Ohio Order for the Preservation of Storytelling
Supporting the art of storytelling throughout Ohio.
Stephen Hollen has been telling stories for nearly 35 years. He is a full time Storytelling Professional. His first experiences as a storyteller were sitting on a front porch in Appalachia, listing to Uncles, Aunts, friends and family tell folk tales, Jack tales and all sorts of bone chilling stories!
He has a degree in Oral Interpretation from Georgetown College... Oral Interpretation? Storytelling of course! Through the years Stephen has told stories in 26 states and Canada (so far).
One of the achievements Stephen is proudest of is the Heritage Award presented to him in 2005 at the Appalachian Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was chosen "Man of the Year" in 2007 and was elected to Who's Who in America in 2000, 2001 and 2003. His poetry - known by him as "ragged verse" has been selected to appear on a number of websites and his poem remembering 9/11 traveled around the world and appeared in German and Russian websites!Stephen's storytelling blog - http://www.mountainstories.net enjoys huge popularity and has a large following of readers. Thousands of readers stop monthly to read the humorous stories, bittersweet memories and wonderful word pictures written by this talented author and poet.
Perhaps you were introduced to Stephen Hollen at a festival, school or community event as he told stories, shared inspirational stories or shared his warm humor. Wherever you crossed his path, there is no doubt that he is a cheerleader. As he stands on a platform he makes you smile, makes you think, encourages you to come up higher.
When he talks about his "hometown of Beloved, Kentucky", characters like his Cousin Peanut, Uncle Billy Gilbert or Birdie Sue Poovey, you will grin with recognition because you have kin just like them. As he reads his ragged verse, his warm bass voice slowly weaves a picture of lightening bugs dancin' at dusk, of mist creepin' down a mountain like molasses on a cold plate... and you find yourself entranced, smiling at the memories he weaves around his audience.
Stephen Hollen is an unsung ambassador for Eastern Kentucky. You can see it in the twinkle of his eye, hear it in the richness of his voice as he asks you to come along and go with him back home... to the hills.
You can also learn more at: www.stephenhollen.com
Contact Stephen at 937-371-4071 or e-mail him at: stephen@stephenhollen.com
Stephen Hollen posted a blog post
Stephen Hollen posted a blog post
Geraldine Buckley commented on Stephen Hollen's blog post Marketing A Specific Program
Stephen Hollen posted an event
Stephen Hollen might attend Eric Wolf's event
Eric Wolf left a comment for Stephen Hollen
Stephen Hollen posted a blog post
Stephen Hollen commented on Melanie Diane Pratt's blog post OOPS! Conference just around the corner
Stephen Hollen posted a blog post
Stephen Hollen commented on Melanie Diane Pratt's blog post Upcoming O.O.P.S! Conference, etc.
Ten or twelve years ago all my storytelling promotional materials said, "Stephen Hollen, Appalachian Storyteller". That is who I was and (I thought) what I did. I was and still am proud to be an Appalachian. I am a mountain boy through and through.…
Posted on August 1, 2012 at 2:30pm
After scheduling my 105th gig for 2011 earlier today, several storytellers asked what I am doing different to get this many. So, without giving away the farm, I’ll share the process. There is nothing terribly different, just a constant commitment to marketing. Do note, one thing that is different is that I do not market myself as a storyteller. I market programs. That keeps me fresh for the audience I market to and does not make other storytellers “competition”.
First of…
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 3:20pm
One of the things I learned along the way as a storyteller was a hard lesson that not all of us have picked up on. I have to admit that I didn't follow the advice I am about to give for a good while. It took me several years as a working storyteller to learn this lesson.
You've seen the promotional material, or maybe even have some materials similar to what I used years ago. Beautiful, thoughtful, artistic even, promoting Stephen Hollen, Storyteller. Trifold brochures…
ContinuePosted on September 18, 2011 at 8:08pm — 1 Comment
OK, it is not official yet, but spring is in the air. summer is not far behind as is the festival season. Since going full time as a storyteller I have been busier than ever (though not as busy as I would like! chuckle). this summer I am excited about several storytelling opportunities as well as some Mark Twain gigs at festivals and other events.
It is a great day today!
Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:44am
Judi Tarowsky said… Any news for the 2013 Conference?
Eric Wolf said… Stephen - what a great blog post!
Something I need to revisit for sure.
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