Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been a storyteller?
20 years
How did you first start storytelling?
My Dad used to tell me stories at bedtime but he fell asleep before the end, so I used to make my own endings. Then, when I was a teacher I  was always losing the book which I had been reading to the class, so I made up stories.
Do you like being a storyteller?
Yes! I like doing all the different bits of the job like making things, advertising and, of course, telling stories. It's great fun but I'll have to stop when I grow up.
What is the funniest thing that has happened?
A letter from a child at Westland Downland School who said he liked me because I have "grey hair and sharp teeth!" And a teacher asking a reception class who asked "do you remember what Graham's job is?" and the child answering:
"Yes! A storykiller". (I suppose storykillers do need sharp teeth!)
Are your stories true?
My stories are a mixture of fact and fiction but it is the audience's job to decide what is true and what is untrue in my stories. Or, indeed, if that matters!
Which is your favourite story?
I don't tell stories I don't like, so my favourite story is usually the one I am telling  that day. I like stories where the characters get caught up in problems and I like my heroes to be ordinary people really, so that the audience can wonder "what would I do if that was me?"
How do you remember the stories?
I remember what happens in the story and don't try to remember all the words. I have favourite phrases that keep popping up, to describe things. Sometimes children give me new ideas while I am telling a story and so I use them. When I am learning a new story I make a list of bullet points to remind me. I sometimes tell them into a tape recorder or find a friend to listen.
Sometimes I forget a bit of the story and have to think as I am telling the story how to get that part in.
How many stories do you know?
I have not counted but it is probably about 250. Not all of them would be ready to tell. I would need to plan them so that they have a balance of funny bits, adventure and scary parts. I have about 40 stories that are ready to tell.
Where do you get all your props from?
Some I buy, some I make, some I have been given and some I have dug up on treasure islands after finding maps in bottles.
How old are you?
Take away, 389 times the number of speckled frogs, from the number of this year and you have it- easy!

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