Thank you for joining our storytelling project!
Vancouver Queer Stories is an event where ordinary people —no professionals here!— come together to share real-life anecdotes from their lives. This page will help you ensure that your story is the best it can be, so you can delight our audience at the next event.
Please ensure that your story follows these guidelines; failing to do so may result in your story being turned down, or sent back to you for major editing. If you already submitted your story and want to learn more about reading it to your audience, check out our tips on storytelling page.
The three simple rules are:
- Make sure your story is true. We’re not looking for fiction, or a manifesto, or a TED talk! We want to hear an anecdote from your own life.
- Write a story related to the theme. Whatever that means to you, of course. You’re free to interpret the chosen theme as you see fit, but there has to be some cohesion.
- Keep your story to 900 to 1300 words. We only have about 10 minutes per speaker, and we don’t want to have to cut your storytelling short. A narration of around 1000 words will help you keep on track (and keep your audience engaged!)
Don’t know where to start? Below are some other tips on making your story amazing:
Stick to one story, structured with a clear beginning, a middle, and an end. Keep it concise and get rid of any complex side plots and characters that don’t add to the anecdote. Figure out which anecdote you want to share, then jump right into the story and keep it simple.
Have a great opening line that will draw your audience into your story right from the start — make them eager to hear more! Our event leader will introduce you to the audience, so you should begin reading your story as soon as you step up on stage, no need for any introductions.
Have a clear ending that will give your story a conclusion. It doesn’t need to be happy, nor does it need to be sad. It doesn’t need to be funny, or thoughtful, or inspiring — but it can be all of that! The only rule: make sure your audience knows the story has finished.
Don’t talk about a general thought or theme without an actual story — your audience wants to hear your real-life anecdote! On that note, while your tale may contain the following, it should not be used as a way of recruiting or promoting for a religious, ideological, political, or any other entity.
If your story involves many characters, consider using descriptors to identify them instead of names (ex. the dancer, the doctor, the teacher, the neighbour, etc), to make them easy to remember. If the character doesn’t add to the story, cut them out.
Don’t worry about perfection; we know writing isn’t everybody’s strong suit. Submit the best story you can, and we will help you fine tune it. Grammar and punctuation are lovely (and welcome!), but we’re not too worried about that. Just make sure it’s readable and engaging.
Please be respectful. We will not work with stories that are offensive, hateful, or overly crude — keep it PG13! Note that any outward discrimination in your story will not be tolerated; this includes transphobia, racism, misogyny, fat phobia, ableism, and homophobia. Also, if your story involves someone who would be embarrassed to be mentioned, make sure to use a pseudonym!
Don’t be afraid to try new things! Use humour, sadness, education, or inspiration in your narrative. Make the ending of your story into your opening hook, or give us an unexpected twist. Be creative to make your story engaging and entertaining.
If you want to participate but are having trouble getting your story off the ground, we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction. Please send us a message here to discuss your ideas.
After you submit your story, we will work with you to make sure you shine on stage! Please ensure that you are willing and able to attend the evening of your chosen event to read your story to an audience. Remember, we are all ordinary people here, this is a fun creative outlet with zero judgment.
If you’re ready to submit your story, please fill this form and we’ll contact you ASAP!
vancouverqueerstories.com 