Calling All Storytellers!

Do you have a story to tell? Be a Yarnslinger!

49 Writers is partnering with the Anchorage Concert Association to host Yarnslingers, a live, spoken word storytelling event. The event will take place in Anchorage on January 29. We’re looking for a few brave writers who are willing to share their stories by performing them out loud at the event.  

Theme : Winter's Dark

Nick Jans wrote that, “Darkness is the soul of Arctic winters,” and we couldn’t agree more. Here in Alaska, darkness and winter are inescapable – and inseparable. The experience of winter’s dark is a fundamental part of living here. It unites us. It drives us crazy. It’s beautiful, it’s awful, it’s cold – and sometimes it’s all of those things at once. Bring your chilling midwinter near escapes and your dark nights of the soul – we want them all! 

You’ll be coached by Disney writer and director Greg Triggs, the author of the award nominated novel, That Which Makes Us Stronger (Redhawk Publishing) and accompanied by pianist Gary Alder, former musical director for Broadway’s Avenue Q and Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. 

• A personal story related to the theme that can be in the style of poem, story, or essay (as long as it's true!)

• The length of the piece you perform must be no longer than 750 words.

• Performers may write a new piece for this event or edit/adapt an existing draft - up to you! 

To be considered for a performer slot, fill out this application. 

About Yarnslingers: Dedicated to the art and craft of story, Yarnslingers was founded by writer/musician Ramona in 2010. She believes that, “Everyone has a story…or two,” and encourages people from all walks of life to spin their spellbinding tales.  

In 2023 leadership of the show was taken on by Greg Triggs, author of The Next Happiest Place on Earth, and That Which Makes Us Stronger. Triggs' credits as a show director and producer includes Disney, Disney Cruise Line and off-broadway runs with Broadway's Next Hit Musical. 

The writers of Yarnslingers have presented their stories in the villages of Upstate New York extending from Narrowsburg to Long Eddy. Venues which have hosted Yarnslingers include the Catskill Art Society, Wayne County Arts Alliance, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, NaCl Theater, Rock Valley Schoolhouse, Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts, and the public libraries of Callicoon, Tusten, and Cochecton. 

Although participants in Yarnslingers change periodically, the focus remains consistent and steadfast—to create opportunities for experienced and novice memoirists to write and present true, first-person stories which engage, inspire and foster self-expression while strengthening community empathy.