The Way We… is Wordfest’s most popular original format, in which each writer has 7 minutes to share a story on a theme (which you are encouraged to interpret laterally and not literally). The best stories are anecdotal (and NOT a reading from your book).  Think of it as our version of The Moth. As you will discover through the sample audio clips below, the power of this showcase lies in the authenticity, variation in tone, and unpredictability of how each author chooses to approach the theme. 

After you tell your story, the show host will ask you a question about your story and a question about your book. (Listen to the audio samples below from 2024’s The Way We… Wear.) This showcase is followed by book signing, and it’s our biggest selling event of the festival.

We recognize that telling a story can be daunting. You were chosen for this format because we believe in you and know you’re ready to share something special. The audience is firmly in your corner: they are ready to support you, both on stage and then afterward in the signing line. We create a theatrical backdrop but can also show high-res visuals if they’ll add to your story. We’ll just need them in advance. 

Please reach out to Shelley Youngblut (syoungblut@wordfest.com) if you’d like to talk through how best to approach this opportunity.