Story Discovery Podcast

When a husband feels compelled to learn ice fishing, trying to be that father-figure for his son, bad things can happen. Travel onto the ice and experience the wonder of a lonely night sky and the father-son bond that makes adults do crazy things. After the reading, we talk with Chad Broughman about the spiritual nature of this story, his path to writing, and his call to all writers about their work. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Chad Broughman, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2023, all rights reserved.

On today's show we hear A Selection of Poems by Claire Scott. You'll experience the world through paper doll gods and accidents, alcoholic mothers, and stressed therapists. You'll smile as you cringe at the introvert's funeral and laugh at the search for lost purpose. Afterward, we talk with Claire about how her work as a therapist led to emotional release and healing through poetry, her experience of being published as well as her approach to writing, which sometimes includes approaching poetry through prose. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Claire Scott, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2023, all rights reserved.

Red. Blue. Which are you? Journey with Chloe and Ashland as they search for lost relatives after the partition. What they discover might just change both of them, and you. After the reading Eric Diekhans talks about the historical inspiration for the story and how he's built confidence as a writer. He also reveals a writing resource you won't want to miss and lays out his path from screenwriting to novel writing. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Eric Diekhans, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2023, all rights reserved.

What do you get when you mix a beat-down-silicon-valley-exile-turned-High-School-teacher and an attractive student with a dangerous proposition? You get Man-man by Bruce Overby. During today's show we talk with Bruce about the inspiration for this piece and his proclivity for writing about challenging societal topics and his focus on character in storytelling. Bruce also reveals how persistence, even after jumping into the writing game 'late in life', eventually yields results. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Bruce Overby, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2023, all rights reserved.

Broken hips, sick calves, and the snake-like strike of COVID coalesce in this narrative poem before unwinding into grief and choice. After the reading, Cathy Hammond reveals the unfortunate circumstance that created this piece and the iterative process she went through to create it. You'll learn how she writes when inspiration crashes into her, and the unique way she pulls ideas out of the 'pool.' She discusses her slow journey to writing and shares her tips on getting the ideas while the ideas are hot. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Cathy Hammond, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2023, all rights reserved.

A midwestern woman takes a nine-month reprieve from her clockwork husband and average life to study cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. There she discovers sumptuous temptations beyond delicate pastries and French accents and embarks on a flight that leads to unexpected outcomes. After the story, award winning food writer, chef, and novelist, Mary Carroll Moore, reveals her own journey to writing, the types of stories she finds most engaging, and the idea of deserved happiness. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Mary Carroll Moore, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Addiction, redemption, death and Greek gods will inhabit your soul after hearing these poems by one of our Fall Contest Honorable Mention winners, Meggie Royer. After the reading, Meggie reflects upon her struggles and personal journey revealed through these works. She also discusses her passion for helping others and the creation of a literary and arts journal for abuse survivors, Persephone's Daughters. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Meggie, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Birds, the evaporation of time, and constellations are all featured in these poems of reflection by one of our Fall Contest Honorable Mention winners, Delaney Gray. During the interview Delaney reveals her passion for food, cooking, and capturing everyday moments in words. She's a Nashville resident with a treasure trove of cookbooks, as well as insights, into the recipe of productive writing and journaling. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Delaney, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show features our Fall Contest Third Place winner, Tess is her Name, by Michail Mulvey. Prose contest judge Katie McDougall said “With a voice that sings with subtle characterization and musicality, the narrator suggests “in-between” lives of his neighbors below and above, ultimately illuminating his own lonesomeness, a pining for meaning and connection. The author masters the art of flash fiction; short in length, Tess is her Name is expansive in aboutness.” Michail was unable to participate in our interview, so after the reading, Melissa and JW discuss Michail Mulvey's background and how it relates to this flash piece. Melissa and JW also discuss the merits of NaNoWriMo, Writers Groups, some of the writing resources they've used over the years, and most importantly, how to sign-up for Melissa's weekly newsletter and Onyx Publications' mailing list! If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Michail Mulvey, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Funerals, lost companions, and complicated doctors feature in these poems of grief by our Fall Contest Second Place winner, Smeep. Poetry judge AM Ringwalt said “I was struck by the author's playful command of sound and syntax in Funereal Dis-ease. Grief and the grotesque are repeatedly alluded to as the speaker almost sings through an uncanny—and not-quite-dissectable—situation.” During the interview we hear Smeep's inspiration for these poems, what it's like to survive a plane crash, and how just living life will improve your writing. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Smeep, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Can a relationship built on movie-watching survive? Today's show features our Fall Contest First Place winner, Rome, by all means Rome, by Kevin Broccoli. Prose contest judge Katie McDougall said “Rome, by all means Rome, takes the reader into the theater of a failing marriage, characterized by the couple's obsession with the movies. The self-assured voice, artful structure, and robust use of metaphor work in tandem to create a nuanced narrative of the relationship and of the narrator's own sense of self.” Afterward we talk with Kevin about his own experience with relationships and movies, and the inspiration for this story. Kevin also reveals how his background in theater influences his approach to writing. Most importantly, we learn his secret to writing a short story every week. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Kevin Broccoli, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show is a special edition from our archives. One of our Fall 2022 Contest judges, AM Ringwalt, discusses poetry by Dennis Maloney as well as reads and unpacks her own work, Some People. These six poems by Dennis Maloney will take you from beaches to mountains to bedrooms. Lush with imagery and loss, we're sure you'll enjoy them all. After the narration, special guest AM Ringwalt, professor of creative writing at Belmont University and a premier Nashville poet and singer-songwriter, talks with us about poetry basics.  All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show is a special edition from our archives. We hear the prologue for a work-in-progress by local Nashville writing fixture, and one of our Fall 2022 Contest judges, Katie McDougall.  It's Allison Bosch's sixtieth birthday and she's hiking a seldom-traveled ridge in the San Juan Mountains where her husband died sixteen years prior. What happens when her dog, Jez, encounters a mountain goat will leave you wanting to read the next chapter. After the reading, we talk with Katie about her teaching background, writing method, working with agents on this novel-in-progress, and about The Porch, a Nashville non-profit that support writers through education and community. If you'd like to learn more about Katie McDougall, head over to www.katiemcdougall.com. Find more information about Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

In a futuristic, post invasion Taiwan, a woman reflects upon beauty, lovers, and things that never change. Afterward we speak with author Juan Torregrosa (a multi-lingual interpreter) about this work and his experience of living in China for over 15 years, writing in non-native languages, and the hot and cold relationship he has with reading and writing. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Juan Torregrosa, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.  

Noodle is pleased to discover a ‘special' born amongst the newest chicks. His older sister is even more pleased, knowing this will keep Noodle occupied as she seeks enlightenment without interruption. Follow these siblings on their individual journeys that coalesce into a singular discovery. After the reading we talk Ronly Blau about the various inspirations for this work, as well as her own journey with meditation, yoga, and ayurveda. Ronly provides insight to the benefits of co-authoring her book, The Mindbody Cleanse: A 14-Day Detox and Rejuvenation Program from Ancient Ayurveda, and most importantly, she recalls the first book that brought her to tears, and revealed the power of storytelling. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Ronly Blau, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

On today's show we talk with interdisciplinary artist, Skye Gilkerson. Her essay relays a personal journey revealing a parallel link between humanity's connection with our planet and our bodies. During the interview, you'll learn of Skye's unique outlook on making both visual and prose art. She discusses burning her decades of journals as a form of creation, as well as the benefits of not completing your work. If you'd like to read this essay or learn more about Skye Gilkerson, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

After receiving repeated phone calls, messages, and inquiries asking to purchase her home, widowed Deloris sets out on a mission to deliver her own kind of justice to these phone spammers. What she discovers might surprise you. What she does about it reveals the true character of shrewd women. Afterward, we talk with Lynn about her previous work as a police lieutenant and how that influenced and impacted her writing. You'll also hear how Lynn's maverick ways, and role as one of the early women to take on police work, shaped her community and her personal life. If you'd like to read this work, or learn more about Lynn Hesse, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show feature five poems by Elaine Sorrentino. Find release in your breath, know the pain of violence and choice, and wonder at the seduction of luxury and the lack of courtesy. Elaine's poems range from lighthearted reminiscence to  shadow filled rooms. Afterward, Elaine explores the inspiration for these works and shares the journey and joy of her upcoming, co-written book, The Girl Scout and the Hitchhiker. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Elaine, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

When a new-to-the-neighborhood arrival receives multiple unstamped and wax-sealed letters, she embarks on a quest to reveal the true-identity of the author. Journey with her as she discovers the surprising truth. After the reading, we talk with Sarah Butkovic about her ongoing studies in English and her exploration of creative writing. More importantly, she reveals a unique aspect of her home that served as an inspiration for the story. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Sarah, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show is a special edition where we hear an excerpt from Fake, a novel by John DeDakis. In the era of “fake news,” when facts are suspect and reporters are targets, White House Correspondent Lark Chadwick is thrust into the midst of a media-bashing frenzy. Fake is a real-life look behind the scenes at the ethical struggles of a female journalist in a #MeToo world walking the line between personal feelings and dispassionate objectivity – trying to discern the difference between what's real . . . and what's fake. After the reading, we talk with John about his background as a journalist, how he came to write a series with a female protagonist, and how the narrative spin by both supporters and detractors of the Vietnam War propelled John into journalism. If you'd like to learn more about John DeDakis or buy any of his Lark Chadwick series, head over to www.johndedakis.com. Find more information about Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show features a work of non-fiction by Larry Patten about his personal writing journey. You'll laugh, curse, and commiserate with Larry as he walks you through some early-highs and later-lows. Afterward, we talk with Larry about lesson's learned, the relationship of ministry to writing, and most importantly, about the first book that made him cry. If you'd like to read this work or learn more about Larry Patten, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Not all choices are choices, and some result in devastating consequences -- on lives, on families, on relationships. After this flash fiction work, we talk with Gene Turchin about the germination of this story and its many iterations before landing at Onyx. Gene also espouses the benefits of writing every day and exploring multiple genres, including some that might surprise you. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Gene Turchin, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved

Rose is itching to get home and let the pencil loose on the page, but a chance encounter with a street evangelist changes her trajectory. Will she get the chance to etch the contours of his skin, or does the universe have other plans? Afterward, we talk with James Roderick Burns about how everyday encounters become small moments of inspiration that find their way into his stories. You'll also hear Rod's passion for New York history, and specifically Anthony Comstock, founder of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice. Yep, it's as interesting as it sounds! If you'd like to read this work or learn more about J. Roderick Burns, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Today's show features a work of fusion by Brad Buchanan. Walk with Brad as he narrates a medical journey revealing interwoven links between life and poetry. Discover the unique medical battles he's overcome only to face new challenges with his father's strange symptoms. Afterward, we talk with Brad about the medical ordeal his life became, and how his wife, writing, and a lot of grit, helped him do more than just survive. If you'd like to read this work or learn more about Brad Buchanan, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

On today's show we hear five poems by Sandra Newton. Travel to faraway lands with memories that are not your own. Know the challenge of creating verse from thought. Disappear like the memories of childhood, and laugh at the loss brought by aging. Sandra's poems explore the experience of being human with all its wonders and regrets. Afterward, she shares her journey to writing, which might include a stop in the middle-ages, and advice on improving your craft through determination. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Sandra, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

A co-ed middle school sleep over, filled with awkward boys and confident girls, leads to competitions, dares, and firsts -- pleasant memories that not even chocolate can destroy. During the interview, Francis Miller reveals the inspiration for the story, and how memoir-turned-fiction equals fun and creative story telling. He also elucidates his path for leaving a high-paying day job to pursue his passion. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Francis, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

You're sitting shirtless on the front porch with a coffee and no job. You imagine your self-loathing is seated beside you, awaiting your next dumb-ass move, ready to spin you further into derision. Does redemption await across the street, or is that another step toward alcoholism? After the story, we talk with Rebecca Cuthbert about her cobbled together path toward writing, her work as an editor, and the inspiration behind this story. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Rebecca, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

On today's show we hear four poems by award winning writer and newspaper editor, Dana Yost. Escape into the woods. Laugh about the joke gone wrong. Discover solace in a lonely super power. Know the lure of obsession. Dana's poems are raw and honest, as is his interview.  After the reading, Dana shares details about struggles with an illness always jockeying for the front seat of your mind, and provides insight on believing in your writing. If you'd like to read Dana's poems or learn more about him, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

An unexpected visit by his father-in-law while his pre-teen daughter and friend are crafting ‘happy memory' homework is enough to make Paul see phantoms of his dead wife. The question is, does anyone else see them too? During the interview we talk with Stephen Policoff about this chapter from his upcoming book, The Dangerous Blues, as well as his fascination with delusional beliefs and the supernatural. Stephen discusses how playwriting has improved his fiction writing and give tips for minding your writing feedback. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Stephen Policoff, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

On today's show we hear five poems by Kimberly Thornton. Her works take you from soaring skies and intimate connections to dark places where death worms its way into your being. Afterward, we talk with Kimberly about how relationships are key to her writing and the importance of observation in understanding others and ourselves. If you'd like to read these poems or learn more about Kimberly Thornton, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, poetry, and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Heather welcomes the challenges of modern frontier living with her childhood sweetheart and their children, but as time and things change, she wonders if the parts of her she's lost are gone for good. During the interview, we talk with Jerri Jerreat about her love and respect for nature, and how that weaves its way into her work. You might also learn a surprising lifelong wish, and we guarantee it will surprise you! Jerri also offers insight into ways writers can improve their craft by riding the bus. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Jerri, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2022, all rights reserved.

Peter is wrestling with the passing of his mother and what it means for the choices he's made and is making. A chance meeting at a local bar finds him wandering small town backroads looking for something -- maybe even answers. After the story, we talk with Tacheny Perry about the roots of this story and how her personal experiences filter in. She also provides a perspective on getting an MFA in Writing and how that helped focus her energy. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Tacheny, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Peter is wrestling with the passing of his mother and what it means for the choices he's made and is making. A chance meeting at a local bar finds him wandering small town backroads looking for something -- maybe even answers. After the story, we talk with Tacheny Perry about the roots of this story and how her personal experiences filter in. She also provides a perspective on getting an MFA in Writing and how that helped focus her energy. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Tacheny, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

An energy healer struggles through the pandemic by lightening the load of the locals. When the lockdown restrictions are lifted, she finds that the tangled past of her newest client is irrevocably enmeshed with her own. After Tiffany reads her own work, we talk with her about the inspiration for the story and how the struggles in her childhood impact the way she creates, as well as the unique process she uses to take a story from notes to manuscript. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about T.Vojnovski, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

An energy healer struggles through the pandemic by lightening the load of the locals. When the lockdown restrictions are lifted, she finds that the tangled past of her newest client is irrevocably enmeshed with her own. After Tiffany Vojnovski reads her own work, we talk with her about the inspiration for the story and how the struggles in her childhood impact the way she creates, as well as the unique process she uses to take a story from notes to manuscript. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about T. Vojnovski, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Patrice worries about her determined aging mother who refuses to leave her three-story Queen Anne Victorian home. In search of a caregiver, mother and daughter discover the challenge and gravity of taking care of one another. During the interview, author Kendall Klym explains the motivation behind the story, the impact of dance on his writing style, and how he interprets storytelling. It might just ‘move' you. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Kendall, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Patrice worries about her determined aging mother who refuses to leave her three-story Queen Anne Victorian home. In search of a caregiver, mother and daughter discover the challenge and gravity of taking care of one another. During the interview, author Kendall Klym explains the motivation behind the story, the impact of dance on his writing style, and how he interprets storytelling. It might just ‘move' you. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Kendall, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

The pandemic lockdown has everyone on edge and the outside world is a place where friends and relatives are trapped inside little boxes on screens. Some are more trapped than others. When the lockdown lifts, what will old high-school acquaintances do to protect one of their own? After the reading, we talk with Cheryl Rieger about the impetus for the story, her writing journey, and her ‘seventh' novel. She also offers great tips for tracking the complexities of writing mystery and writing in general. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Cheryl, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

The pandemic lockdown has everyone on edge and the outside world is a place where friends and relatives are trapped inside little boxes on screens. Some are more trapped than others. When the lockdown lifts, what will old high-school acquaintances do to protect one of their own? After the reading, we talk with Cheryl Rieger about the impetus for the story, her writing journey, and her ‘seventh' novel. She also offers great tips for tracking the complexities of writing mystery and writing in general. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Cheryl, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

On today's show we hear five poems by award winning author, Kate Banks. Experience the silence of stillness, the succulence of figs, and the grandeur of an ancient orange tree. Her poems explore that space between known and intimated, and once you're there with her, you might not want to leave. Afterward, Kate shares her view on discovering stories and getting inspiration. We also discuss her skills as a certified hypnotherapist as well as some turning-point life experiences that have shaped her inner journey. This is an interview rich in energy and information. You'll get more out of it than you think. If you'd like to read Kate's poems or learn more about her, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

A dead lawnmower, teachers dropping like flies, and a neighbor bent on enforcing homeowner association rules. What more is there to say? This is a story of death, dereliction, and dandelions from the perspective of a high school teacher whose summer break is becoming wilder by the day. During the interview, we talk with author John Eric Vona about the inspiration for the piece, his approach to discovering stories, and how his musician father-in-law taught Eric the most valuable lesson about writing. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Eric, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

On today's show we hear five poems by award winning author, Kate Banks. Experience the silence of stillness, the succulence of figs, and the grandeur of an ancient orange tree. Her poems explore that space between known and intimated, and once you're there with her, you might not want to leave. Afterward, Kate shares her view on discovering stories and getting inspiration. We also discuss her skills as a certified hypnotherapist as well as some turning-point life experiences that have shaped her inner journey. This is an interview rich in energy and information. You'll get more out of it than you think. If you'd like to read Kate's poems or learn more about her, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio, story, and poetry material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Today's show is a special edition where we hear the audiobook prologue for Beneath the Marigolds, a debut novel by Nashville writer Emily Whitson. When her friend and sponsor, Reese Marigold, goes missing after attending Last Chance, an exclusive singles' retreat on a remote island off the coast of Hawaii, no-nonsense lawyer Ann Stone infiltrates the retreat. Ann quickly realizes there's more to Last Chance than meets the eye. The extravagant clothes, never-ending interviews, and bizarre dates hint that the retreat is a front for a reality dating show. Could Reese be safe, keeping a low profile until the premier, or did something sinister occur after all? Afterward, we talk with Emily about her inspiration, her strong belief in writers' groups, and the importance of editors. If you'd like to read this book or learn more about Emily, head over to her website at www.emilycwhitson.com. For more information about Etched Onyx Magazine, you can find us at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material, except for the audio prologue, are copyright Onyx Publications, 2021, all rights reserved.

A dead lawnmower, teachers dropping like flies, and a neighbor bent on enforcing homeowner association rules. What more is there to say? This is a story of death, dereliction, and dandelions from the perspective of a high school teacher whose summer break is becoming wilder by the day. During the interview, we talk with author John Eric Vona about the inspiration for the piece, his approach to discovering stories, and how his musician father-in-law taught Eric the most valuable lesson about writing. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Eric, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved. 

The tale of Louis' downward trajectory is one that every attendee at his AA meeting can relate to. Circumstances, bad choices, chemistry, aligning like chemical bonds. His story of addiction and disaster unfolds on the streets of Baltimore. Will it end with hope? After the story, we talk with Henry Cherry about how his photography, poetry, and letter writing has improved his craft as a writer. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Henry, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Today's show is a special edition where we hear the audiobook prologue for Beneath the Marigolds, a debut novel by Nashville writer Emily Whitson.  When her friend and sponsor, Reese Marigold, goes missing after attending Last Chance, an exclusive singles' retreat on a remote island off the coast of Hawaii, no-nonsense lawyer Ann Stone infiltrates the retreat. Ann quickly realizes there's more to Last Chance than meets the eye. The extravagant clothes, never-ending interviews, and bizarre dates hint that the retreat is a front for a reality dating show. Could Reese be safe, keeping a low profile until the premier, or did something sinister occur after all? Afterward, we talk with Emily about her inspiration, her strong belief in writers' groups, and the importance of editors. If you'd like to read this book or learn more about Emily, head over to her website at www.emilycwhitson.com. For more information about Etched Onyx Magazine, you can find us at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material, except for the audio prologue, are copyright Onyx Publications, 2021, all rights reserved.

Earl has taken a turn for the worse, and Alice believes she was never meant to be a mother. The blue room offers her escape, and a place to conjure on futures and pasts. Where will the signs lead? After the reading, we speak with Peter Gooch about his own conjuring, the writer's muse, and that place where inspiration hides -- between the conscious and unconscious mind. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Peter, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

The tale of Louis' downward trajectory is one that every attendee at his AA meeting can relate to. Circumstances, bad choices, chemistry, aligning like chemical bonds. His story of addiction and disaster unfolds on the streets of Baltimore. Will it end with hope? After the story, we talk with Henry Cherry about how his photography, poetry, and letter writing has improved his craft as a writer. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Henry, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Brianna encounters a stranger on the NYC subway who inserts himself in her life. Despite her attempts to shun him, he persists. Follow Brianna and her unborn child as they navigate the travails of NYC streets and strangers. For today's show, Melissa and JW talk about the unique circumstances of John Mahoney and his story. Although John was unable to participate in-person for the interview, JW and Melissa discuss the answers he provided in advance. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about John, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Earl has taken a turn for the worse, and Alice believes she was never meant to be a mother. The blue room offers her escape, and a place to conjure on futures and pasts. Where will the signs lead? After the reading, we speak with Peter Gooch about his own conjuring, the writer's muse, and that place where inspiration hides -- between the conscious and unconscious mind. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Peter, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Nellie's state of mind leads to a crash that breaks her arm, but her limb isn't the only thing that's broken. Follow Nellie as she smooths the sharp edges of her life into curves while hiding the truth from her brother. After the reading we talk with Piper Gourley about her writing style, her inspiration for the story, and writing about people in that space before crisis and intervention. If you'd like to read this story or learn more about Piper, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.