We sat around a table on the patio long after dark, sangrias in hand. The sound of the ocean lapping the rocky beach provided background music.

"Once upon a time, there lived a girl," someone started, perhaps Miguel. Miguel had a habit of starting things.

"Her name was Lola. She was a showgirl." That was Ben, without a doubt.

One by one, we passed along the story, each adding something, maybe a sentence, maybe several paragraphs, until the happily-ever-after.

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I thought it fitting that I begin this new weekly (semi-weekly? bi-weekly?) series, The Creative Life, with storytelling. After all, stories are how I work through life. Heck, my life is a story within a Story.

Also, today is Flannery O’Connor’s birthday. What better way to celebrate?

This specific practice, round robin storytelling, combines the magic of storytelling with community. The story develops as you go. No one person has any control. It may take a turn you never intended when you introduced Lola the Showgirl, but that’s the beauty of round robin storytelling.

It’s the perfect after-dinner affair, as you relax, belly full, mouth happy. Perhaps as a friend or family member unfolds the next section of the story, you’ll learn something about them–about their life, values, struggles.

If you try this, I’d love to hear some of the stories you come up with!