Gladys Coggswell
Storyteller / Speaker / Author / Folklorist / Educator
P O Box 56, Frankford, MO 63441   (573)784-2589

Gladys Coggswell, M.Ed. is the founder of By Word of Mouth Storytelling Guild and an award winning full time professional storyteller. Her own story of a miraculous transition from victim to victorious has inspired thousands of all ages. As a media favorite, her dynamic performances, workshops and speeches have been written about, televised and highly recommended. Her stories have brought audiences to laughter and/or tears as well as to their feet. She is one of the nation's leading experts in the areas of inner healing, humor, violence/substance prevention stories and story based seminars.

Gladys has held the title of Missouri Master Folk Artist in the area of storytelling four times through the Missouri Traditional Artist Apprenticeship Program, is listed in the Missouri Touring Roster booklet and has been the subject of several PBS specials. She was interviewed by CSPAN staff in 1994 and is noted in several books including "Storytellers", by Corky Miller and Mary Ellen Snodgrass .

A typical performance from Gladys Coggswell may include songs and stories of her own creation, stories from Africa, China, England, Russia, Missouri, or from her childhood. Gladys admits that her great grandmother disciplined her with stories. "Whenever I did something sinful, my great grandmother had a story about someone who behaved in the same obnoxious manner. Of course that someone always came to a bad end. I didn't want to come to bad end, so I tried to behave. Still I wondered why my great grandmother couldn't be quiet and just beat me like other people did their children. Today I am greatful that she chose storytelling. "

It is not uncommon for program coordinators to hire Gladys to research and develop stories about specific towns and themes or characters. "In the process, I have learned much about the history of the United States and about people from all walks of life who have contributed to our growth." There have been numerous joys that have highlighted her career - among them, telling in China and at the National Storytelling Festival's exchange place where she received a standing ovation from over 2,000 fellow storytellers and appreciative story listeners. " However, nothing can compare to the unconditional love of stories by the little ones who let you know they want to hear more. They want to hug, they ask "When are you coming back ?" and they let me know that I am doing the right thing. I love telling to children of all ages."