29 Comments
User's avatar
Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

Got my story today. It's the first time my first version was only 430 words. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't edit-walk-edit. I love that part. Can't wait.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Wow! 430. Can’t wait to hear it…

Lucy Conway's avatar

Somethings gone strange. The buttons on this post are asking me to subscribe, but I’m already a paid subscriber

Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm not sure I understand. I placed the buttons in the post (there are a bunch of them). Can you take a screenshot of what you're seeing and DM to me, Lucy?

Amy Ferris's avatar

What an extraordinary line up! Love these women. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Nan Tepper's avatar

It's a great lineup for sure! And wait until you find out who's gracing our stage in March for ERA Now, Dammit! Some major surprises. I'm so excited. I'm so glad you're here, Amy. I wish you'd start publishing your own stack. Then you could tell a story, too. xo

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

I gently suggest no paywall on the readings. It is a great way to attract new readers for everyone who participates! Just my take. 🌻💛

Nan Tepper's avatar

There is no paywall the anything posted on the site at this time and there probably never will be. Just like at The Next Write Thing. It doesn't work for me or how I feel about generosity. I don't want it to be exclusive.

There will be ticketing for entry into the live slam, paid subscribers will receive comps into the slam and will save on Eventbrite fees and they'll 12 shows for the price of $10.

I've made an application to a fiscal sponsor so that people who'd like to donate as sponsors and receive a tax deduction (in the US) for their donations will be added as guests to the live event, should they choose to attend.

This project requires us (me especially) to work on this extra full-time in addition to my design job. I have to earn something to justify the hours spent making this happen.

I'm living it, breathing it, and loving every minute. I'm providing a forum that's entertaining, supportive, transformative (ask the storytellers who were afraid to do this and did it anyway and came away with a new sense of self). It's community-building. I want it to grow.

It shouldn't be completely without cost. And it's more than reasonable to want to take care of it, grow it, and take care of myself and the other people who contribute their time and talents.

And, I'll never turn anyone away who'd like to attend a live show, but can't afford it. All they have to do is DM me or email me and let me know they'd like a ticket. Done.

I can't do this as only an act of good will and generosity.

We deserve to be paid for our efforts. We all do. But I won't do it by closing a door.

People can support the project or not. Up to them. A latte costs $10. And this is a whole more valuable than a latte. To reinvent accessibility we have to reinvent the system and opt in to support it. Or not.

Basically, I think you and I feel the same away. I'm getting my sea legs. Thanks, Kelly! xo

See my post this morning with the replay.

https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/the-love-boat-replay

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

You should do exactly what feels right for you.

Nan Tepper's avatar

I will. And sometimes that changes. And that's a very good thing. The community around me and who are engaged in WBTYS are supporting this conversation. Thank you so much for your input. I value it highly. xo

Carly Bryant Black's avatar

Just heard about this in Qstack's newsletter. I'm so excited for this!

Nan Tepper's avatar

YAY! Want to come tell a story at one of the slams? Take a look at the slam calendar. May is booked already but all the others are available! xo

Carly Bryant Black's avatar

That sounds so terrifying I just might do it. LOL

Nan Tepper's avatar

That makes so much sense to me. That's how I started. Absolutely terrified. But after my first slam, I was hooked. It's really helped me be out in the world, more. xo

I Can Only Give You Everything's avatar

Where is this being held ? Want to share with my echo chamber of readers and followers but there is no location.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Hi! It’s on Zoom. There are links to ticket buying opportunity and the other option is to become a paid subscriber to access all the live shows and the replays of the storyteller videos afterward.. Thanks for wanting to share it!

And if you want to come tell a story, take a look at the slam calendar and DM me.

https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/slam-calendar-themes

I Can Only Give You Everything's avatar

Oh I see so it is a fully online experience ?

Rita Novello's avatar

How do you submit a piece to read? Is there a vetting process of whether you are well known or is this open to everyday women? I understand and wish you well either way.

Lauren Gambill MD MPA's avatar

I love everything about this.

Nan Tepper's avatar

So, are you going to "do something"? Please?

We'd love to have you come tell a story!

I love when people love everything about WBTYS! xo

Lauren Gambill MD MPA's avatar

I’d love to!

Nan Tepper's avatar

I'll DM you tomorrow. But for now, take a look at the slam calendar of themes, and get a feel for the way we do the slam. And thank you for wanting to come play!

https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/start-here-wham-bam-thank-you-slam

Summer of Men's avatar

This sounds right up my alley!

Nan Tepper's avatar

You should come see the show. It's already booked, but there are 10 other slams scheduled for 2026. xo

Summer of Men's avatar

@Nan Tepper already booked, now why a I not surprised!? Looking up the schedule now:))

Nan Tepper's avatar

And May is fully booked, too. But March still has some open slots, and April is all about TAXATION!!!

xo

Amy Brown's avatar

This sounds like fun! Cant wait!

Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Amy! We have a great lineup. Beautiful people one and all. xo