Author Mariana Williams Home Page

Mariana Williams author/storyteller/producer
Moth grandSlam finalist, storytelling workshop facilatator, Producer of Storytelling shows:
Divas in Danger, Accidental Nudity, and currently Long Beach Searches for Greatest STORYTELLER   since 2011.
  This city-wide event pays $100 each show to best 6-minute true tale, chosen by the audience
at Malainey's Grill 168 N. Marina Dr. L.B., on scenic Alamitos Bay
   (Not taking story submisions. New season begins in January 2025)

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% STORYTELLING FINALS! Don't miss seeing all the winners and runner-uppers from 2024
Malainey's Grill.   Monday, Sept. 30th 7-9:30 p.m. $20
  For tickets to the finals: https://tinyurl.com/ppssbkss.
Also on the show Comic Andrea Abbate and Improv-songwriter,
      Harold Payne and 2023 Winner, Vickie Wipple

Mariana traded in the piano keys for the alphabet keys after working as a pianist/singer. Her adventures and misadventures are captured in the Veronica Bennett series of novels. The circumstances are about 80 percent true. Fictional characters are portraits of real people in my orbit although different names and eras. "Writing a novel is like a chessboard. The board is the playing field/the setting. The characters can only do what they do; perhaps limited to only going a step at a time, like a pawn. Or swift and sneaky like the bishop-diagonally. All pieces are what they are, charming? All powerful? Slow? I never win at chess. However, I'm lucky and often fall into accidental crime. All books are available on amazon.
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Sept. 30th Long Beach Searches Finals 2024

(Far Left) Everyone brought their A game
(Middle pic) L-R, Robbin Fortier, Stage Manager; William Foss, Winner; Paul Williaims, Judge; Nick Bravo, Runner-up; Mariana Williams, Producer.
(Far right) Nick Bravo, Mariana Williams &
William Foss. Below that, Harold Payne, musician, Andrea Abbate comic, and Mariana Williams, Producer.

Long Beach Searches for Greatest
      Storyteller Finals Mon., Sept. 30   Malainey's Grill. 168 N. Marine Dr. on Scenic Alamitos Bay
Long Beach, CA
Finalists are
    Four dashing dudes:
Frank, William, Doyle & Nick
   Four Cheeky Chicks:
Katie, Penny, Teri & Brandee
Plus Musician Harold Payne
& comic Andrea Abbate
also 2023 Winner Vickie Wipple
$200 prize to the winner, William Foss and Runner-up gift certificate went to Nick Bravo

Reginald and Edith have their tickets. They doggedly pursued getting tickets; and will howl for the winners of the monthly shows
at the FINALS. Mon., Sept. 30.

New Show for Storytellers in the OC. Accepting 6-minute true tales, on any topic. Audience votes secret ballot, as well as local author judges. $100 for top, true tale of the night. CAMPUS JAX is a terrific venue and less than a mile from OC AIrport.
www.campusjax.com.
To submit a tale, send about 5 lines to Debra.
email: [email protected]

Past shows in 2024

AUGUST 5th,
L-R, Will, Runner-up William Foss; Winner Nick Bravo; Taylor, Kevin, HOSTESS-Laura Hayden
G.D., Brenda and Sasha all brought their A GAME

Peppy Laura Hayden hosted the show, standing by Runner-up William Foss; Stage Manager Robbin Fortier; Winner Nick Bravo won the $100 prize, decided by the audience.

JULY 1, 2024. was a sizzling hot showL-R Michael, JoAnn, Chrissy, Kona/ Runner-Up,
Penny/Winner, RC. and Jim. Each shared an anecdote that was either funny or poignant or just plain, "What was that all about? I better tell a room full of strangers and find out." PENNY BERNAL won the $100 and KONA MORRIS won a gift card for Malaineys.

JUNE 3, 2024 Show

Girl's nite out.. all the tellers were female. L-R
Robbin, Pilar, Brandee, Charlene, Tamara, JoAnn, Stacy & Mariana (not seen Laura)Mariana appologizes for sweater falling off. It's like a dog was let lose and yanked it.
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L-R Pilar Allesandro, Runner-Up; Producer, Mariana Williams;
Brandee Stillwell, winner; Robbin Fortier, Stage Manager
(Runner- up wins a Malainey's gift certificate)

Mon., May 6 th

L-R: Producer, Mariana; Guest Teller,Vickie Wippel;
Winner, Katie; Runner-up, Doyle; Lisa, Eric, RC and Marianne all brought to the stage lean-in, unforgettable stories. (not pictured Chris Gomez)
Photos by Barry Kutz

L-R, Runner-up, Doyle Smiens gets gift certificate,
Winner, Katy Dudly takes home $100; Stage Manager, Robbin Fortier beside Producer, Mariana

Monday, April 1
(No foolin') WE HAD 8 OUTSTANDING STORYTELLERS, SOME NEW, SOME VETERANS OF 6- MINUTES AT A TIME TALES.

L-R
Patty, ,Jan, Vivian, Adona, Denise, Annie, Frank

Storyteller Show MONDAY, Feb. 12th. We celebrated Robbin's Birthday, Comic Andrea & I read off Valentine messages the audience wrote in.

Sorry if you missed the finals...we do it every Septemeber, featuring the monthly winners.
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FINALS 2023
Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller
Sat., Sept. 9th 7 p.m. $15
Golden Sails Hotel, private PCH Club.
6285 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach
www.brownpapertickets.com/browse.html
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On September 9th, eight storytellers competed for the title of Long Beach's Greatest Storyteller 2023. VICKIE WIPPEL won the title with her comical and ironic memory of how she handled her parents divorce as a child. She got the $100 prize, voted by the audinece, as well as bragging rights. Congratulations to all the finalists from 2023 Their true, tales that had the full house leaning in with laughter, gasps, and drama in a 6-minute format. Also, big thanks to comic
Andrea Abbate, who rocked the room!
Regretably, Winning Finalists, H. Leonards and Charlene Mae, were out of town.

JULY 10th LBS
photos by Barry Kunz

Around the hearthstone, every night a storyteller lives forever.
   Anonymous

Courage is the most important virtue of them all -- because without it,
none of the other virtues can be done.
   Maya Angelou

Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way. Embrace change. It's inevitable for growth. together we can shift pain into wonder and love, but it is up to us to consciously and intentionally create that connection.
Franz Kafka
Thank you all for putting your memories together and
  keepin' it real 6-minutes at a time.

July 10th was rich with tales---thanks to all nine. Also, big thanks to Robbin Fortier for every show we pull off.

L-R Mary Jane/ Runner-up; Kathy Porter/Winner, Cynthia, Charles, Carolyn, Dave, Steve, (front row)
Jeremy & Ben. (Photos Zach Cortez)

We also celebrated producer, Mariana's daughter. Happy Birthday JULIA ! What a great place & occassion to celebrate-with cake for all.

Guest Teller, DEBRA EHRHARDT filled the room with laughs during her spot. Chilling at the table is Songwriter HAROLD PAYNE, and teller JEREMY EBENSTEIN.

L-R Producer, Mariana
Williams; Winner
Kathy Porter
Runner-up
Mary Jane Turner
Stage Manager
Robbin Fortier

"My story? Ok...I was working the late shift at Chipolte, when my boss starts giving me shade about my hat. Then he starts in about my scarves...that's when...."

Finalists were all monthly winners the audience chose in of 2023. Thanks for crushin' it!

Are you just dying to spill your guts to a room full of non-judgmental, supporting strangers?? Yeah, me too. Submit about 5 lines to:
[email protected]

NEXT SHOW OF Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller
Mon., May 1st, 2023
7-9 P.M., at Malainey
s Grill, on Alamitos Bay, LB.
168 N. Marina Drive, on beautiful Alamitos Bay, in Long Beach. CA

Submit your true, 6-minute tale by sending about 5 lines to: [email protected]

JUNE 5 th Winners
CHRIS GOMEZ is runner-up, VICKIE WIPPLE wins the $100

Thanks to all the terrific tellers in June.

May 1st Storytellers Winner below, H Leonards told a true story of her experience with Rosa Parks. Runner-up, on far left, Charlene Mae, left em laughing.

SUMMER READING tinyurl.com/yyoyzluq the favorite is usually Stars or Stripes 4th of July

Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller
Mon., April 3, 2023
Thanks for bringing it!
L-R, Robbin Fortier, Stage Manager; Runner-up, Barbara Kaufman; Winner, Peter Elbling;
Mariana Williams, Producer

Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller March 6, 2023
Audience voted for two winners--tied for first place: Larry Poricelli and Jon Sloey win $100 for top tale of the night, March 6.
Photos by Barry Kuntz

Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller crushed it at the February 6th show
We had a strong showing of tellers, new and former winnes. L-R Back Row, John & Brandee (winner), Leonard Mike, Then, Mariana Evie, Teri and Kevan.
Photo by Barry Kunz. We celebrated Robbin's birthday with cake for all. We love Robbin!
Author Brandee Stillwell had the audience guessing on how to solve the DNA problem in a pesky encounter. She took home the $100. Runner- up was Daniel Midsonshort told a tale that ended in, "Truth does not set you free!" It was ironic and a crowd pleasing tale.

MALAINEY'S GRILL...where the stories meet the Sea: ocean view on the West, storyteller stage to the South, awesome bar is North. Bring a compass, you might get lost in the True, 6-minute tales by locals.
Audience votes, $100 prize for top
tale of the night.

All shows are the first Monday of the month through August.

THANK YOU BELLFLOWER FOR SHOWING UP FOR OUR FIRST SHOW at the Stand Up Comedy Club..
WE HAVE Winter, Spring, Summer and FALL FINALS planned. The next show/ Spring, SUN. APRIL 30. L-R : Robbin, Justin & Marianne, (tied runner-ups) and Frank Traylor won the $100. Mariana on the end.

Get in the game. Send about 4 lines about your tale to: [email protected]

[email protected]

Consider shortening your facinating tales to five minutes...uh? All the time.

Hovering around the chip and dip at a party, the dog park, when a your hound is gnawing another pet, and especially in the E.R., no matter how hot the nurse is.

Be part of the show. Locals tell a true tale in 6-minutes on any topic. Think of a memorable anecdote and share it with a roomful of friendly strangers.
Here's a few tips to help you organize your thoughts
Let us know when and where. Describe the REAL WORLD, in a sentence or two. Get right to the CONFLICT, problem or weird part. SUSPENSE is next. Use your imagination on everything that could have gone wrong to raise the stakes. SOLUTION, how it ended up. RESOLUTION, what you learned. Maybe nothing. It might be, my Aunt Hilda was right, "Don't have porkchops in your pocket when you hug a bear." Make up anything! Silly or poignant.
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We were invited to Bellflower, and find out what locals out there are talkin' about. The club is perfect--like, duh? big stage, sound system, booths in the back, not a bad seat in the house. Sunday later afternoon--why not? Hey, the food is great too.

Our last show off 2022 Season, July 11th. Stage Manager/ Robbin Fortier, Storyteller Winner/
Chosen by the audience was, Ben Rodriguez, Runner-up Carla Bardales, Producer, Mariana Williams
"Why do you end the season in July or August?" "Because we did shows Monday nights and we had to make room for Monday Night football."

Thank you Long Beach for supporting Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller since 2011
We will be back with more true tales by locals, keepin' it real, 6-minutes at a time.

MON., MAY 2.
JACK FRY won the audience vote with a stirring tale of teaching, his first year. He had the character voices DOWN, and told the tale with OMG moments-ending with a group, "Ahhhhh.

Mon., June 6 The sold-out crowd raved about our June 6th show. So many flavors of personalities and experiences. L-R: Mariana/Producer, Paul Williams/Guest Teller and husband of gal he is groping.Vickie Wipple/Runner-up, James Krueger, Emily Sorter/Winner, Cody Miller, David Olmos, Anita Razin and Vince Mitchell. All got many votes.

Malaineys Grill, on scenic Alamitos Bay, in LB.
196 n. Marina Dr., LB. 7-9 p.m., $6 at the door. or below.

APRIL 4, 22. LBS Storytelling Show
Kevan King enchanted the audience with his tale about ditching friends and the Federallys in Mexico, Winning him $100.

Stage Manager, Robbin is between the runner-up, Barbara Kaufman, whose tale was about love-lost and career found.

All the tellers unite L-R
Producer, Mariana Williams, Kevan King, Evie King, Don Knight, Barbara Kaufman, Sasha Kildare, and Vince Mitchel.

Well done guys.
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MARCH 7th

TERI KINNE WINNER, JUNE 7, 21, with a cat story with a surprising ending-the audience gasped.Runner-up, LARRY PORRICELLI had the crowd spell-bound with his tale from beyond the grave.

JUNE 7th L-R, Dusty, Teri, Mariana, Dean, Larry, Liam and Doyle keepin' it real, 6-minutes at a time, at Malainey's packed house. The bonus, was guest teller, Debra Ehrhardt.

MAY 7, 21 TELLERS SHOWED UP WITH TALES OF TRAVEL, MISTAKEN IDENTITY, LOSS. SPORTS. LIBRARIES AND PETS

(Above)
All Star Storyteller Show--Nov. 29, 2021
all winners, chosen by attentive audience
photo by JoAnn Wintenburg
Join our mailing list to be in-the-storytelling-loop. Send an email : [email protected]

First Storytelling show of 2022,
March 7th, had an overflow crowd, guest storyteller/comic, ANDREA ABBATE, (Surprise guests popped up on stage; Paul Williams and Attorney of the year, 2023, my sister.)
Above: L-R Mariana, Kimeyo, Tamara, RC, Steve, Catrina, Kat and Robbin/Stage Manager.
Thanks y'all.

Local poet, Tamara Madison was runner-up, with a tale about crossing the desert in a heatwave. Local author, RC Hand won $100, with his 6-minute coming-of-age story of his first Halloween. (It's rare to have two authors)

Finals Nov. 22, 2021
Winner Vickie Wipple, Runner-up, Liam Mc Loughlin
L-R, Vicky, Robbin /Stage Manager, Wes, Laura, Liam, Teri, Doyle. Front row: Rebecca, Larry and, Producer/Mariana.

NEXT SHOW, MONDAY, June 6, 22
  Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller
**"Keepin' it real, six-minutes at a time"
Presenting 6-minute, true tales for cash, in Long Beach, CA since 2011**.

"Around the hearth stone every night, a storyteller lives forever." Anonymous

NOW ACCEPTING STORY IDEAS FOR OUR FIRST SHOW OF 2022.
SEND ABOUT 5 LINES TO:
[email protected]

"Keepin' it real, 6-minutes at a time" has always been our moto. But these last two years has been a sad time warp. Yet, we need our stories to be told, and heard and that is what we did.

In 2020, we had three shows, then a break till 2021, when Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller awarded three more story slam winners. We brought them together for an awesome night of finalists, Nov. 22, 21.

Monday, March 7, 2022, we start back at Malaineys Grill, on scenic Alamitos Bay, in LB.
Audience votes, as well as two local author/ judges, $100 to top, true, 6-minute tale
Produced by Mariana Williams
contact: [email protected]

MAY 7, 21
RICK SANCHEZ, RUNNER-UP, REBECCA & VICKIE WIPPLE (SISTERS WON)
STAGE MANAGER, ROBBIN FORTIER

)FAQ
How often are the storytelling shows? First Monday of the month, till football season, 7-9 p.m., Malaineys Grill, 168 Marina Dr.
How do I get in on it? Send 5 lines about your true tale to: [email protected]
What subjects should we talk about? Drama, tragedy, glass-half-full days, triumphs of kindness and awareness, first date, most embarassing moment , OMG, WTF. Many of the stories are hilarious, but they don't have to be. We reflect, we go inside, then go really inside and search for the lessons of these pandemic days.
Does it have to be memorized? Naw. Just have a strong opening sentence, situation you found yourself in-and the outcome.
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DETAILS
Malainey's Grill, 168 N. Marina Dr., on beautiful Alamitos Bay, Long Beach, CA. 7-9 p.m., $6 at the door. $100 prize for top 6-minute true tale of the night. Audience votes. (Also, two author judges whose votes count 5 points each.)
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March 2, 2020 *LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER***
DOYLE SMIENS WINS
L-R Eliza Karagezian, runner-up & Doyle Smiens, All the tellers L-R: Mariana, Jaahan,Sasha, Ann, Marianne, Eliza (Runner-up), Doyle, Not seen Jim Dohn.

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February 3, 2020 LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER
DUSTY THOMPSON WINS, Runner-up WES WHITE. (Wes lost by one point and will be in the finals)
We celebrated February birthdays too--L-R: David Olmos (2019 Winner of LBS) Bonnie, Robbin, Mariana and Tamara

ABOVE, stand up and applaud for all nine February Tellers L-R Mariana, Rick, Winner/Dusty, Kyle, Douglas, Vickie, Ozzie, Runner-up/Wes, Chris and Glenda

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JANUARY 6, 2020. First show of the year.
LIAM MC LAUGHLIN Wins, Rosalie runner-up

L-R, Jared, Rosalie, Pam, Shophia, Janora, Liam

Our first show of the year 2020, started off with a bang. We had special GUEST TELLERS L-R, Paul Williams welcomes everyone, with producer and main squeeze, Mariana Williams; Winner, Liam Mc Laughlin,
Guest Teller, Laura Hayden; Pinocchio/Rick Sanchez; Megan Dolan/ Lemurmom actress/writer. Apology to Megan's forehead. Photos by JoAnn Wintenburg & Carolyn Yarnell.

LIAM MC LAUGHLIN WINNER $100, audience chose. One vote apart between Rosalie and Liam. Sidebar:(Bringing back the memory of me losing the Moth in NY storyslam by one-tenth of a point. I was followed by a comic who did her act. Grrrr)
Remember to vote everyone this November, right??

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The storyteller show, MON., JULY 1st was exciting with the varied subjects that were covered. L-R,
Carolyn, Winner-David, Ina, Marianne, Isadora, Patricia, and Runner-up was Lawrence and Jessica.
(Photo by Adam Husted)

Above see the storyteller show, MON., JUNE 3 at Malainey's Grill, L-R, Sophia, Mariana, Rick, Carin, Charlene, WINNER: LAURA HAYDEN, Laurie and RUNNER UP: DAVE CLARK (Photo JoAnn Wintenburg)

Robbin Fortier, Stage Manager; Runner-up, Dave Clark; winner, Laura Hayden--seen biting the $100 bill; producer, Mariana

Thanks to the talented photographers who capture the good times. I stand and salute you. I'm standing right now.
I/we all so, so... appreciate it
Adam Husted, Carolyn Yarnell,
Jo ann Witenburg and Barry Kunz

May 6 th show was interesting and varied in the subject of true tales. Thank you L-R, Katrina, Bobby (runner-up), Carol, Sheila, Larry, Mariana & Jeff.
Winner this night was Larry Porricelli, runner-up, Bobby Cochran.

April 1st--no fools here just tight stories and a full house of listeners leanin' in.
Robbin Fortier, STAGE MANAGER; Runner-up, Sasha Kildare; winner,Ben rodriguez; Mariana, producer

April $100 winner, Ben Rodriguez, runner-up sasha kildare and the other great tellers

March 9th winner, Ron Chick and Runner-up, Rosalie Mattern

March 9th WE HAD A FULL STAge of tellers who surprised the full house with the OMG moments

Mariana tells a story on how to get rid of swimmers ear in ten easy steps. On March 9th, Debra Ehrhardt and Mariana perform "Accidental Nudity" at the Aurora Theater, VIP Guest Paul Williams jumped on stage and spontaneous stories were told. Hilarious, of course.

SEASON 9
$100 FOR TOP TALE
TO BE A PART OF THE SHOW,
ENTER 5 LINES AND SEND TO:
[email protected]

February 4,19 Winning tale was about trying to adopt a cat. It did not go well--however, it won Charla $100, because the whole room related and laughed themselves off their chairs.

FEBRUARY 4, 19
L-R, Runner-up, Joshua and $100 Winner, Charla Howard. Robbin & Mariana are pretty glad to start up the show after a few months off-during football.
(Below)
JANUARY 7, 19 we kicked off SEASON 9 $100 WINNER, CYNTHIA NEIMAN & RUNNER-UP CHAD FULTS, Congratulations!

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2018

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AS PRODUCER OF LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER THESE PAST EIGHT YEARS, IT'S BEEN A THRILL HEARING THE STORIES AND MEETING ALL OF YOU. 2019 BRINGS IN ANOTHER SEASON, OF KEEPIN' IT REAL, 6-MINUTES AT A TIME. THANK YOU STORYTELLERS! YOU WERE ALL AWESOME AT THE SEASON 8 FINALS AUG. 20, 2018
CHAD FULTS, ANNIE MOOSE, EDWARD BEGGS, EMERSON DAMERON, ZOOT VALESCO, CHARLES TENTINDO, ISADORA JOHNSON & JUDY WILLIS.

THE WINNER IS IN! ZOOT VELASCO. HE WON THE TITLE OF LONG BEACH'S GREATEST STORYTELLER, 2018. HIS STORY, "THE ROBOT" WON OVER THE JUDGES. RUNNER-UP, JUDY WILLIS TOLD A TALE ABOUT GETTING OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE, WITH POLE DANCING CLASSES. PHOTO BY JOANNE WINTENBERG

L-R, Runner-up, Judy Willis; Mariana,Producer; Robbin Fortier,Stage Manager; Winner, Zoot Valesco

On the right Robbin Fortier, co-host, Debra Ehrhardt last year's winner and co-host, and Mariana
Below, behold the local author judges whose votes count for five-points each. L-R, Kathy Porter, Darlene Quinn, Paul Williams, Harry Saltzgaver and Mariana. All have authored more than one book, except Paul who authored only one with co-writer Tracey Jackson. "Gratitude and Trust" which was on the best seller list for a while!

Memorial day show, MAY 28--CONGRATS WinnerS zoot VELASCO, (SHOWING STRONG ARM) RUNNER-UP, BOB POPE

APRIL 30 TELLERS
EMERSON DAMERON WINS AND RUNNER-UP, DENICE
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MAR. 26 TELLERS, EDWARD BEGGS WINS AND HEATHER CLISBY IS RUNNER-UP
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FEB.26, ANNIE MOOSE WINS AND KEITH WATANABE RUNNER-UP

JANUARY 29, 18
First show of the season and the tellers really brought it. The audience and judges voted for CHAD FULTS as the winner, Debra Erhardt was guest teller

season 7 Finalists, August '17,
long beach searches for greatest storyteller. stand and applaud

Debra Ebrhardt wins
Long Beach Greatest Storyteller '17

Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storytelling Finals...
monday, august 28, 17
MALARKEY'S GRILL , 168 N.MARINA DRIVE ( SCENIC ALAMITOS BAY), LONG BEACH,CA

Finalists L-R: (Mariana Williams/Producer), Jeff Tucker, Sharmyn Mc Graw,
Angela Madsen, Jon Garcia/Runner-up, Martha Bass & Mary Jane Turner Debra Ebrhardt/Winner 2017 Long Beach’s Greatest Storyteller

Stories were varied, some tellers retold their original winning tales from the monthly shows, other tellers chose to bring a different 6-minute anecdote. With both rooms filled with avid listeners, terrific food and a buzz of excitement, Mariana and Co-host Karen Hannegan, (L.B.’s Greatest Storyteller 2016) and Musician Harold Payne filled in the gaps keeping the energy pumping. The dramatic conclusion to evening was announced by one of the judges, Paul Williams. Originally from Jamaica, DEBRA EBRHARDT blasted on to the stage with a tale of being new in the U.S. and encountering a refined gentleman on the subway. He shocked the innocent young immigrant with a lewd anatomy lesson. It was her turn to shock him when she exposed the pervert by announcing his lewd gesture to the entire train in a loud voice. With a spirited Jamaican dialect and animated facial expressions, the tale was hilarious, winning her the title of Long Beach’s Greatest Storyteller 2017. Along with a $200 cash prize. Runner-up/Jon Garcia shared a stirring tale of racial profiling; proving the subject matters for this literary event is broad and deep as well as down-right funny.
Hosted by MARIANA WILLIAMS
co-host KAREN HANNEGAN, 2016 WINNER OF LB Searches
Special Musical Guest HAROLD PAYNE

Author
Turning in the piano keys for alphabet keys, she used her professional musician experiences to write four books.
Love,Regret and Accidental Nudity: a collection of OMG moments sorted into six categories, was a finalist in the Humor Category of the 2014 International Book Awards. Prior to this memoir, Mariana penned the Veronica Bennett Series of romance, comedy,and accidental crime: Happy New Year, Darling, The Valentine State--a finalist in the 2014 Chick Lit category of International Book Award, and Stars or Stripes 4th of July, which won a 2011 Indie Excellence Book Award.

Storyteller
Mariana was a Moth Grand Slam finalist in the acclaimed story-telling competition held in Los Angeles, as well as appearing
on the Moth stage in N.Y. She teaches storytelling workshops and is the Producer of Long Beach Searches for the Greatest Storyteller, now beginning its seventh season.
amazon.com/author/marianawilliams Facebook:Mariana Loves Stories (First two novels avail @ audible.com)
Get on our mailing list for storytelling buzz...send me your e-dress, woncha? [email protected]
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The Veronica Bennett Series are perfect beach books, full of comedy, romance and accidental crime Books available at Amazon, print and e
Please click   tinyurl.com/zmwjqeo


Mariana's life experiences as a musician and comedy agent prepared her for writing about Veronica, a club singer who is always falling into accidental crime, and naturally ready for love.  In 2003, Mariana traded the piano keys for alphabet keys and put her life experiences to paper, beginning with Happy New Year, Darling, The Valentine State, and Stars or Stripes 4th of July. However, Mariana takes on topics more poignant than are generally found in chic lit. Addiction, and boundaries with teens and the challenge of monogamy are woven into each plot. Never preachy, always witty, all three novels end with a surprising dénouement.
The Valentine State 2014 International Book Award Finalist, Chick Lit
Stars or Stripes 4th of July, 2011 National Indie Excellence Award

Mariana lives in So. California with her Oscar-winning, songwriter husband Paul Williams and this mother of two fills the empty nest with two calico cats. Mariana says, "I wanted to be a ballerina, but writing suits me. I can practice in bed with a bag of chips."

True stuff that happened, then I told it on stage, then wrote it down. Next comes the opera.

Click tiny line on left to check it out
_
Why do I suppose my life is fascinating enough to write about? Love? Hmm, as for my mom, dad and myself, we’ve racked up thirteen marriages— romantic and certainly optimistic. Regret? Well, if embarrassing, eye-squinting, throat-closing, breathless, cringing describes it…I’ve got a few tales to tell, like budget plastic surgery and herding roaches at a party. Accidental nudity? My nudity is about as spontaneous as a space shuttle launch—even so, there’s still the unexpected.

   Here's what people are saying about Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity.
“In many ways, reading Mariana is like living with her. You’ll find humor in the moment, joy in the memory, and you’ll be amazed at the courage and adaptability of her ‘one-talent-fits-any-skill’ approach to life. Pianist, vocalist, novelist, she’s always found a way to create. Accidental nudity? My attorneys have advised me to refrain from commenting.”
---Paul Williams, Oscar-winning, Hall of Fame Songwriter

"Whether it’s reading Mariana’s clever stories, or novels, I always find myself thoroughly enjoying myself, and often, laughing-out-loud. That’s right, I’m the one lying around the pool with a book propped up, chuckling, making you wish you were reading what I was reading." ---Lisa Niemi Swayze, author of Worth Fighting For

"I enjoyed every minute of Love, Regret, and Accidental Nudity. You will laugh with her as she travels to exotic places, falls in love, and plays with grown-up girlfriends. A real winner!”
  —Lee Pound, Author and Book Publisher

“Mariana’s latest goes straight to the heart…you’ll find yourself laughing through your tears."
—Darlene Quinn, Author of the International award-winning Web series

"And the wit goes on: Mariana Williams disarming the reader with tilted impeccable logic!
—Penelope Bernal, Elle Magazine Juror
Click below here please
_

Paul Williams' documentary "Still Alive" is available on Netflix & iTunes, as well as the original song he penned for the film. Filmmaker Steve Kessler followed him around for over four years. (Yes, it was annoying, thanks for asking.) But, the doc turned out great. (Sadly, I'm portrayed as an eye-rolling, bore. But, my friends know the truth. I rarely roll my eyes.)

Paul co-wrote two of the songs on The 2014 Album of The Year, Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories.' As guest artist, he also sings "Touch." Follow him on Twitter at @IMPaulWilliams.

Reginald and Edith have their tickets. They doggedly pursued getting tickets; and will howl for the winners of the monthly shows ​at the FINALS. Mon., Sept. 30.

Past shows in 2024

AUGUST 5th, ​L-R, Will, Runner-up William Foss; Winner Nick Bravo; Taylor, Kevin, HOSTESS-Laura HaydenG.D., Brenda and Sasha all brought their A GAME

JUNE 3, 2024 Show

Mon., May 6 th

L-R: Producer, Mariana; Guest Teller,Vickie Wippel;Winner, Katie; Runner-up, Doyle; Lisa, Eric, RC and Marianne all brought to the stage lean-in, unforgettable stories. (not pictured Chris Gomez)​Photos by Barry Kutz

​Monday, April 1 (No foolin') WE HAD 8 OUTSTANDING STORYTELLERS, SOME NEW, SOME VETERANS OF 6- MINUTES AT A TIME TALES. ​

L-RPatty, ,Jan, Vivian, Adona, Denise, Annie, Frank

JULY 10th LBS​photos by Barry Kunz