CHATTERBOX SHAKES IT UP
It’s a new year, and Chatterbox has no resolutions, but does have some hopes, wishes and new ideas—and is making some changes.
Out With The Old…
Chatterbox: Stories from a Noisy Life celebrates its first birthday on March 18, 2026. (Yes, I plan to have a slice of vanilla sponge with buttercream icing birthday cake.) Seems like a good time to me to head off in new directions. That starts with a redesign of this newsletter. Maybe switching to Substack—still free to readers—but I’m also looking at other platforms. While that’s in development, I’ll be zipping email updates to you from my storiesbaw@gmail.com address. Changes are coming to www.barbaraworton.com too. So, please check in with my website every now and then. I will still be doing events, interviews and podcasts. It would be great to see you in the audience if you can make it. And of course, I’m still writing, trying some new stuff. I’ll let you know how it goes. Accountability is important for me. Keeps me honest so I get things done. So, I’ll go public with some of what I’m working on and report in on how it’s going. Until then, this issues of the newsletter starts with some upcoming and very exciting events and shares some wonderful memories. Read on, McDuff!
In With The New!
February 20, 21, 27 & 28: The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later
I’m treading the boards, being a thespian, acting—albeit for maybe four minutes—in Director Laura Iacometta’s production of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. Geoff is in the show too. He plays Moises Kaufman—a big part. We are both so excited to have roles in this important show. Thank you to Laura and OffBook Productions for casting us.
The story: In 1998, Matthew Shepard, was tied to a fence and brutally murdered in Laramie, Wyoming. The Tectonic Theater Project brought Matthew’s story to the theaters across the country. Ten years later, they are back with a sequel: The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. The Tectonic team went back to Laramie to see how the town was faring since the widely publicized hate-crime. Had the town changed, was there still a lot of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, how were the murderers? What they found was shocking, as was the media coverage from outlets like 20/20 that claimed the murder wasn’t a hate crime but a drug deal gone bad.”
Tickets are on sale now at https://offbookproductions.ludus.com. I and the rest of the talented company hope you can come and support community theater. Thank you.
February 22, 2022: Writers Read, THE LOFT at City Winery
I have wanted to read at a Writers Read (www.writersread.org) event for ages. And on February 22, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. I will! Yay! I’ll be telling my story “Immune Systems” with a group of amazing storytellers at THE LOFT at City Winery, 25 11th Ave., NY, NY. The event’s theme is “Body Language: True Stories of Illness, Recovery, and Discovery,” and the program is a collaboration with Bellevue Literary Review. Here—right from the Writers Read and City Winery websites—is what it’s all about:
“This special collaboration marks Bellevue Literary Review’s 25th anniversary year. Join us for an entertaining afternoon as talented writers from across the country take the stage to present their true, personal, five-minute stories—literary work exploring the extraordinary demands placed upon the human body and mind.
“Hosted by Dr. Danielle Ofri, Editor-in-Chief of BLR and Edward McCann, founder of Writers Read, this curated program of crafted narratives is raw, cathartic, and surprisingly funny—original stories presented by a cast of writers who prove that even in our most vulnerable moments, we possess an undeniable resilience.
“Relax and enjoy the afternoon with us! While writers share their tales, you can share food and wine at your table with friends. Reception follows. Doors open 12:00 for lunch.”
Tickets are on sale now at https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/writers-read-bellevue-literary-review-present-bo-kzr352. Hope to see you there!
Podcasts Coming Soon!
I have two in the works. Can’t wait. I’ll be in touch with dates and links.
FUN, FUN, FUN
ARTS BY THE PEOPLE: December 3, 2025 and January 7, 2026
The poets and writers at The Platform celebrated the holidays on December 3 with a workshop and open mic and a lot of laughs. We were back together again on January 7 for the launch of Platform / Review 3. I am so proud to have one poem and a prose poem in the journal. Featured poets and writers read. There was an open mic AND cookies made by me. Yum. Yum. Go to the ARTS By The People website to learn more about their wonderful work and here to purchase a copy of the book.
Conversations Magazine: December 25, 2025
Cyrus Webb interviewer, author, reviewer, Amazon influencer, etc., etc. stepped up with a great Christmas gift this year—the release of the Fall 2025 issue of Conversations Magazine. Yep, that’s me on the cover, and inside is my “[AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT] Take Ten with author Barbara Worton.” Cyrus is a great interviewer, and I am so proud of this conversation we had. You can read it here, and you can buy a copy of Conversations Magazine on Amazon. Big thank you to Cyrus. You can follow him on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Back To School, January 7, Rutherford High School
Jess Katz is a superstar teacher at Rutherford High School. I had a chance to see her in action on January 7. She invited me, Andrew Katz, Laura Iacometta and Joan Katz to speak to her English class on “Public Speaking in the Real World: How Communication Shapes My Career.” The event was held in the school library and was the best experience. Read all about it. It was an honor to take to the podium with Laura and Joan and with Andrew by video. One of the coolest things about the day was that each of us took a different angle on the importance of public speaking, and I think that gave the students a rounded perspective on the subject.
I love sharing my work experiences with students getting ready for college or their careers. The icing on the cake is when they ask questions and share their creative writing and art work. I love having those conversations, and they leave me feeling optimistic about the future.
Thank you to Jess, her class, the Principal and Assistant Principal at Rutherford High School for being there and for your kind words about our presentations. How I wish I’d had an English teacher like Jess back in my school days at Alfred G. Berner High School. Thank you, Ms. Katz for the invitation.
A GENTLE REMINDER: IF THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS HOPE.
OWN IT—Laverne + Ralph
I have to believe the quote I shared above. So, in my small effort to combat lies and keep hope alive, here comes a shameless act of self-promotion. I am one-quarter of the band Laverne + Ralph. And if there was ever a song that is right for these times, it’s our tune “Own It.” You can listen to it on our website: www.laverneandralph.com/tunes and on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and all streaming services. Enjoy.
Want To Bring Chatterbox To A Bookstore, Library, Italian Restaurant, Coffee Shop, School, Book Club, Etc., Near You? Please get in touch. Email me at barbara@barbaraworton.com. And let’s talk date, time and place. Thank you!
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