ONCE UPON A CRISP SPRING OF 2022, two beastly little writers could be found in their 5 a.m. writing caves, clacking, chatting (and occasionally crying) their way through drafts.

It's us, hi, we're the beasts!

Those writing sessions eventually took the shape of lengthy craft talks that prompted us to do something equal parts terrifying and wonderful: to be brave, stay beastly, and chase our dreams. STORYBEAST Podcast clawed its way into existence later that year. Now, we've interviewed countless master creatives and encouraged thousands of passionate listeners to pursue their creative gifts with imagination, grit, kindness, and snacks. STORYBEAST has morphed from its podcast roots into an organization that champions the transformational power of story and centers community in pursuit of a better world. As we continue to grow more beastly arms, our podcast remains a consistent touchpoint for our followers (hello, beasties!)

If you love snacks, have uncapped story passion and beastly grit, then we'd love to have you as part of our community!

WHAT IS A STORYBEAST?

The concept behind STORYBEAST is that as we create stories, that process also changes us. Your storybeast is a manifestation of how you imagine story changes you. Discover the storybeasts of some of our guests.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE STORYBEAST PODCAST?

Readers will hear us digging into the stories we love, making recommendations and running giveaways of some of our favorite books/associated story art. You’ll also hear directly from storytellers who’ll join us in our Legendary episodes where we’ll give you the opportunity to send us your questions before the interview.

Storytellers will find us exploring craft in all its forms, across mediums and genre. We may both be writers, but we hold a deep love for story beyond the written word too. As we examine storytelling aspects in all its forms, we’ll bring in experts (head over to our Meet the Legendaries tab) to deep dive into their fountains of story wisdom.

Both readers and storytellers can sign up for our exclusive bonus story content.

And of course, we’ll always save a few minutes to chat snacks!

WHAT ARE THESE BEASTLY ARMS OF WHICH YOU SPEAK?

SO MANY, SO MANY! STORYBEAST has a whole menu of secret story things coming your way. We’ve already launched our craft workshop arm (check out our debut conference here) and can’t wait to let you in on the other exciting offers launching soon. If you’d like to hear about them first, you can sign up below for our newsletter.

MEET THE BEASTS

  • Courtney Shack

    FOUNDER, CO-HOST, PRODUCER

    Courtney is one half of Storybeast. She lives, works, and writes in Virginia. She has experience in graphics and other artforms of storytelling. She’s a devout reader and wordsmith of both the romance and fantasy genres. Courtney enjoys long talks about the joys and struggles of storytelling over coffee, even long after her cup has cooled. Find her on Instagram @cshackwrites.

  • Ghabiba Weston

    FOUNDER, CO-HOST, PRODUCER

    Ghabiba is the other half of Storybeast. Born in Africa, she bumped around the world until she landed at the opposite end amid a toppling pile of books and a growing collection of plants. She writes MG, YA, and Adult fantasy, thrillers, and speculative fiction. Snacks and tea (mint or ginger) are her love language. She shares story pebbles and snippets of poetry on Instagram @ghabibaweston.

MEET THE MASCOTS

  • Sweet P.

    STORYBEAST MASCOT

    Sweet P, formally known as Sweet Potato, has been a committed member of the Storybeast Team since its formation in 2022. A veteran of making things up, you can find Sweet P barking at unseen specters and well-meaning neighbors from her bench in the window or curled up at Courtney’s feet while her human writes. 

    Writing advice: It’s important to take breaks with your loved ones, but it's also important to promise violence to your enemies. Never compromise on either and you will always succeed. 

    Favorite snack(s): Pasta, rice, chips, popcorn, and the occasional dental stick.

  • Zuko

    STORYBEAST MASCOT

    Zuko (all hail ATLA fans), joined the Storybeast Team at 8 weeks old in 2023. Smart and sassy, Zuko has perfected charming unsuspecting writers into taking breaks and giving him treats. Don't be fooled though--touch his human, and...well, you know the trope!

    Writing advice: Break the rules, be charming about it.

    Favorite snack: I will eat absolutely anything as long as it’s not my Very Expensive Kibble.