Welcome to: 

 Online Home of Fiona-Jane Brown, aka Storyquine 

Stories can take you to another dimension, whether you're three or ninety-three! Perhaps you remember sitting on your mother's or your granny's knee when you were young, hearing the fabulous fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, or those about long ago when they were your age?  Even if you didn't, stories are an amazing form of entertainment, because you take an active part as a listener as well as a teller - where else do the pictures come from, but your own imagination!

If you would like to hear stories of Scotland's past, fairy tales from our oral traditions, true reminiscences that were shared by Scottish fishermen, and the great tales and epics of other lands, get in touch with me, Storyquine.

What's a storyteller then?

I tell oral narratives, I don't read them from books! I have a large repertoire (see page) which includes fairy tales and 'true tales', the latter including family stories, reminiscences and material I've gained as an interviewer.

What do you do?

I can tell to groups of adults or children, the latter, primary school age and up.  I can do storytelling sessions as part of larger events, e.g. local galas, festivals, heritage fairs etc, or as a solo teller for a particular event, e.g. as after-dinner entertainment.  I also do basic oral history workshops to encourage folk to record family stories and memories of their own.

How do we contact you?

Email - story.quine@virgin.net

Telephone - (01224) 585861 (answering service available)

Or contact Grampian Association of Storytellers, of which I am a member - gas_story@hotmail.com

Where do you tell?

Anywhere in Aberdeenshire & Aberdeen City.  Also Moray & Angus depending on distance, additional travelling expenses are required outside of Aberdeenshire

How much does a session cost?

Session Prices are based on those set by the Scottish Storytelling Centre.  Although I am not part of their national register, my prices are similar, though lower.  I am on the local register with Grampian Association of Storytellers.

2 Hour Storytelling Session - £50 (+any travelling expenses incurred outside Aberdeenshire)

Half-day Storytelling Sessions - £100 (+travelling expenses) e.g. x4 one hour sessions or x2 two hour sessions for schools and children's groups

Half-day Oral History Workshop - £150 (+travelling expenses) e.g. 9am - 12noon/ 1pm - 4pm / 6pm - 9pm

Training on use of recording equipment, interview techniques and a hands-on session. Hosts are kindly asked to provide refreshments for participants and workshop leader.

(Full-day Oral History Workshops can be booked with the Aberdeen & Region Oral History Association and are run by two or three course leaders)

What are your sessions like?

I often dress as a Victorian fishergirl, especially when doing the 'true tales' from my research into fishing communities in Scotland, and tell 'in character'.  This is especially popular in schools, for instance in Kincorth primary schools as part of the 'Treefest' events in Aberdeen City along with my colleagues from GAS.  I will sometimes sing too, if the story is based on a particular ballad.  If your venue is large, I would ask that you provide amplification, e.g. mike & speakers.

Can we see you in action beforehand?

If you come to one of GAS's regular monthly storytelling sessions, then yes, you are likely to see me there.  GAS meet usually at 7.15pm on the first Friday of the month in the Queen Cross Church Hall, Carden Place, Aberdeen.  Directions available on their website.