I began telling stories as a volunteer in my daughters' school. But I grew up hearing stories from Cuban and Southern storytellers, and I learned a great deal by just being quiet and listening.

Listen to great storytellers; slowly, you will learn about voice, timing, tension, structure, climax - all the things you need to tell stories that will capture the imagination of your audience.

Listening to others does not mean you should sound like them; find your own voice by telling stories as authentically as possible.

I did comedies for 10 years and I learned a great deal.

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.

If you tell stories you love, you will never tell them with indifference - take it to the bank.