The Heart of the Matter

My very first follower on WordPress was Stuart M. Perkins of the Storyshucker blog. Thank goodness I didn’t realize it at the time but that’s like going out to learn how to shoot basketballs and LeBron James shows up.

But I figured it out in pretty short order because I figured out how to follow him back and was treated to his amazing story-telling that feels to me like a heart hug every time I read something he’s published.

Stuart describes the inspiration for his blog name as “Life is full of “mini-scenarios”, each hiding an interesting story. Peeling back, or shucking the obvious from the situation to reveal the entertaining story beneath is what Stuart enjoys most. Shucking the story from the facts.”

Fortunately, Stuart has shared his incredible talent for shucking stories with the WordPress community. But he’s also been published in Virginia Living magazine, Alexandria Living magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, GuidePosts, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and several pieces, including one in the works, published by The Local Scoop.

And in the most recent episode of our podcast, Stuart has shared himself with us as well. Is he charming and funny? Check! Does he have a delightful Virginian accent? Check! Is meeting him as rewarding as reading his posts? Check! So, please treat yourself to a heart hug and listen to this great podcast episode.

Vicki and I talk with Stuart about the dare that got him to start his blog, Storyshucker, and the long line of family story-tellers that are part of the foundation of his craft.

We reflect on the nervousness of publishing a first post and the joy of finding out that writing down our stories helps us to find out how alike we all are. Stuart tells us more about his grandmother, Nannie, who is a repeat character in his writing as a core of the big family roots of his childhood.

Vicki and I ooh and aah over his ability to deliver last great lines and Stuart reminds us to write what we know and keep at it when it comes to getting published! This is a great episode celebrating all the wonderful things stories do for us – connecting us to family, pride, history, and colorful stories about growing up.

We know you’ll love this episode! Search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts or click here to listen to Episode 12: On Storytelling with Stuart M. Perkins on Anchor.

Then we hope you’ll come back here and share the take-away gems that resonated with you. And leave any question you might have for Stuart in case we can get him to come back and talk with us more.

Link to Podcast: Episode 12: On Storytelling with Stuart M. Perkins

Stuart’s blog on WordPress: Storyshucker