Skip Skipworth is a liar – if Skip is even his real name.

Skipworth, of Highland Village, just took first place in the 21st annual Houston Storyteller’s Guild Liar’s Contest on May 23.

Oh, and his real name is Darrel.

His story is called "Mama’s Code." It’s about a mother who has trouble calling her kids, so she takes away their names and gives them numbers – One, Two and Four. Essentially, the story is about how Skip Skipworth got his name.

How long have you been telling lies?
“I used to be in Toastmasters and compete in Tall Tales competitions. So I decided to join the Dallas Storytellers Guild and North 40 Storytellers Guild. We’re basically groups of storytellers. Then I heard that the Houston guild was having a liars’ contest.

“The tales start out believable and then the more you tell the story, the more the audience realizes it’s a lie. It becomes more impossible as story goes on. And I like to take it all to a punch-line ending.”

Have you ever won before?
“This is the first time I’ve won going against professional storytellers. Toastmaster storytellers are not professionals. But a lot of the people I just competed against make an income telling stories … to kids at birthday parties or as keynote speakers.

“In Houston, I won a traveling trophy, which I have to take back next year. And I won a wall plaque. I can’t compete again, but I’ll go back next year and retell it.”

Did you practice?
“Oh yeah, a lot. I practiced about five to six hours a week. The thing that’s different about my story is that mine rhymes. It makes it a little more difficult. Others didn’t have to remember theirs word for word.”

Where did your lie come from?
“I wrote it about 1995. It was one of the first stories I won Tall Tales with. It runs about nine minutes. And I started practicing it about a month ago.”

How does your family feel about your hobby?
“They love it. They’re all excited about it. I actually met wife in Toastmasters.”

What is your day job?
“I’m an art director. I’m mostly doing contract work as an art director. I do concept work and design ad campaigns, logos and branding.  And I do some Web site design. But I’m always looking for new way to express myself.”

Would ever consider lying as a profession?
“Yeah, I’d kind of like to get into it professionally. By winning this contest, I’ve kind of made a name for myself. And the word will get around. Eventually I’ll probably put a tape together or write a book. I’ve got about 22 of these stories. Right now I’m kind of sowing the field.”