But Gale has a knack for tales - preparing short stories for his bride and children for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, and Christmas. This collection grew to over 200 titles, one following his daughters for more than thirteen years, chapter by chapter, year by year. Then, Gale stumbled into an uncommon opportunity and was recruited as Santa's Woodsman, the thirteenth in a line of men and women who serve the requests of Saint Nicholas. He quickly turned his pen to stories explaining the Magic of Christmas and the adventures of previous Woodsmen. While sharing stories from The Magic of Christmas after dinner, Santa labeled him as a "Storyteller." Awakened to his old calling he realized that he had been a storyteller in cultural arts programs, telling about "The Beast of the Highlands" and other legends about the Great Highland Bagpipes.
The collection of over 200 short stories continues to grow, and Gale has published several books about Santa's Woodsmen and The Magic of Christmas. As "Santa's Woodsman" he was tasked with telling the story of this remarkable lineage of men and women who work with Saint Nicholas to keep Christmas alive every day of the year. "A Quiet Service" in four volumes was completed in 2020. Working on the lineage of Woodsmen also gave Gale opportunities to explore unique tales of The North Pole. His bride, Christy, has illustrated three, and is working on another, of these stories Gale has told to delighted audiences, young and not-so-young.
But Gale is not just about Christmas. Once an avid piper (Great Highland Bagpipes), Gale wrote a two volume ficitonal history about the settling of the Scottish Highlands. "Vrenessbith" is filled with fierce battles, faeries, and hags of horrid character. He is now putting final touches / edits on "Treasured Adversaries" which chronicles the life entanglements of a wizard and dragon born on the same day. AND just to keep busy, he is working on a story about Time - what is it anyway?
Never idle, Gale has also written about personal exploration and faith. All Gale's books are available through your favorite book store or through Amazon.
Storytelling has become a passion. Gale has studied with several storytelling groups and won the 2014 Bold-Faced Liars' Showdown at the Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast, then followed it up with the South Carolina Liars' Championship in 2015. When not sharing tall tales, Gale offers original stories from the familiar campfire settings to those that tug at the hearts of lovers, and he still shares the True Magic of Christmas at every opportunity. Gale is co-founder of Village Storytellers in Raleigh, NC and creator of Raleigh's Front Porch Stories.
Few folks would call Gale's life fascinating or even a remarkable success, but spend a few minutes with this unique individual and you will appreciate just how special life is and how much magic surrounds us every day. Imagine the smiles filling your luncheon, group, or church hall as Gale weaves tales about life, faeries, Christmas, or maybe even sliding on rainbows. Stories can carry a tremendous message, softly, subtly and straight to the heart.
Click HERE to contact Gale about bringing his special touch to your next gathering.
Helping others reconnect with the Magic of Imagination and Creativity