decision.

I had told this story for my St. Patrick's Day set in March 2008 and bookended this story with a personal moment being the oldest sister and my Mom showing off my little brother to everyone. This was similar to Mrs. Sullivan and her baby. She showed off her baby so much that the fairies exchanged her baby for one of their people.

The way I told it had humor as well as a kind of suspense found in a ghost story. I did a little research on fairies and changelings, though I could do more. This story could also address child abuse indirectly as Mrs. Sullivan asks her neighbors what to do. Some say to roast the child alive and other say to burn off its nose. I could emphasize this slightly and have Mrs. Sullivan wonder about her neighbor's children as a result of their answers.

Interestingly enough, this was my opening story in March 2008 and now it will be my opening story in February 2009!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller