Folklorist to visit Tyler's library

Donna Ingham, Texas folklorist, author, and storyteller whose specialty is personal and family narrative, comes to the Tyler Public Library, Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15.

Saturday at 2:00 p.m., Ingham will address members of the East Texas Genealogical Society (ETSG) at a public meeting in the Library's Taylor Auditorium.

Her topic is "Don't Forget the Stories." Her presentation will illustrate ways to combine oral histories, primary source elements, and historical research to create powerful stories. The public is welcome to join ETGS for this special event.

Sunday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m., Ingham, a retired college professor who holds a PhD in English, will conduct a workshop at the Library for writers and storytellers. "Seven Secrets to Successful Story-crafting" will focus on the seven elements essential to building narrative structure in both fiction and nonfiction writing.

The seminar is free, but participants are encouraged to pre-register by contacting the Library by phone: 903-593- 8323 or email: programs@tylertexas. com

Ingham lays claim to the title of the "Biggest Liar in Texas" and is the producer of five audio books.

She is the author of Tales with a Texas Twist (2005) and two new books, You Know You're in Texas When . . . and 1001 Greatest Things Ever Said About Texas, all published by Globe Pequot.

She was featured in the March 2004 issue of Texas Highways, and was spotlighted in the fall 2005 Elderhostel catalogue as part of the "Year of the Instructor" series. Ingham achieved national recognition in 2003 as one of six tellers invited to appear on the National Storytelling Festival's Exchange Place stage. She continues to tour beyond the borders of Texas, performing at festivals and conferences and offering arts residencies, master classes, and workshops.

Ingham's appearances in Tyler are underwritten by the Friends of the Tyler Public Library, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the East Texas Genealogical Society.

Both the Saturday ETGS meeting and the Sunday writers' workshop are free and open to the public. Tyler Public Library is located at 201 S College in downtown Tyler.

For more information or to register for the Sunday workshop, call 903-593-7323 or email programs@tylertexas.com