In the ninth of my new Ask-A-Pro series, I’d like to present you with Chris King, storyteller extraordinaire.

In the Ask-A-Pro format, I’ll tell you a little about the author and how-to-find-your-dream-job expert . . . then via the Comments section to this post, please feel free to ask a specific question about the career or job in question.

Anyone (expert or not) is free to post responses to your query, and I or the author/how-to-find-your-dream-job pro may chime in as well.

This is your chance to get unbiased advice from a real, honest-to-goodness-been-there-done-that dream job professional.

So, over to you, Chris King, and your take on storytelling.

Chris King has what she calls a Portfolio Career — many different part-time careers, including writing, website design, storytelling, speaking, desktop publishing, and waiting tables, to name a few — but admits that storytelling is her true passion.

When asked about her storytelling, Chris replies, “I tell traditional stories — with a modern day twist; original stories — both personal and believable, and business stories — with a meaningful message.  My mission is to tell stories that are so compelling that listeners of all ages fall in love with the art of storytelling and want to tell their own.”

Dream Jobs To Go Titles
How to Get Started as a Fitness Instructor
How to Get Started as a Professional Storyteller

Current Profession
Portfolio Career — Storyteller, fitness instructor, writer, speaker, web site designer, trainer, artist, and waitress.

Personal Website
Creative Keys

Favorite Food
All Vegetables

Favorite Read
I read and like everything, even the junk. My latest favorite book, Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher

Life Philosophy
Whatever you believe and conceive, you can achieve.

Favorite Authors
Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron, and Anne La Mott.

Favorite Sports
Aerobics, ice skating, and tennis.

Favorite Travel Destination
Cities: New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

Favorite Music
Classical

Favorite Movie
The Long, Hot Summer with Paul Newman

Favorite City
Cleveland, Ohio

Favorite Country
United States

Your Hobbies
Reading, writing, attending workshops, surfing the web, and taking classes.

Favorite Website
Dream Jobs To Go (well, aw shucks, and thanks, Chris!)

Favorite Quotation
The mind once stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimensions.

Favorite Drink
Coffee

Why Do You Live Where You Live?
I live in Cleveland, Ohio because it not only offers culture, great affordable living, and easy access to everywhere, it is a big small town where I have a huge network of friendly people I know and who know me.

If You Could Live Anywhere You Wanted, Where Would It Be?  Why?
I love where I live now. If I had to move, it would probably be to Washington, D.C. for the culture and warmer weather. The museums and Library of Congress are incredible.

The Greatest Things About Being A Professional Storyteller Are:
It is an incredible amount of FUN! And, people of all ages and walks of life love listening to and learning from stories. You experience the thrill of seeing their eyes light up.

The Worst Thing About Being A Professional Storyteller:
As a profession, it can be a “hard sell” because a lot of organizations don’t have any idea of what storytelling entails. Also, so many storytellers are passionate about what they do, they do not charge enough. The good news is that this is changing as the art is spread.

If A Young Person Approached You About Getting Into Storytelling, What Would You Say?
Do it! Start by getting involved with a storytelling group, finding and telling stories and attend any and all storytelling events near - and far - that you can.

If An Older, Career-Changer Approached You About Getting Into Storytelling, What Would You Say?
I would really encourage them, because they have the advantage of years of experiences. I would also echo exactly what I told the young person in the previous question.

The Most Important Piece Of Advice Anyone Ever Gave You About Being A Storyteller?
Start collecting stories you absolutely LOVE! Then make them part of your repertoire and practice, practice, practice.

Any Other Advice You’d Like To Share With People Who’re Thinking About Getting Into Professional Storytelling?
It is a Dream Job but, like everything else, it takes work and dedication. Get going, and I don’t suggest immediately quitting your day job. You can easily be a part-time storyteller for the time being.

How Would You Define Success?
Living the good life where you get up in the morning and can’t wait to start all over again. And, that is how I feel about my life and Portfolio Career.
 

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