The Gathering Bag
Remembering the Heroines of Traditional San Stories

Curated by Sue and Marlene Sullivan Winberg

“I cannot write, as we did not have writing in the past. We talked to each other and learnt from each other. This is how our knowledge survived. Write my stories on paper and make a book so that the people can remember”- Meneputo Manunga Manyeka, !xun Healer and Storyteller, 1995.

The Gathering Bag brings together ten traditional narratives originally told in the ancient !xun language, passed on by word of mouth for generations. These dramatic stories feature courageous, powerful women and smart, quick-witted girl children, set in the pre-colonial wilderness around the Okavango River and Namib Desert in southern Africa. Since then, most of the San people’s wild places have been destroyed. But their stories survive..

The Gathering Bag tells the story of how the group of !xun San storytellers, refugees from war-torn Angola, told their traditional stories to Marlene Sullivan Winberg over a period of three decades and what happened when Sue Hollingsworth released the stories to women storytellers from around the world during the Covid 19 pandemic.

My experience in reading The Gathering Bag consisted of a massive sense of recognition, wonder and gratitude to all involved for bringing this gathering bag full of resources to us for use in our own lives. – Dr Megan Biesele, Director Emerita, Kalahari People’s Fund. USA/Namibia.

Available from Amazon
October 2023; ISBN 979 8 86591 389 4; £16.41

The Storyteller’s Way
Sourcebook for Inspired Storytelling

Sue has co-authored the definitive guide to inspired storytelling.

Everyone can tell a story, but to tell it well you need a certain set of skills. Whether you’re starting out or want to develop your storytelling expertise, this book is an essential guide.

Use The Storyteller’s Way to tell stories for entertainment, teaching, coaching, healing or making meaning. It contains a wealth of stories, exercises, questions, tips and insights to guide your storytelling path, offering time-tested and trusted ways to improve your skills, overcome blocks and become a confident and inspirational storyteller.

‘Rich in their complementary talents, both generous and attentive teachers, this book is a testimony to the alchemy of Sue and Ashley’s work. On this storytellers’ journey, you will discover your confident self and your unique voice.’ —David Campbell, Foreword

Published by Hawthorn Press
February 2013; ISBN: 978 1 90735 919 4; £20