ABOUT STORIES
Let's face it.  We all tell stories.  From sharing what happened at work today; telling about your weekend; or describing how you and your boyfriend/girlfriend met, we share stories with each other nearly every day.  At The Story Collector, we believe in the profound importance of sharing stories.  We believe that stories are the content of our lives.  Stories are what define us and explain who we are.  If we all knew each other's stories, we'd have a much better understanding of who we all are, and how we can relate to each other more effectively.  In the end, if we know the stories of the person who sits across the table, we can connect with them in a more meaningful and caring way.

Our hope is that, through this web site, people will be encouraged to get to know each other better by sharing stories.  We hope that you'll tell your stories, and listen as others tell theirs.  Maybe by taking a little time to learn each other's stories, there'll be a little less conflict in our lives and in the world.  Thanks for visiting.

ABOUT THE STORY COLLECTOR'S CREATOR
The Story Collector was created in 2007 by Bill Gurnon of Prior Lake, Minnesota.  Bill has lived with his wife and family in Prior Lake for over 20 years - the longest he's lived anywhere his entire life.  He was born in St. Paul, MN and spent his early, formative years in Massachusetts.  Despite his strenuous objections, his parents moved him back to Minnesota for his teenage years and beyond.  All this time he's been collecting stories, some of which you can hear on this web site.  Bill is also a member of mnartists.org and the Northlands Storytelling Network.  Bill credits his interest and success in story telling to two friends, Paul Krause and Don Forsberg, both of Northfield, Minnesota.  Paul invited Bill to his first story circle in Northfield and Don continues to mentor Bill in the art of crafting stories.

MORE ABOUT BILL
I was always kind of shy as a kid. And my quiet manner earned me a reputation.  In the 6th grade, my teacher, Miss Skeffington, characterized me as "studious," a horrible pronouncement for a budding adolescent.  And when parts were cast for the 6th grade play, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, I was chosen as "the ghost of Christmas yet to come" - a completely silent part!
You may not have been called "studious" or even been given a silent acting part, but you may have experienced times when you weren't given an adequate chance to tell your own story without interruption, judgment or criticism.  At The Story Collector, we know you have stories to share and we want to hear them.
                                                            Bill Gurnon, Creator of The Story Collector