My name is June Barnes (known as jb).

swag of yarns is Australia’s first storytelling magazine and began in 1997. Our aim is to unite people all over Australia through story, with a strong emphasis on encouraging the art of oral storytelling. Each issue has interviews with storytellers, articles relating to storytelling, stories from other lands, aussie yarns, book reviews, Australian folklore and much more. 

By storytelling we mean oral storytelling. Storytellers use the skills of the oral tradition, relying on voice and memory to carry stories to  listeners.

In times past the storyteller’s role in the community has been one of respected
importance. The storyteller was the keeper of the culture, the educator, the carrier of news as well as an entertainer. Books can be a part of  storytelling but essentially story TELLING is telling the story without the use of the written word or, in the words of one young listener, telling stories from the face.

There is no script; no written word for the storyteller to follow. The words travel from the storyteller’s mind to the ears of the listener. In that split second journey the words and the story will be arranged according to the place and the people present at the time.

Sometimes the storyteller will not tell a story  he/she originally intended to tell simply because another story seems more appropriate to the time and place.  This is the magic of storytelling. The audience assists the telling of the story. The teller is the vessel that carries the story to the people. He/she gives the audience an experience unique to the present moment. She will probably tell the same story she tells you, on other occasions but the telling of the story will not be exactly the same. 

  The storyteller gives and with that giving, the storyteller receives.
 

swag of yarns is a quarterly, 32 page magazine. If you are interested in subscribing but are not familiar with the magazine we are more than happy to send you a complimentary copy of a back issue.

The annual subscription rate for Australian residents is $30.00. 

Overseas subscribers are welcome and will need to add $5.00 P & P.  If you are sending a bank draft or money order, send $35.00 Australian. Your bank will assist you with the conversion. It is easier to use a credit card. Email us with your credit card details or follow the link to the Australian Storytelling website to download the subscription form.

Contact us on email: bunyip@netspace.net.au
Snail Mail: PO Box 235, Albert Park, Victoria  3206 Australia