NEW TROUPE READIES PERFORMANCE

"CASTING STRONG SHADOWS" is a tribute to the positive influence of some fine men and how important it is to remember their stories. Members of the story-theater troupe, Stories2Go, include: Susie Beasley Kathryn Thurman, Marilyn A. Hudson, Molly Lemmons, and Barbara Wright Jones.

Had A Blast at the County Line!

Author Tonya Hacker recently scheduled a series of select evening events at the historic "County Line" resturant in NE Oklahoma City. Called "BBQ and Banshees" they featured presentations by various authors, researchers, personalities and storytellers. The "Oklahoma Ghost Teller" was there on Oct. 10 sharing some real tales of the haunting side of the city. Also there that night was author of "Strange State" Mysteries and Legends of Oklahoma", Cullan Hudson, finishing up a program tour of the state (Ponca City, Honobia, and Enid) before heading back to Puerto Rico and more research and writing. Also, co-author of "Ghostlahoma" Tanya Hacker was there sharing some of her research and providing a tour of parts of the resturant few get to see and sharing stories of its haunted past. All told, a grand night with some wonderful people, good food, and great stories!

Me Videotaping Sample Stories

Doing sound check before the taping at Choctaw Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 26.

GhostTales2Go

The 'ghost gals' are Barbara Jones, Marilyn A. Hudson, and Molly Lemmons.

New Book Available

Whorl Books, Thumbprints Imprint, presents....
Madame Delaine and the Mystery of the Girl Detective
Synopsis

In a time rife with clairvoyant charlatans, unscrupulous private detectives, and corrupt police forces, one woman uses her formidible skills of observation to crack cases and corral crooks.This time around, she's going to get the help of a young girl in solving a mystery in territorial Oklahoma City - whether she wants it or not. Madeleine Madame Delaine is no ordinary psychic - in fact, she's no psychic at all. But she will play one if it helps her get the information she needs to solve the many mysteries she finds herself wrapped up in. No, Madame Delaine is just an ordinary woman with a good eye, a great memory, and a clever mind for putting the subtle pieces of any puzzle together. Clues are no match for this extraordinary mentalist.

Book Details
Genre: Age 9 to Age 12 ;
Paperback: 31 pages ;Binding: Saddle
Cost: $12.00 + s/h ;
Publisher: Whorl Books / Marilyn Hudson ( June 2009 )

About the Author:
Hudson is an award winning writer who is also a professional librarian, educator, storyteller, and pubilshed author. Her published works include "One NightClub and a Mule Barn" (Tate, 2006) ; "Off the Page! Basic tips for conducting a storytime" (HHP, 2005) ; "Elephant Hips are Expensive" (HHP 2005), "Those Pesky Verses of Paul" (Whorl Books, 2009) and others. Her short fiction has been included in the Red Dirt Book Anthology (all three volumes) and numerous newspapers and magazines (print and online).

Order direct from CafePress.

Now Booking in Duncan Area for Fri. Oct. 23, 2009

MARILYN A. HUDSON – AUTHOR & STORYTELLER
A special opportunity for area schools in honor of the CHISHOLM TRAIL BOOK FESTIVAL, Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 (http://www.duncanarea.com/). I am now scheduling special programs for Friday, Oct. 23m 2009.

PROGRAM(S):

“Before There Were Books There Were Stories!” – A fun story program featuring ancient legends, early Oklahoma stories, and an original tale.

Ties in well with social studies and language arts curriculum and goals.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:
20 min., 30 min., or 40 min. time slots available depending on age of audience.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Large enough space so that there is not too much crowding, but not so large as to loose intimacy. The library, a large hallway, a corner of the gym (if not being used), a classroom – all can serve well as performance space.

COST: Special Chisholm Trail Book Festival price is $95 per performance; can do multiple schools in one day if arranged far enough in advance.


WEBPAGE:
www.marilynahudson.blogspot.com and www.freewebs.com/marilynahudson

EMAIL:
marilynahudson@yahoo.com and marilynahudson@gmail.com

PLANNING AHEAD?

The annual summer themes are now out and for those who like to plan ahead, here are some of my offerings:

2009 Get Creative At Your Library

SAVE OUR STORIES: Local History Means Local Stories (beginners workshop)

Using her history and information degrees and love of stories, Marilyn A. Hudson has developed a workshop encouraging local history projects, local history collections, and story sharing of local history. Attendees will learn the basics of collecting local history, how to do a photographic inventory of their town, how to collect oral histories, and ways to creatively share and promote the stories they collect!

Approx. 1 hour

Age: YA or Family or Adult

$150 + 2 way mileage

Prefer travel range of up to 150 miles; will discuss up to 250 miles.

References: Rosemary Czarski 405.390.8418 Dana Morrow 405.231.8650

2010 Water
Cruise on the S.S. Imagination!
A fun filled adventure as storyteller Marilyn A. Hudson charts a course filled with mystery, adventure, and marvel. On the good ship 'Imagination' anything can happen and every port of call is a place of wonder. Stories of the seas, the shores, and the ships.
Age: Pre-K -5th grade
Miles: 150 miles (however, will consider longer if two or more libraries in the general region schedule a program)
Cost: $100 + standard 2-way mileage

2011 World Culture & Travel
Suitcases Full of Tales!
Grab the passport, pack a bag, and do not forget the camera! Children will learn a little geography, create a postcard, and hear some marvelous tales from exotic locales around the globe! With the “Trunk of Treasures” – costumes and fun – they will also be part of the program.
Age: Pre-K -5th grade
Miles: 150 miles (however, will consider longer if two or more libraries in the general region schedule a program)
Cost: $100 + standard 2-way mileage

KUDO'S FOR SPOOKY TALES

Kind words for Marilyn Hudson aka "The Oklahoma Ghost Teller" and her appearance as storyteller at the recent Paracon. She encouraged attendees to find and uncover local stories and share those. Then she shared some folklore and tales.:

"Marilyn A. Hudson...Opened this years Oklahoma Paranormal Conference with her skills of story telling! It was a dark and stormy night was the theme of this years event as we celebrated the ghost story. Marilyn helped us all understand the importance of these stories and why we should share them not only in words, but verbally with future generations. She is not unfamilair with the stage by any means, being a seasoned speaker and story teller, she was able to generate excitement with the crowd and help us all realize the importance of story telling. It's not about fact, fiction or the need to believe, it's the art and craft of telling a story and making it fun and entertaining. Thank you Marilyn for doing what you do and we hope that ParaCon guests will remember to tell stories!!!" --G.H.O.U.L.I. website

Best of all one attendee said "...you rock!"

[Thanks Pamela for the pictures!]

SUMMER 2009: SAVE OUR STORIES!

Title of Program: Save Our Stories: Beginners Workshop

Description: Using her history and information degrees and love of stories, Marilyn A. Hudson has developed a workshop encouraging local history projects, local history collections, and story sharing of local history. Attendees will learn the basics of collecting local history, how to do a photographic inventory of their town, how to collect oral histories, and ways to creatively share and promote the stories they collect!

Cost: $150.00 + travel.

Age(s): 5th graders through Adult; great for families with older children!

Contact: marilynahudsonATyahoo.com Put on the subject line: Summer Workshop - SOS

NEW PROJECT UNDERWAY

Save Our Stories!: Local History - Local Stories
In these workshops, learn the basics of finding the facts about family history and local history using library, government, and online resources. Learn what the architecture of homes in your area has to say about the past. Discover how to get started using local resources to track down local history and legends. Discover how innovative local partnerships can protect, preseve, and promote your community! “Save our stories”….so they can be communicated to new generations.

Alternate Presentations include "The House Down the Street" revealing partnerships highlighting ghost tours, and local legends;

"Out of the Attic" focuses on tapping into the more personal family history aspects. Begin recording local history through oral history interviews of older adults in the community. Discover clues in old photographs and unlock the stories hidden all around your family or community; "Historying" shares ways to turn boring history into stories that entertain.

Presenter Marilyn A. Hudson blends degrees in history and library-information with her experience as a storyteller to bring these presentations to vivid life.

TELLABRATION - BETHANY, OK

Sat., Nov. 22, 2008

7 p.m.

Southwestern Christian University

7210 NW 39th Expressway

Bethany, Oklahoma

405-789-7661 x 3451

NEED HELP PROMOTING YOUR BOOK?

Here is a free service for anyone who has a book that needs additional exposure and promotion. Visit: http://writersandauthorspromotion.blogspot.com/

A WORD ABOUT STYLE

Storytelling is an oral art form that is at its art an intimate art.

It is at its height when an exchange between teller and audience is established. Like an opera that draws one into the musical play or a painting that says more the longer one looks at the details or the overall image, storytelling is a powerful communication tool. In recent years, more and more touches of theatrics have been added to be "crowd pleasers" under the assumption that "today's child or audience" needs action and variety.

Not necessarily....I have seen tough inner city children who could not sit still for a commercial- sit awed and entranced, hanging on every word the storyteller spoke and without the frenzy or bellicose elements. Or, clustered around a storyteller in the center of a room, as she softly told her tales.....I was not the teller in either of these memories.....so I can be totally objective....

I have also seen a lot of meaningless shouting, audience participation, and over the top acting in some storytellers that was fun to watch but was a lot like eating spun sugar....it left you feeling a little empty......it was junk food that left nothing for the mind or the heart to think on and discover days later....

Each of these styles can be useful and fun and achieve satisfaction in customers and audiences. Neither should probably be used to define storytelling into one particular style.

Something to think about.....

STORYTELLING - OKLAHOMA STYLE

"The 2nd Annual Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival" will be June 6-7, 2008 in Seminole, Oklahoma. The lovely Seminole State College will host it in their lovely facility and on their grounds. Visit www.territorytellers.org for more details.

Readers Really Do Succeed: Connect a Child to Reading this Summer!

Readers Really Do Succeed!: Summers at the Library and What Every Parent (And Grandparent) Needs to Know.

What is the best deal around for families during the summer? The local public library. Each summer libraries across the country gear up for an exciting invasion of children. Special themes are adopted, libraries decorated, and the word spread that long days of reading fun are just around the corner. The best part for parents is that this exciting educational program is free. The public library has a long history of encouraging children to read; they invented the summer reading program in the 1890's. While schools teach the mechanics of reading, it is the library that encourages people to love reading for a lifetime.

Why A Summer Reading Program?Lovers of libraries have long been convinced that reading makes a difference, and now research is proving that when children are involved in library reading programs over the summer it makes a positive impact. Recent research [1]has shown that this is indeed true. Children who read over the summer are better prepared to return to school, achieve better grades, and do not have to play "catch up" as much as those children who do not read over the summer. When children are ready to go when classes start, the teacher does not have to waste time re-teaching but can plunge right ahead into teaching the new skills for that grade!

How Do They Work?All libraries are different. Libraries are funded (usually) through property taxes and this can limit how much money can be spent on bringing in special programs, providing prizes, or even new books! Community business partners are crucial. Local businesses or professionals can support literacy in their communities by donating funds, prizes, funds for new books, or volunteers to help. About May or June, libraries begin seriously promoting summer reading programs throughout the community. If you don't see signs - ask the library! I guarantee they do not bite. If you don't have a library card the process is quick and painless. Be sure and take along some identification (driver's license and other items) to speed the process up. [2]

How Communities Can Help? Any community concerned with improving its future will want to support the annual summer reading program among its youth (children and teens). Some libraries, because of funding, can only do a four-week program. Children, however, are out of school far longer than that. Often the children who most need to attend cannot because of lack of transportation or other issues. Community groups could work with the library to establish "satellite" reading zones in community centers, shopping centers, and local schools. Schools can assist by not only promoting the program to their students but recognizing their participation when school starts again, by opening their schools (or corner of the playground) one day a week for "storytimes" operated in collaboration with the local library's program. Community members can volunteer to be readers, help sign children up or any of a dozen other activities that will assist in this wonderful effort to help children achieve.

____________________"

Marilyn A. Hudson is experienced connecting kids, parents, and libraries as both a certified Public Librarian and a School Library Media Specialist. Her library summer programs were always vastly successful with each year bringing in more and more children."--Mary Innis[1] Information on research :Highlights on Research on Summer Reading and Effects on Student Achievements at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm[2] To locate a library near you: www.metrolibrary.org; www.pioneer.lib.ok.us; or www.tulsalibrary.org. Other locations may be located on the Oklahoma Department of Libraries online directory at www.odl.state.ok.us/go/pl.asp

[Permission is granted to reproduce this for distribution in promoting summer reading with children and teens]

2008 Summer Reading Program : Catch the Reading Bug

To find performers: http://cya.oklibshare.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

My Listing as a Speaker

MARILYN A.HUDSON - DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
EMAIL: marilyn.hudson@swcu.edu
An experienced speaker, Marilyn is also an author, educator, and minister. She offers several programs providing educational or inspirational lift to your event. Each program is approximately 35-45 minutes in length. In addition, she can adjust her presentations to fit your event themes.

"Wisdom Tales" - Drawn from cultures around the globe come stories to add meaning to modern life.
"The Other Twelve" - Based on New Testament research related to her small book, "Word and Women", Marilyn explores how women are represented in the Gospels and how Jesus' attitude toward them can enrich modern life.
"Tapping into Tomorrow: Emergent Literacy and the Community" - Drawing off her years as a children's librarian in public and school libraries, Marilyn can provide ways your organization can positively impact a whole generation. ---www.freewebs.com/scuspeak

WORKSHOPS IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

Impacting the Future: Changing the Future One Child At a Time.

Word and Women: The Gospels, Jesus, and Women.

Wisdom Tales: Stories from Around the Globe

Still Tellin' After All These Years

Here I am sharing "Red Rubber Boots" with a group of women for a Valentine's Day banquet.

Busy Working On New Project

My publishing activity is launching a new take on the traditional "chapbook"...Whorl Books Thumbprints. Simple and inexpensive. So I have been working on a webpage with a catalog and such. They will feature (in most cases) several stories on a related theme, covers designed by a graphic artist, and an economical price. Visit the new webpage at WHORLBOOKS. Projected titles include a couple of books for children, some history (Oklahoma) and some paranormal suspense short story collections.

BRINGING STORIES TO THE CAMPUS

This month I will working with college students, and faculty, to bring some storytelling to the campus at a local university. In an event titled "Live Arts!" stories, poetry readings, performance art, and monologues will entertain students, faculty, staff and alumni. In April, the students will be doing storytelling and recitations as part of a Renaissance Fair.

My Published Works

Bibliography of printed material of Marilyn A. Hudson - my cyber file cabinet! I am working on my wiki now....

Hudson, Marilyn A., 1955 -

“More than enough.” Helping Hand (July 1976):4-5.
“Christian and Christians”. Reach (Dec. 1978):12-13.
“In Every Nation”, IPHC Advocate (March 23, 1980):5
“Seeing and Seeing”, IPHC Advocate. (Nov. 9, 1989):12-13.
“Found: One Christmas”. Helping Hand (Dec. 1980):14-15.
“Set Free”. Reach (Spring 1981):2
“Truth or Consequences”, IPHC Advocate (Jan. 28, 1981)8-9, 13.
“Whom Do You Serve?” IPHC Advocate (Oct. 25, 1981)
“In At The Finish”. IPHC Advocate (Dec. 27, 1981):4-5.
“My Flower Lady”. Oklahoma City Public Schools,
“Parental Delinquency”. IPHC Advocate (March 14, 1982): 12-13.
“The Day the Night Came”, IPHC Advocate, (Dec. 12, 1982):4-5.
“The Canyon.” IPHC Advocate (Sept. 26, 1982):6-7.
“Five Grains of Corn”, “The Empty Manager”, “It’s How You Use It”, Helping Hand (October 1982).
“Battle Cry of Freedom”. Helping Hand (July 1983): 4-5.
“Looking Forward” and “Some Trust in Chariots”, Helping Hand, (Fall 1984).
“No Rocking Chair in Sight”. IPHC Advocate (September 1984):10-11. Writing as “Mary Innis Boyd”.
“Arminius: The One-Track Angel”, IPHC Advocate (Jan. 1985).
“Prayer in A Frozen Night”, IPHC Advocate (September 1985):6. *
“How To Remain a Christian While Shopping”, Helping Hand (Nov./Dec., 1986):13.
“The Game Shop”, IPHC Advocate (July 1987): 6-7.
“In Obedience [study worksheets] . IPHC Advocate.(January-December 1987).
“A Reasonable Faith”. CE Connection (S/O, 1987):3.
“From the Pew to the Parsonage.” Clergy Family Newsletter (Oklahoma UMC) (April 1990).
Various news articles as a Stringer. Enid News. Drummond News column.
"Truman's Reading Buffalo" Reading Council newsletter,ca 1995.
“Annie Oklahoma: An Original Oklahoma Tall Tale.” Red Dirt Book Festival Anthology, vol. 1. Norman: Oklahoma: Pioneer Library System, 2003.
"New Comer Comments on Attending OLA", OLA, ca. 2003.
"Shadow Tales of Oklahoma." Norman, OK: Hudson House Publishing, 2005.
Off the Page!: Basic Tips for Storytelling". Norman, OK: Hudson House Publishing, 2005.
"Runestone". Red Dirt Book Festival Anthology, vol. 2. Norman, Oklahoma: Pioneer Library System, 2005.
"One Nightclub and a Mule Barn." Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing, 2006.
"Elephant Hips are Expensive!" Norman, OK: Hudson House Publishing, 2007.
"Night Voices" (2008)
"Word and Women" (2008)
"Those Pesky Verses of Paul" (2008)
"Form from Shadow" (2008)
"Annie Oklahoma" (2008)

THE STORY COLLECTOR: Summer 2008

For the summer reading emphasis in public libraries, I will be offering a story program tited "The Story Collector." It will be geared to Kindergarten through fifth graders. Approximate running time will be 40 minutes - but may be adapted to better fit the developmental level of the audience. The main theme of this summer is bug related.

Description: The Story Collector has come to town! Creeping through woody areas and running through tall grass the Story Collector has gathered stories of all kinds of creeping, flying, and amazing critters. From jars and tins she invites the audience to pull out a story from the collection.

Follow the Story Collector as she shares the jewels of her collection with verve and drama! Ages K - 5th; Running time approx. 40 min.; Travel range normally limited to wThe Story Collector: Marilyn A. Hudson

The Story Collector steps through the twilight chasing glowing tales, she chases down a speedy multi-legged critter to get his story, or waits patiently in the dozy sun til one comes creeping by....She gathers them all up in her story jars to share with boys and girls and adults too!Approx. 40 minutes.K through 5th grade$90 for one show; 2 (same day & place) $160 /Within 100 miles of Norman-Greater OKC area (standard 2-way mileage rate applies)

Rosemary Czarski, 405.390.8418 Dana Morrow, 405.606.3835ithin 100 miles of Oklahoma City metro area; Especially looking for July dates.

Contact marilynahudson@yahoo.com for pricing information or visit the ODL listings at http://cya.oklibshare.org/mediawiki/index.php/Marilyn_Hudson.

WHO AM I THIS WEEK?

Over the years the me that loved to play dress up just never grew out of the phase. So from 1992 to 2004, I enjoyed myself playing "dress up" and creating characters for use in storytelling : I was an Indiana Jones knock-off one summer with a program "RAIDERS OF THE LOST TALES"; an explorer with walking shorts and a canteen; a time traveling "Marilyn the Librarian"; an Irish bard sharing tales of the Celtic times ; "RHONDA READ-ALOT" sharing her love of stories and her big blue hair. I was "JOHNNY APPLESEED" with first graders and a pioneer woman sharing tales of hardship and triumph..... I so seldom do costumes anymore but have to admit, it was alot of fun.....

Storytelling As Myself

I try to paint pictures with words and convey the emotions or energy of the story when I tell. Greatly inspired by Elizabeth Ellis I can think of not better role model. She will be at the 2008 Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival in Seminole and I can hardly wait.