Start Here: Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam!
I'll point you in the right direction...and you may be surprised.
Why did I start Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam!?
I’ve been performing in local, live story slams since 2015. When I began, I had very little stage experience and I was barely writing. But life conspired to present an opportunity for me to get out of my own way and try something new. Something daring. I challenged myself to feel and face my fear, put it to the side, and get up on the stage and tell the stories of my life.
It only took one slam and I was hooked.
I wanted to create a slam on Substack since I landed here 2 years ago, but I knew I needed to wait so I could make friends, find my feet, and get acquainted with what’s possible on this platform. I began scheming and dreaming of all the ways I could champion storytellers here, and do my part to help others succeed.
Now, I’m offering you an opportunity to tell your stories, get your name out to a wider audience, find new readers, and make connections with a great community of wonderful writers and creators.
Given the state of the world and the backlash we, as women, are seeing and feeling, I decided to make the slam a feminist space. We welcome any writer who doesn’t identify as male to join this community as a storyteller.
And anyone who does identify as male is welcome to join us as an audience member.
Qualifications:
1. You publish on the Substack platform.
2. You have something to say about being a woman or marginalized in this culture.
3. You’re a wild lefty feminist troublemaker; antifascist and want to make change.
4. A sense of humor is always nice, but not mandatory.
5. You can tell a story in about 500 words/4 minutes or you’re dying to try.
6. You’d like to have some fun.
Ways to support Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam!
I’m asking you to support this project by making a financial gesture that feels right to you. An annual paid subscription grants you access to every live show and all paywalled posts. You get 12 live shows for the price of 10.
There’s a founding member level; you get to be a “Big Mama.” This level is for those of you who can afford to give a little more, especially if you believe in this project and would like to help it grow.
Reach out to us directly if a paid subscription is onerous, and we’ll comp you, no questions asked. I don’t believe in one-percent attitudes here.
My bottom line? I want to spotlight writer’s words and wisdom. Women’s words.
I’m a little Pisces fish swimming in the greater Substack Sea. It’s easy for us to get lost. Community is exactly what I need right now, so I’m making it, and hoping you’ll come play.
The world is crazy. Let’s build something good together.
Sisters are indeed, doing it for themselves.
Let’s talk about “Zero dicks.” Again.
The question keeps coming up. I think people might be taking this a little too seriously. To me, the fact that there’s been dismay means something powerful is happening.
That’s an opportunity for a conversation. But this first. Maybe it’ll clear things up.
Our tagline is “1 story. 4 minutes. Zero dicks.” Using the word “dick” is intended to be tongue-in-cheek. As in “don’t be a dick.” Meaning “don’t be an asshole.”
In life, and on the stage.
That applies to men and women. Yes, this is a feminist project. No. I don’t hate all men, just the bad ones. I don’t like hating anyone, but sometimes my hand is forced. Making the choice to not invite men to be storytellers is more about saying no to male privilege, mansplaining, and manspreading. It’s not about a body part.
I’m happy to know that there are plenty of people who find humor in the tagline. For those of you who don’t, oh, well. Different strokes. Don’t read anything into that.
We can take ourselves a little less seriously and have some fun. I’m sure of it.
After an important conversation with a dear Substack friend who was concerned about the tagline, for reasons I didn’t consider, here’s some info on inclusivity and gender and how it’s being addressed in this space. This one’s important.
I believe in generosity. I believe in supporting others.
Step onto this virtual stage, face any fears you might have and tell us your life stories, we want to hear what you have to say. You may discover something new about yourself in the process.
Live storytelling has been one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done.
Each story slam is recorded on Zoom.
After each live show we edit the video and each story will be posted.
Are you a writer who wants to tell a story? Read more here for the lowdown.
Are you a wonderful and enthusiastic audience member looking for your next great entertainment? We have a post for you, too, because without you, we’re a just a good idea with nowhere to go. Check out your awesome role here.
I have nothing against dicks. I birthed a person who has one. Nevertheless, they need not be everywhere. From riotously raucous to masterfully mellifluous, this sounds like so much fun.
Happy SLAM Day!!! 💚💙💜🩷