The Power of Storytelling: An Interview with David Sage

David Sage, a passionate storyteller and resident of Story, Wyoming, has spent over 50 years captivating audiences of all ages with his extemporaneous tales. From backpacking trips in the Colorado Mountains to classrooms across the country, Sage’s storytelling journey began with a simple yet profound moment that sparked a lifelong mission to ignite imagination through narrative. In a recent interview, Sage shared the origins of his craft, its impact on education, and how storytelling can transform lives. His recent demonstration at the Story Library Resource Center showcased his ability to engage and inspire, leaving attendees eager for more.

David Sage is an accomplished author and storyteller whose formative years on his father’s Wyoming ranch inspired a lifelong passion for outdoor adventures and imaginative narratives.

The Spark of Storytelling

Sage’s storytelling career began unexpectedly during a family backpacking trip in the Colorado Mountains. When his six-year-old son, overwhelmed by the 15-mile trek, refused to continue, Sage offered to tell him a story. “He jumped up and was ready to go,” Sage recalled, laughing. This moment revealed a powerful truth: storytelling can mentally distract and motivate, even in the most challenging situations. David Sage’s kept his children and their friends engaged, turning grueling hikes into adventures fueled by imagination.

This experience laid the foundation for Sage’s storytelling philosophy. As his children grew, he began to fear losing his knack for extemporaneous storytelling. To preserve it, he volunteered in a kindergarten classroom, which marked the beginning of his work in schools. From elementary to high school, Sage has shared stories in classrooms across Colorado, Denver, and now Sheridan, Wyoming, never charging a dime. “I just love doing it, and I love the kids,” he said.

Imagination: The Key to Everything

For Sage, storytelling is more than entertainment, it’s a gateway to unlocking imagination, which he believes is “the key to everything.” Whether you’re a mechanic, doctor, or businessman, imagination drives problem-solving and creativity. In the classroom, Sage uses storytelling to foster this critical skill, particularly through an exercise where he tells a story, changes the ending, and asks students to write their own conclusion. “I tell them one page or less,” he explained, noting that some enthusiastic students could write ten pages if not guided. Days later, each student reads their story aloud to the class, building confidence and presentation skills.

This approach has proven transformative. Sage recounted working with “slower learning” students in Casper, Wyoming, where his sister-in-law was an elementary school principal. By engaging their imaginations, he helped reluctant students find their voice. “The ones who are really reluctant understand Mr. Sage ain’t gonna criticize,” he said. “Their imagination just goes by leaps and bounds.” This method not only boosts creativity but also translates to academic success, as students gain confidence in completing tasks without fear of being “wrong.”

Sage’s impact extends beyond academics. He connects storytelling to real-world applications, such as sports, where imagination helps athletes adapt to broken plays or outmaneuver opponents. “If you’re a plumber or a doctor with a serious heart issue, it all comes together,” he said, emphasizing that imagination is a universal tool for problem-solving.

From Oral Tales to Published Works

Sage’s storytelling eventually evolved into writing. In 2011, after moving to Wyoming, he began putting his stories to paper. His first project was a five-book historical fiction series based on a long tale about an Inca Medallion spanning 500 years, inspired by a summer school program in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Working with Hispanic students who were initially disengaged, Sage won over two influential students who became “gang leaders” in their high school. Their support transformed the classroom dynamic, leading to a play where students acted out scenes from the story, captivating the entire community.

Sage’s other works include a two-book series about the Barbary Coast Pirates, based on a 1631 raid in Ireland, and a sequel to his Inca series involving a woman warrior from a horse culture in Eastern Russia. His daughter, a skilled editor, has helped bring these stories to life, including producing audiobooks with AI narration, such as a British-accented version of the pirate series. All of Sage’s books are available on Amazon and at Jessica’s bookstore in Sheridan, with synopses on his website, davidsageauthor.com.

Storytelling in Education and Beyond

Sage’s work highlights the profound impact of storytelling on education and personal development. For parents and educators, he offers a simple yet powerful strategy: tell a story, change the ending, and let kids write their own. This exercise, which he now conducts via Zoom with his daughter’s online students, fosters imagination, confidence, and a love for learning. “Every single one of them wants to do it again,” he said, noting how it helps students struggling with discipline or academic performance.

In business, Sage sees storytelling as a way to stand out in competitive fields like real estate or insurance. While he emphasizes imagination over narrative alone, he acknowledges that a compelling story can create an emotional connection, giving professionals a memorable edge. His own real estate career thrived on solving complex transactions by creatively bridging gaps between buyers and sellers, a skill he attributes to his imaginative approach.

Captivate Your Imagination

David Sage’s storytelling journey is a testament to the power of imagination and narrative to inspire, educate, and connect. Whether in the classroom, on a backpacking trail, or through his books, Sage continues to spark creativity in kids and adults alike. To dive into his captivating historical fiction, visit davidsageauthor.com to explore his books.

 If you’re an educator or teacher interested in inviting David to share his storytelling magic in your classroom, reach out to him at davesageinstory@gmail.com. Let’s keep the art of storytelling alive and inspire the next generation of imaginative thinkers!