The Moth Radio Hour - Phoenix StorySLAM

This week, I did something terrifying and wonderful.

One of my favorite podcasts is The Moth Radio Hour. I've been listening for years and have always wanted to participate in a StorySLAM, but I never felt worthy of an audience. I've been to a couple, but never tossed my name into the hat to tell a story.

That changed this week. I put my name in the hat, hoping to be one of 10 randomly selected storytellers. The theme in the City of Phoenix was Books, and I was the ninth storyteller to be chosen. I got up on that stage, didn't pass out or pee my pants, and told a true story that ended up winning the Slam!

Now I have the opportunity to participate in a Moth GrandSLAM, where 9 other StorySLAM winners from Phoenix will share true stories in front of an even bigger audience.

I never expected my name to be chosen, and I definitely didn't think I'd win. I just wanted to prove to myself that nothing bad would happen if I didn't get chosen or if I got up there and bombed.

Never in a million years did I expect to win tonight, but I'm honored and humbled. There were a lot of really good storytellers out there and I'm glad I got to spend the evening in such delightful company.

Watch it here!

Donating Copies of BETWEEN SAFE AND REAL to Kids Need to Read

I donated a few copies of BETWEEN SAFE AND REAL to the Kids Need to Read charity. Their mission is to donate hundreds of new books to six libraries in high-poverty areas around the nation. It felt like kismet that their headquarters is only about half an hour from my house, so while I was there I decided to spend a couple of hours getting dusty and helping with inventory.

On top of getting new books into underfunded libraries, they also send donated books to underfunded schools, foster care homes and facilities, and Little Free Libraries.

It's important work that they're doing and I'm honored to be even a small part of the program.