Under Western Skies 2026 STORYSLAM
Sunday, October 25th
Storytelling Theme: Origins
Event @ 6:00pm
Doors @ 5:30pm
Paulina Springs Books - 252 W. Hood Ave. Sisters
Tickets: $10
Prizes include a two night stay at Suttle Lake Lodge, a 12-month supply of audio books, and more!
Join us for an evening of storytelling!
This live storytelling competition invites ten brave storytellers to step up and share their personal, unscripted tales in front of a supportive audience. No notes and no filters…just you, a mic, and your story.
Come to tell a story or just to listen. The night’s theme is “Origins”. You are invited to share a true, personal story about beginnings: the people, places, moments, or choices that shaped who or where you are today. Maybe it’s where you came from or how a journey started (the more unexpected the better!) or it’s the first sprout of roots tying you to a place. Bring us your stories that are tender, funny, cringey, strange, or tear-jerking. New and seasoned storytellers welcome!
If you would like to share a story, please review the info below and then fill out the registration form on this page. Sign-ups are open until end of day, Wednesday, October 21st. Check out the “How it Works” section below for more info.
*Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available.
**All ages are welcome at this event, please be aware that stories shared may contain adult content.
Storyteller Registration is full.
Submit the form below to be added to a waitlist & we will be in touch if a space opens up!
How it Works
Ten storytelling slots are reserved for those who use the form above to sign up to tell a story.
To sign up for the drawing, please fill out the form at the top of this page.
Please note that you must still purchase a ticket to the event - select the STORYTELLER ticket when purchasing!
Storytelling order will be determined based on a random draw.
In the event of more than 10 registrants, an “alternate” list will be created.
The audience will have scorecards and vote for their three favorite stories at the end of the evening.
The storyteller with the most votes will get their choice of prize pool, followed by second and third place.
This is not a Moth StorySLAM event, but they were very generous in letting us use their language and guidelines for our event. If you’re looking for inspiration or to understand more about what a StorySLAM entails, check out their website.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO
Tell a TRUE STORY. This StorySLAM is strictly nonfiction.
Tell a story that is ON THEME. The theme for this StorySLAM is “Origins.” We encourage you to interpret this theme in as creative a way as you’d like, but the story you’ve prepared should be intrinsically related to the theme for the evening.
Tell a story that has STAKES. A story needs action and the action must have consequences. What is gained or lost? What is the urgency? What is the conflict? What is the goal and who or what is blocking it? How did the trip from Point A to Point B change or shape you?
Tell a story that is YOURS. Were you there? Are you one of the “main characters”? Your involvement in the events as they unfold is essential. No journalism.
Tell a story WITHOUT NOTES. We encourage you to fine tune your story as much as possible beforehand, but stories must be told without notes or reference on stage.
Tell a story that that is ON TIME. SLAM stories should be 5 minutes long, plus a one minute grace period.
DON’T
Please don’t caricature or “explain” a culture that is not your own (e.g., putting on fake accents or telling us about the “customs” of a community you don’t belong to).
Please don’t make another person’s identity (class, gender, race, orientation, body type, etc.) the punchline… or the storyline. Your story, your struggles.
Please don’t use another’s identity as a prop or plot point. If you choose to include another person’s race, orientation, physical appearance or able-bodiedness, be sure that it is intrinsic to the story.
Please don’t celebrate unwanted sexual advances in your story.
And of course, never use racial slurs or hate speech.
If your story suffers from any of these problems, please go back to the drawing board. We promise your story will be better for it!
Financial Accessibility Statement
Sisters Festival of Books charges admission for festival tickets for the sustainability of the organization and to raise funds for the local literacy initiatives we support. However, we believe that everyone should have access to the arts and community gatherings.
If cost is a barrier to your participation in the festival, please contact us HERE with the event you would like to attend and we will make it happen, no questions asked!