Michael Williams Storyteller and Author

Now booking storytelling house concerts for 2024 at

Storytelling House Concert Contact Form Michael Williams' Storytelling House Concerts provide intimate storytelling performances that engage audiences in the comfort of the host's home.

A couple of private storytelling/reading gigs coming up: The Wellington Retirement Home in Hamilton (Friday) and the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead in St George (Sunday). I'll be sharing stories that celebrate both the Solstice and Christmas.

On Tuesday, Dec 12th, I'll be joining the storytellers of the Burlington Storytellers' Guild for their public Christmas concert at the Burlington Seniors Centre, at 7pm. I'll be telling Duncan Williamson's "The Night of Peace". $5 at the door.

On Thursday, Dec 21st at Thinkspot in Lowville Ontario to celebrate the Solstice. More at

2023 Winter Solstice in Lowville Get ready to celebrate the 2023 Winter Solstice in Lowville with an enchanting in-person event starting on December 21st 6:30 PM!

Get into the Christmas spirit with stories, snacks, and song.

Today begins a week-long “tour” (if I can call it that) of story-based events. This afternoon, author Anita Eleveld Joldersma and I read a selection of our original work at the Wellington Retirement Home. Tomorrow, I’ll join America author Laura Lentz’s workshop on Grief and the Body. Tuesday, will see me in Oakville at a sold out story slam and Wednesday I’ll be hosting a creative writing workshop at the Adelaide Hoodless Homestead in St. George. And on Saturday, I’ll be facilitating the “Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice” retreat/workshop at Loyola House, Jesuit Retreat Center in Guelph. After that, I’ll be lying down taking a nap.

The second instalment of my Seven Bridges of Storytelling series.

Storytelling As A Bridge to Creativity, Imagination, and Spirituality Many spiritual and religious traditions involve collective storytelling, where a community comes together to share and pass down stories…

The first instalment of seven this month: "The Seven Bridges of Storytelling".

Seven Bridges of Storytelling Every time I tell a story, I feel as if I’m crossing a bridge to a place of wonder where I’m welcomed by people with open hearts and minds…

Join us for an afternoon of stories and music in support of Grandmothers for Africa and the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Together, we're fundraising to meet the challenges of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

I’m looking forward to editing my interview with Scottish storyteller Eileen Budd. She was such a delightful and engaging guest. Learn more a listen to some of her stories on IG at

Growing up in the 50s and early 60s almost certainly meant watching the 3 Stooges: Moe, Larry, Curley, and Shemp.

My friend and veteran journalist Geoff Dale has just published the first biography of Shemp. Check it out below.

Much More Than A Stooge: Shemp Howard (paperback) Much More Than A Stooge: Shemp Howard by Geoff Dale Foreword by Geri Howard Greenbaum, Jill Howard Marcus and Sandie Howard Isaac 6x9 size 396 pages ISBN 9798887713298 Shemp Howard was a gifted physical actor and ad-libber yet his career oddly seemed at times to fly-under-the-radar. A century ago, h...

Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice retreat/workshop is sold out. Call to add your name to the waiting list.

One of my online mentors for the past couple of years has been the poet Pádraig Ó Tuama. In this morning's post, he invites us to read Adam Zagajewski’s poem “Transformation" and contemplate who or what the "You" is that the poet craves at the end of the poem? Who or what is the "You" that you are craving in your life? I'm thinking now of the many who have disappeared from my life, people that I used to fondly and lovingly call "you". So much in that simple vowel sound.

You you you you “Writing wishes to reach someone." (William Waters)

Any day you get invited to share stories is a good day. Tonight, I had the pleasure of sharing the floor at the Wellington Retirement & Care Home with writer Anita Joldersma and poet Joanne (Marlowe ) Moore. I told two tales I used to tell in Scotland — “The King of the Fishes” and “The Blessing of the Birds”. Two of the highlights of the evening — (1) Eva (one of the residents) who rose and recited an Edgar Allen Poe poem and (2) meeting another resident James Campbell whose Ayrshire brogue brought back so many wonderful memories of my time in Scotland. Thanks to Joanne and Mae for organizing and to Paul for helping us set up.

Although I couldn’t attend this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival, I will be joining writers Joanne Marlowe, Shannon MacKinnon, and Anita Joldersma to share stories at the Wellington Retirement & Care Home tomorrow evening. Stories connect us.

What storytelling topics interest you the most?
a. fairy and folktales
b. personal stories
c. myths and legends
d. spiritual tales

List the letters in order of preference in the comments below. Thank you

Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: a Saturday Retreat - Ignatius Jesuit Centre Apply here! Facilitated by Michael Williams and Greg Kennedy “Stories are told eye to eye, mind to mind, and heart to heart.” ~ a Traveller proverb On countless occasions, Michael Williams has experienced the remarkable power of story and storytelling. … Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: a...

I am offering a storytelling workshop in mid-November at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph. I've called the workshop, "Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice". Why?

In 2009, I was privileged to travel to the Holy Land with international storytellers. We visited with numerous groups of Israelis and Palestinians (and others), using storytelling as a means of encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding. Everywhere we went, I was struck by the courage and willingness of Palestinians and Israelis to meet with one another in peace and share their stories.

During one particular meeting, I experienced a very moving and meaningful encounter. It was heightened by potential violence but thanks to the organizers and the willingness of the participants to seek a more peaceful way, hostility was avoided. This was the moment of my calling. It was, without overstating, a personal revelation. I knew that storytelling would be my spiritual practice.

I experienced a spiritual communion with other human beings. I sensed the sacredness of our stories and the importance of sharing them with one another. I sensed the presence of something greater than me that allowed me to hold the space for others. I felt the presence of love.

It's not unusual for people to travel to the Holy Land and have "spiritual" experiences. Some reading this will dismiss mine as the ranting of an over-enthusiastic individual. That's ok. I've dismissed many myself in my lifetime. But ever since that day in an olive grove on the border of the West Bank, I have committed myself to that spiritual pursuit.

More recently, that pursuit has introduced me to the work of the late spiritual ecologist Thomas Berry. My reading of Berry led me to the works of others including Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim. Earlier this year, I enrolled in their "Religion and Ecology" course at the Yale School of the Environment. Everything I have learned resonates with my storytelling experiences and with the relationship I've had with Nature ever since childhood.

I've facilitated a lot of storytelling workshops during the past twenty-five years but this is the first time I've offered one with the word "spiritual" in the title. I confess I'm not particularly religious, although I've had an interest in philosophy and religion of all persuasions since a teenager.

So why the Ignatius Jesuit Centre?

Serendipity. I was curious about people who claim to be "spiritual healers" or "spiritual mentors". During an online search, I discovered someone of that ilk near where I live. I asked to meet over coffee but she declined saying she only met with clients on Zoom. Fair enough. However, she referred me to a place where they were very open to meet in-person -- Loyola House (the Ignatian Jesuit Centre) in Guelph.

Initially, I was hesitant. I'm not Catholic. In fact, I don't belong to any particular faith. If anything, I'm what I would describe as pantheistic. In other words, I believe in the divine in all things, human and non-human throughout the Universe.

However, I saw on their website that they were holding a one-day retreat that focused on the idea of pilgrimage. I had considered walking the Camino de Santiago this year but my plans had to be scrapped. Was this retreat a sign?

I signed up. Despite my reservations, I drove to Guelph and found the Centre to be a sprawling organic farm as well as a retreat and teaching centre. I also found the workshop participants to be very welcoming. And I discovered that the Centre welcomed people of all faiths or none.

I also met a kindred spirit in Greg Kennedy. He was the co-facilitator of that workshop and one of the Centre's spiritual directors. I approached him and arranged a meeting.

Since then, we have met several times, deepening our friendship and shared interest in ecology and spirituality. In short, Greg "got me". He intuitively understood what I had so long found difficult to express (or was too shy to do so). When the subject of storytelling came up, I knew that I wanted to offer a workshop in this space.

"Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice" is an invitation to join an intimate group of women and men to explore our stories in relationship to Nature. During the day, we will have time to reflect, journal, and share our stories. We'll also have time to listen to others and to the wondrous Creation of which we are a part (not apart from).

I hope you will join Greg and me on Saturday 18th November. Arrive from 9 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start. We'll finish at 4 p.m. Bring lunch and a journal. Light refreshments will be provided. Dress for the weather as we'll be spending a bit of time outdoors, if possible. You don't require any storytelling experience. Open ears, mind, eyes, and heart will be gratefully received.

https://ignatiusguelph.ca/event/storytelling-2024-11-18/?fbclid=IwAR3MaMsfoZDGg2kj88jG1XkyoMj28AtY2Z6kJ8tz6h0aHdW0II_iWf2KgJw

Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: a Saturday Retreat - Ignatius Jesuit Centre Apply here! Facilitated by Michael Williams and Greg Kennedy “Stories are told eye to eye, mind to mind, and heart to heart.” ~ a Traveller proverb On countless occasions, Michael Williams has experienced the remarkable power of story and storytelling. … Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: a...

Thai lunch with my friend and fellow writer Margaret Terry. Needless to say, we talked about writing, books, and great writing on television. The conversation inspired me to go to the book store and buy some books for a couple of my grandkids.

“When I grow up, I want to be a book.” ~ me at 5 years old

Another new course from George Kao, Authentic Business Coach.

If you are a heart-centred healer, artist, mentor, or solopreneur, you have to check out Soul Gym. I joined about 4 years ago and it has transformed the way I do business. The focus is on authentic content creation (think writing, video creation, podcasting, social media). As a result of integrating Authentic Business Coach George Kao's three stages of content creation, I have overcome my perfectionist tendencies which prevented me from producing. Thanks to the feedback I receive in the Soul Gym Writing Circles (yes, you get access to those) I have increased confidence in my voice and offerings.

George Kao is one of the most generous and knowledgeable coaches I know. When you sign up to Soul Gym, you also get access to 3 other courses including "Authentic Content Flow", "Joyful Productivity" and "AI Tools". Each of these courses includes dozens of lessons, videos, templates, and other resources. Plus, you get to belong to a supportive, global community of creators.

I've only scratched the surface of what this course offers. Check it out yourself below. And, if you want to ask me any questions, feel free to ask.

Soul Gym Program & Community Consistency of your creativity is the cornerstone of your authentic business.

"Stories are told eye to eye, mind to mind, and heart to heart." (a Traveller proverb). Check out this Saturday Retreat - Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice on November 18. Facilitated by Michael Williams & Greg Kennedy. Find out more here and sign up! https://ignatiusguelph.ca/event/storytelling-2024-11-18/

Storyteller Carmen Cooper put on a powerful performance tonight with “Lost Girls”. Way to go, Carmen. Have a safe onward journey. Looking forward to that coffee and conversation when you return.

I’ve been looking forward to offering this storytelling workshop for a long time.

It takes place Saturday 18 November from 9:30-4pm. Register- https://ignatiusguelph.ca/event/storytelling-2024-11-18/

My thanks to Spiritual Director Greg Kennedy.

Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: a Saturday Retreat - Ignatius Jesuit Centre Apply here! Facilitated by Michael Williams and Greg Kennedy “Stories are told eye to eye, mind to mind, and heart to heart.” ~ a Traveller proverb On countless occasions, Michael Williams has experienced the remarkable power of story and storytelling. … Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: a...

Join me for an evening of swapping stories.

Next Sunday, Brenda Byers and Michael Williams will be telling stories at the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead in St. George, Ontario. Sunday, 2-4pm. Must register as seating is limited.

Story Telling Concert with Musical Interludes Listen to award winning storytellers in a historic museum while enjoying the sounds of live violin and a delicious intermission.

Looking forward to working with writer Laura Lenz on Saturday. "Body-Healing-Story" is the title of her creative writing workshop and it has come highly recommended by another writing friend who has worked extensively with her.

6-MONTH BODY WRITING SERIES - LITerati.academy Reserve My Spot - Sign Up Now About Literati Academy’S BODY HEALING Workshops WRITING IS AN ACT OF PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL HEALING There could not be a better time in history to write about the body – which is forver adjusting to our changing lives inside a changing, chaotic world. Our bodies are o...

Improve your interviewing techniques with George Kao.

Interview Mastery -- Soulful Conversations

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/iErxwgpvFCb
Prince Edward Island writer Sue Woodworth-Scalia lost her partner of twenty years recently. In the throes of grief, she turned to poetry to find meaning and solace. Her new book, entitled Keening: Poems of love and loss, is a beautifully crafted chapbook containing a dozen heart-wrenching poems dealing with grief. Arranged in what she calls "the seven stages" they range through "shock and denial", "pain and guilt", "anger and bargaining", "depression and reflection", "upward turn", "working through" and "acceptance". By no means linear or chronological, Sue's poetry takes the reader on a soul's journey.

Listen as Diane and I enter into a deep conversation with Sue about her grief journey and how poetry is helping her make sense of her experience. While deeply personal, Sue's poetry has a universal appeal that will have anyone who's experienced or is experiencing grief engaged with her writing.

You can obtain a copy of Sue's book Keening: Poems of love and loss by emailing Sue at [email protected].

Talking about grief and poetry with writer Sue Woodworth-Scalia by Death-Defying Discussions Podcast with Diane DeVivo and Michael Williams Prince Edward Island writer Sue Woodworth-Scalia lost her partner of twenty years recently. In the throes of grief, she turned to poetry to find meaning and solace. Her new book, entitled Keening: Poems of love and loss, is a beautifully crafted chapbook containing a dozen heart-wrenching poems deal...

Conversation

You need to let him go, she said.

But that’s me you’re talking about. Go where? he asked.

She replied: If you can’t be who you were in the past, why do you have to carry him around for the rest of your life?

If I let him go who will I be?

That’s the whole point, she said.

The story of a young woman who came to Toronto during WW1, was moved by what she saw, and went on to great heights.

Amelia Earhart: Opening the Skies for Women Famous for her achievements in aviation, few know that Amelia Earhart“caught the flying bug” during her formative years in Toronto, Canada…

There's been a lot of concerned chatter about Zoom's new T&Cs. That concern has reversed Zoom's decision about using customer content.

After Backlash, Zoom Now Says It Won’t Use Any Customer Content to Train AI Systems Zoom changed its terms of service to say that it won’t use any customer content — at all — in training generative artificial intelligence models. The update, which the videoconfer…

Is there a plan for life? or is it all just a string of random events? a Mystery? Read at https://michael336.substack.com/p/the-mystery

The Storytelling Circle, Seniors' Community Centre, 2285 New Street, Burlington, Ontario.

Join us on Tuesdays, 7-9 pm for our Storytelling Circle for Adults. Whether you come to listen or share a story, all are welcome (19+).

The Story Circle is as old as . . . well as old as humanity. As old as those first humans that gathered around a fire to recount the hunt or the adventure, the discovery of the day.

This Storytelling Circle is an opportunity to come both hear and tell stories. Facilitated by professional Tellers, participants will find that everyone is a Storyteller and that there are ways to grow and develop that storytelling skill.

Register online or at the drop-in desk.

Drop-In Storytelling Circle 19+ Join this opportunity to listen and share stories! Facilitated by professional storytellers, discover the storyteller in you and learn to grow and develop the storytelling skill!