We were lucky to catch up with George Otieno recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, George thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started telling stories online during the Covid lockdown and I did not expect anyone to watch but I was pleasantly surprised when over 10k views were registered, I did it again the following weekend and the views almost doubled, and that is when I knew there was a niche here.

George, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up listening to stories as a child in my local village of Mfangano Island in the middle of Lake Victoria, the act of telling came naturally. But I had to join and follow other professional tellers who have been doing this for a long time and learn from them. Joined organizations like World Storytelling Cafe and National Association of Black Storytellers.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I tell stories that entertain, challenge and transform. When you take your audience on a journey and see them laugh, smile, hold their breath and or hang on your every word, there is nothing more rewarding. And that is why I tell stories.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Finding an agent is something that is difficult in the world of storytelling. Someone who can find gigs, book you, make the calls and keep up with your calendar can make a great difference to any storyteller. I work full time a Nurse so am unable to find sufficient time to look for gigs, make calls, email places to hire you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: fishmonger stories
• Facebook: George Oo
• Twitter: Fishmonger Stories
• Youtube: fishmonger stories
• Soundcloud: Fishmonger Stories
• Other: Fishmonger Stories on TikTok