Mariana Williams, author/storyteller |
After working as a piano player singer, Mariana traded in the piano keys for alphabet keys. She penned four books of fiction, about those experiences. Inspired by a win at The Moth, she dedicated the last ten years to storytelling and producing.
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Mariana Williams Author of the
Veronica Bennett series of romance, comedy and accidental crime: Happy New Year, Darling, The Valentine State & Stars or Stripes 4th of July
also
Award-winning memoir
Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity
author: tinyurl.com/yyoyzluq
Storyteller/Producer
Moth grandSlam finalist, storytelling workshop facilatator, Producer of Divas in Danger & Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller (in it's ninth year, this city-wide events pays $100 a show to best tale, chosen by the audience.)
Join our mailing list to be in-the-storytelling-loop. Send an email : marianastoryteller@gmail.com
(It isn't too often, no worries)
Dear story enthusiasts...our stories continue to add up. Drama, tragedy, glass-half-full days, triumphs of kindness and awareness, and heaps of time to write these stories. We reflect, we go inside, then go really inside and search for the lessons of these pandemic days.
QUESTION: What about the end of season competiton for the greatest storyeller?
ANSWER: We do have our three winners, Jan., Feb. and March. We just have to wait for a bit and see what the mood is for gathering in the large numbers that always attend. Thank you supporters!
My staff and I miss you. One thing for sure is--we will have more shows this year. Also, in the planning stages is LONG BEACH STORYTELLING FESTIVAL 2021, involving all three storytelling groups in LB.
Below is this year's shows and winners. For past years, go to Storytelling Vintage page
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DETAILS OF FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 2020/ SEASON 9
LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER
$100 prize for top 6-minute true tale of the night, audience votes
The storytelling slam is held the first Monday of the month January-July at 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, three 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
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
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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
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JANUARY 6, 2020. First show of the year.
LIAM MC LAUGHLIN Wins, Rosalie runner-up
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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.
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)
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.
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:
MARIANASTORYTELLER@GMAIL.COM
$100 FOR TOP TALE
TO BE A PART OF THE SHOW,
ENTER 5 LINES AND SEND TO:
MARIANASTORYTELLER@GMAIL.COM
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
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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!
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
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APRIL 30 TELLERS
EMERSON DAMERON WINS AND RUNNER-UP, DENICE **** MAR. 26 TELLERS, EDWARD BEGGS WINS AND HEATHER CLISBY IS RUNNER-UP **** FEB.26, ANNIE MOOSE WINS AND KEITH WATANABE RUNNER-UP |
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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
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,
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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? marianaStoryteller@gmail.com
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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."
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
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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
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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
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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.
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www.facebook.com/MarianaLovesStories/?ref=bookmarks
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