About the contributors

Noel WhiteNoel White

My name is Noel and I am the editor for World Stories. I specialise in screenwriting and prose but I have also written for television, radio, and many printed publications. I have studied creative writing at Degree and MA level and intend to continue this exploration with my PhD, during which time I should complete my second novel. I also enjoy teaching creative writing as there is nothing more exciting than working with new writers who are exploring the craft of storytelling.

I think World Stories is a truly amazing collection of narratives from across the globe. I have not only learnt a great deal by working with all of the writers who have contributed the 200 stories that appear on the site, but I have also found it incredibly fun and rewarding.

Stories have always played a central role in any culture. By reading and exploring stories from other countries (especially traditional narratives) we have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the various cultures and societies with whom we share this wonderful planet. My own experience of reading this amazing collection of stories is that the world now seems a much smaller place, full of people who have a very great deal in common with one another. Perhaps that is the most important lesson any story might ever hope to teach us. 

Claire WestonWorld Stories Artist Claire Weston

I grew up in Melton Mowbray near Leicester and went to the Grove primary school and then Long Field High School before King Edward VII high school and sixth form. I’ve always doodled in my work books, the back of my hand, and when no one was looking my bedroom wall. So being able to draw for all of these fantastic stories here is a dream come true. I can normally be found in Cirencester doodling or rummaging in a biscuit tin.

 

 

Caroline AdamsCaroline Adams

I am thrilled to be part of the World Stories project. We all love to be told a story; those wonderful words ‘Once upon a time…’ or ‘There was once a …’ give us a real sense of expectation. We know that we are about to be plunged into another world where frogs turn into princes, dragons breathe fire and there are talking animals and birds.I have always loved reading stories and telling stories. I worked for several years in libraries: school libraries, college libraries and public libraries. It was always a delight to see children listening to a story and borrowing books to take home.Now I teach English: both as an additional language and also as a support to those studying English at Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level. As a freelance tutor with my own business, Rosebank Tutors, I have been involved with children and adults from many different countries: France, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Somalia, Portugal, Belgium, Iran and Iraq (to name a few). They all had a love of stories.I have found stories to be a valuable resource in teaching, with the extra benefit of opening up different cultures and ideas. Before we can accept other cultures we must first understand them; stories can light a candle of understanding. 

David HeathfieldDavid Heathfield

David is an international storyteller, teacher trainer and writer of educational resources. He appears at major conferences and festivals as well as more intimate events in Britain and around the world. David tells stories from the world’s oral cultures with passion, skill and a belief in the power of storytelling to bring people together.