J.A. Bolton stands on stage and tells one of his stories.
Bolton and his wife heard of the Bold Face Liar’s contest held in Laurinburg in which storytellers are given the opportunity to tell stories. Bolton’s wife jokingly told him that he should enter it.
“He entered it, very much to my surprise,” said Azalea Bolton. “He did really well.”
It was the first time he had participated in an event where he told a story and he placed in the top five among 20.
“I was so nervous you could hear the change rattling in my pocket,” said Bolton.
He later traveled to the annual Storytelling Festival of Carolina which is also held in Laurinburg. At that event, national storytellers attend as well as a stage is set up for amateurs. Bolton attends session the third Monday of every month in which a storyteller critiques his skills.
Bolton enjoys telling stories because of the enjoyment he receives from it as well as the excitement he can provide to others.
“I get to mingle with people,” said Bolton. “I am a people person.”
Bolton also said that it relieves stress for him, so he feels other people receive that benefit as well.
“It has been very good for him, since he is retired. It keeps his mind active,” said Azalea Bolton.
He is currently working on a ghost story that centers around Richmond County in 1865.
“I like to get the crowd involved,” said Bolton. “When you are telling stories you really capture your audience. I go to churches and tell religious stories. There is a time and a place for everything.”
Bolton will be traveling to an anniversary party in Lumberton to share stories and he frequently makes rounds at the senior centers in the county.
“I hope to entertain people,” said Bolton.
Stories are usually restricted by a time limit and must be appropriate for a family audience. The tales are often judged on technique, story development, originality and effectiveness.
At the end of the month Bolton will attend workshops by Kim Weitkamp, a professional storyteller.
Azalea Bolton explained that there are storytellers for everyone.
“There is such a variety of storytellers,” said Bolton. “Everyone has a different style and a different story.”
Cameron Quick can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at cquick@yourdailyjournal.com.
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