"Everything I learned about life, I learned while on the back of my horse."

Connie Gill is a storyteller who has recently received her Master's degree in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. She has traveled with the ETSU Tale Tellers to area schools telling stories to children. She has told stories at the National Storytelling Festival's Swapping Grounds in Jonesborough, at Greenville's Iris Festival and Tellabration Celebration. She is a member of the National Storytelling Network and a performing member of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild.

Born in Montana and raised in North Idaho, Connie literally grew up on the back of her horse. "Everything I learned about life, I learned while on the back of my horse." She was involved extensively in the 4-H programs. With the reins of her horse in one hand and a butterfly net in the other, she grew up completing a variety of 4-H projects. Her storytelling ability and ease in front of an audience came from many award-winning illustrated talks and demonstrations.

As an adult, Connie has led 4-H groups, worked as an elementary teacher and has owned and operated a day-care business and a family gym. She has raised two sons while being a stay-at-home Mom some of the time, and along with that responsibility, has coached T-ball and soccer. It is a diversified path but it is all material from which she draws her stories.

Connie lives in Limestone, Tennessee with her husband, two college-age sons and a variety of pets including two horses, one named Cody who she rides for pleasure and to participate in Cowboy Mounted Shooting. She has recently had a children's book accepted for publication.

Connie has been telling stories in one way or another since childhood, but began her professional storytelling career in college. She says her favorite thing to do is "to spin a yarn."