Narrative with imaginary elements
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Not Thirsty***Written by: Anne Luebke and Narrated by: Danielle Hewitt***The Donkey Lady***Written by: C.W. Stevenson and Narrated by: Nate DuFort***Support the show at patreon.com/creepypod***Sound design by: Pacific Obadiah***Title music by: Alex Aldea Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bigfoot Observed on the Mississippi RiverIn the summer of 2017, while fishing alone on the lower Mississippi River near Osceola, Arkansas, a man encountered an approaching storm. He moved his boat upriver to shelter behind a small island with trees and overhanging willows, tied off, and covered himself with a tarp as the rain began. From his position, he noticed a large, dark, hairy figure—approximately 8 feet tall—about 200 yards away on the opposite bank. The creature waded waist-deep into the water and deliberately moved to startle invasive Asian carp, causing them to leap out of the water. It then swatted the jumping fish onto the bank, successfully catching several.As the rain intensified and visibility dropped, the narrator last saw the creature gathering the fish in its large hands and retreating into the trees. The narrator concluded that the creature had secured a good meal that afternoon.Join my Supporters Club for $4.99 per month for exclusive stories:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-if-it-s-true-podcast--5445587/support
Oil seizures, Venezuela's economic challenges, and Trump's surprising plans to acquire Greenland. Nate discusses the implications of the US military seizing two oil tankers, including a Russian vessel, examining the economic and geopolitical ramifications. He also addresses the controversy around Venezuela's oil reserves, the nationalization of their oil by Trump, and the collapse of their socialist economy, debunking the claim that US sanctions were the primary cause. Finally, Nate explores the buzz around Trump's interest in buying Greenland, examining its potential benefits and ethical considerations. Tune in for an in-depth analysis and libertarian perspective on these critical issues. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Seizure of Oil Tankers 00:40 Venezuela's Oil Reserves 02:54 Trump's Greenland Ambitions 05:49 Economic Implications of Acquiring Greenland 10:58 Venezuela's Nationalized Oil 15:13 Debate on Protecting Property Rights 19:59 Skepticism About Venezuela's Oil Reserves 23:19 Venezuela's Oil Reserves: Fact or Fiction? 24:28 Debunking the 300 Billion Barrel Myth 27:29 US Sanctions and Venezuela's Economic Crisis 31:08 The Mismanagement of Venezuela's Economy 34:51 The Impact of Subsidies and Corruption 37:05 The Role of Government Policies in Economic Collapse
Send us a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Katie Bernet. Katie is an author living in Dallas, Texas. She's an award-winning creative director, a long-standing member of the DFW Writer's Workshop, and the director of the 2025 DFW Writer's Conference. The oldest of three sisters, she's a diehard fan of Little Women. We are here today to discuss her debut novel, Beth is Dead.Episode Highlights:Writing Beth is Dead while living with her sisters, and how those real-life dynamics quietly found their way onto the page.A simple but powerful writing exercise that helped her move past resistance: making a love/hate list and choosing to write toward what felt hard.What changed for her when she reached the end of revisions and realized she understood Beth March in an entirely new way.She talks about which March sister was the most challenging character to write.A gentle reminder that creativity isn't exclusive or earned - it's something we all carry.Connect with Katie:InstagramWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara KingsolverDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverHarry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone by J.K. Rowling (full-cast audio)Enchantment by Orson Scott CardGirl Dinner by Olivia BlakeThe Scammer by Tiffany D. JacksonBook FlightLittle Women by Louise May AlcottSo Many Beginnings by Bethany C. MorrowLittle Monsters by Máire RocheThe 2026 Bookish Flights Reading Challenge is here - a simple, nostalgic way to be intentional with your reading. One book per month, with options for individuals and families. Download it at https://www.bookishflights.com/read/2026readingchallengeSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website
Join Joe Pisapia, Chris Welsh, and Scott Bogman LIVE on Twitch every Monday afternoon at 2:00 PM ET at twitch.tv/fantasypros. The guys discuss everything happening in the football world, both in fantasy and in reality, while having some fun along the way! Timestamps: (May be off due to ads) Intro - 0:00:00 Ravens vs Steelers Reaction - 0:01:29 Wildcard Weekend Schedule & Predictions - 0:05:50 Head Coach Changes - 0:20:50 Favorite Moments of The Week - 0:23:21 Fact or Fiction - 0:28:23 3-1-1 Contest Results - 0:34:35 Playoff Touchdown Call Contest - 0:35:15 BettingPros Premium - 0:38:08 Helpful Links: Hard Rock Bet - All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet. Sign up for Hard Rock Bet and make a $5 bet and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if you win. Head over to Hard Rock Bet, sign up and make your first deposit today. Payable in bonus bet(s). Not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-888-ADMIT-IT. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA). My Playbook - Sync your league instantly to My Playbook to get custom advice on how to manage your team throughout the season. See your league’s top available players, power rankings, and more for free! Check the “Are They Playing” tool each week to get the latest game-day availability odds for all injured players. If you’re premium – you unlock all kinds of helpful waiver, trade, lineup and league analysis tools. You can even auto-start your team’s optimal lineup each week with Auto-Pilot. Sync your league and dominate every week of the season with My Playbook at fantasypros.com/myplaybook or on the FantasyPros App Follow us on Twitch - The team here at FantasyPros is taking questions all week, every week on Twitch. Follow us on Twitch at twitch.tv/fantasypros and never miss a stream! Discord – Join our FantasyPros Discord Community! Chat with other fans and get access to exclusive AMAs that wind up on our podcast feed. Come get your questions answered and BE ON THE SHOW at fantasypros.com/chat Leave a Review – If you enjoy our show and find our insight to be valuable, we’d love to hear from you! Your reviews fuel our passion and help us tailor content specifically for YOU. Head to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts and leave an honest review. Let’s make this show the ultimate destination for fantasy football enthusiasts like us. Thank you for watching and for showing your support – https://fantasypros.com/review/ BettingPros Podcast – For advice on the best picks and props across both the NFL and college football each and every week, check out the BettingPros Podcast at bettingpros.com/podcast, our BettingPros YouTube channel at youtube.com/bettingpros, or wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Missing Person Case - Bigfoot Cover UpThe day after Christmas, two experienced college student duck hunters launched their jon boat into an oxbow of the Mississippi River to hunt during the final week of their holiday break. They were cautious, well-equipped, and familiar with the dangers of the cold, flooded winter waters, yet they never returned. Their vehicle and trailer remained at the ramp, and by nightfall a search began. The narrator, a second-year Federal Game Warden patrolling a nearby wildlife refuge in the Mississippi Delta, joined the effort that night and continued searching the next day. Deep in a remote, flooded timber area of the refuge, he discovered the boys' boat—severely damaged, folded nearly in half as if crushed by enormous weight. Decoys were still out, but no hunters were present. Large, barefoot tracks surrounded the wreck, leading away into the woods. No drag marks or bodies were visible, suggesting something had carried the men off. The warden photographed the scene, then followed the tracks inland while armed. As a helicopter approached overhead, his memory abruptly ends. He next found himself the following day, December 28, in clean clothes at the sheriff's office, with no recollection of the previous 24 hours. A report bearing his signature described only accidental boat damage—no mention of tracks, crushing, or animal signs. When he returned to the site, the boat had been recovered and appeared merely damaged, not folded. The giant tracks were gone, replaced by ordinary human boot prints. The disposable camera photos he had taken were all blank or blurred. The official search continued for another week but found no trace of the young men—no bodies, no gear beyond a couple of old shotguns unrelated to the case. The boys remain missing decades later. The warden never amended his report or publicly shared what he initially witnessed, confiding only years later in a trusted colleague. He notes that he has never again experienced missing time, but that he and other longtime officers in the lowland delta refuges have accumulated similar unexplained stories that never reach mainstream missing-persons investigators. The narrative strongly implies a cryptid encounter—likely Sasquatch—responsible for both the disappearance and the subsequent alteration of evidence and memory.Join my Supporters Club for $4.99 per month for exclusive stories:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-if-it-s-true-podcast--5445587/support
Gerald Howard is the author of The Insider: Malcolm Cowley and the Triumph of American Literature, available from Penguin Press. Howard retired in 2021 as executive editor and vice president of Doubleday Books. He received the 2009 Maxwell E. Perkins Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Fiction and has worked over the years with authors such as Paul Auster, Don DeLillo, David Foster Wallace, Debby Applegate, Hanya Yanagihara, Pat Barker, Sean Wilentz, and Bill Bryson. Howard's essays and reviews have appeared in Bookforum, The New York Times Book Review, The American Scholar, London Review of Books, n+1, Slate, and other publications. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. This episode is sponsored by Ulysses. Go to ulys.app/writeabook to download Ulysses, and use the code OTHERPPL at checkout to get 25% off the first year of your yearly subscription. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Get How to Write a Novel, the debut audio course from DeepDive. 50+ hours of never-before-heard insight, inspiration, and instruction from dozens of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Subscribe to Brad's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's Relic Radio Show begins with In The Train, the March 13, 1939, episode of The Columbia Workshop. (28:44) Gunsmoke follows with Pussy Cats, from March 21, 1953. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio979.mp3 Download RelicRadio979 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show
HT2494 - Bridging the Gap Between Life and Fiction I've been thinking a lot lately about the role of media in our generation and the growth of fiction. Most of what we see on television is a fiction, video games are a fiction, so much of YouTube is a fiction, and even social media includes a significant amount of fiction. AI is going to compound this. It's not surprising that so much of photography (a quintessential 20th century medium) has become a fiction. Is it fair to say that our generation, compared to our ancestors, have been thoroughly seduced by the fictions of media? As a means of resistance, is it possible to use photography as a tool to bridge the gap between life and fiction? Show your appreciation for our free weekly Podcast and our free daily Here's a Thought… with a donation Thanks!
Big Shot Bob – Ep 243 – They Stole Their Soul In this packed episode of Big Shot Bob, Robert Horry, Brandon Harper, and Rob Jenners kick off the new year with episode 243. They start by catching up on their holiday adventures. Robert shares about his family gatherings and the fun he had with games, while Brandon reminisces about his family traditions. The co-hosts also discuss their favorite holiday moments, setting the stage for the exciting topics ahead. The episode progresses into a deep dive into the NBA season, with a special focus on the latest developments and rumors. The hot topic of discussion is the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. Robert, Brandon, and Rob unpack the implications of such a trade, potential trade partners, and what the future holds for both Trey Young and the Hawks. They also delve into the impressive performances of various NBA teams and players, including Kevin Durant's recent game-winner and Jalen Brown's MVP-caliber season. As the episode transitions into college football, the trio revisits their picks and predictions, sharing their thoughts on the recent quarterfinals and upcoming semifinals. They have an insightful discussion about the surprising performances and potential outcomes of the big games. The hosts also reflect on their ultimate bucket list experiences, sharing personal yet relatable aspirations. Closing the episode, they play a fun and engaging game related to NFL coaching changes following the end of the regular season, adding a perfect mix of knowledge and humor to wrap things up. 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Recap 03:19 New Year's Traditions and Resolutions 09:31 NBA Holiday Highlights and Shaq Gummies 10:22 Western Conference Standings and Analysis 17:26 Kevin Durant's Comments and Superstar Mentality 25:27 Eastern Conference Standings and Trade Rumors 38:46 Jalen Brown's Rise and Boston's Performance 41:25 NBA Cup Curse: Fact or Fiction? 42:46 NFL Playoffs and Bowl Games Recap 44:27 College Football Quarterfinals Breakdown 57:32 Bucket List Adventures and Big Shot of the Week 01:02:53 NFL Black Monday Game
Burcu Karahan on her translation of “One Thousand and One Kisses: The Most Joyous and Flirtatious Stories” (Translation Attached). The book brings together 65 stories blending humour and eroticism, published anonymously in 1923-24. The stories are a fascinating time capsule of a vanished age, but much remains unknown about who was behind them. Please support Turkey Book Talk on Patreon or Substack. Supporters get a 35% discount on all Turkey/Ottoman History books published by IB Tauris/Bloomsbury, transcripts of every interview, and links to articles related to each episode.
Send us a textHappy New Yeak, beefeaters! Our hiatus is ending! Next week we'll resuming our normal programming and will be returning to every other week releases! As a special treat here's one more installment of our Patreon-exclusive series. It's a DnD expansion set where we play food people instead of the regular races in DnD, which was SO much fun. Alissa plays a seductive cup of tea, Andrew a buff and egotistical energy drink, and Dalton a quick-witted popsicle.....? That's right, we've got someone else in the DM chair -- MICHAEL ADAIR!!! Join Andrew, Dalton and Alissa, a.k.a. Redd Bullington, Papa Cicle, and Norma Baggs! A ragtag crew of former adventurers pulled out of retirement to solve the curious case of the blight of the Green Witch. Having just escaped the incredibly acidic citrus rain! Our heroes find themselves in another sticky situation! Now with the meek (yet canabilistic???) Chiclet in tow, how will they escaped the likes of a molded Taquito???? Tune in to find out in the latest episode of DUNGEON RADIIIIIOOOOO HOUUUURRRRR!!!!!!!!!:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::THIS SHOW IS NSFW AND NSFK (Not safe for kids. sorry kids!)Our DM is Michael AdairOur Players are Andrew Gehrlein, Dalton Riddle & Alissa AdairTheme song by Dustin HookSound effects from Zapsplat and PixabayBackground music by Lexin_Music, DELOsound, JuliusH on PixabayPlease check out our Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, AND NOW PATREON on our Linktree to keep up with the latest DRH news!Bye for now~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Support the show
Jacqueline Mitchard is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 novels for adults and teenagers, and the recipient of Great Britain's Talkabout prize, The Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson awards, and named to the short list for the Women's Prize for Fiction. Her first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, with more than 3 million copies in print in 34 languages. Mitchard's essays also have been published in magazines worldwide, widely anthologized, and incorporated into school curricula. Her latest novel is The Bird Watcher. Learn more at: JacquelineMitchard.comIntro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.
The Writing Community Chat Show is back for 2026, and we are kicking off Season 17 with a masterclass in humor. Whether you're writing a laugh-out-loud sitcom or looking to inject a bit of levity into a dark thriller, this guest is the person who quite literally “wrote the book” on the subject.We were joined by the legendary Dave Cohen. a founding member of the Comedy Store Players, a BAFTA-winning songwriter for Horrible Histories, and a writer for iconic shows like Spitting Image and Not Going Out.Dave shared his incredible journey from Leeds to the heart of the UK comedy scene, offering invaluable advice for writers at every level.Key Takeaways from the Interview.* Comedy is Character: Dave emphasizes that the best jokes aren't just one-liners; they are born from character. In comedy, the obstacle isn't just an external “baddie”—it's often the character themselves looking in the mirror.* The “Momentary Removal of Sympathy”: Referencing comedy guru Dennis Norden, Dave explains that we laugh at characters like Stan and Ollie or Basil Fawlty because of a brief break in our sympathy, only to reconnect with their humanity moments later.* Humor in Genre: You don't have to be writing a “funny novel” to use comedy. Dave discusses how writers like Mark Billingham use humor to provide a necessary change of pace and relieve tension in even the grimmest thrillers.* The Shakespeare Mindset: Dave gave us a sneak peek into his brand new project, The Shakespeare Mindsetpodcast. He explores how Shakespeare was essentially writing “sitcom” elements into his deepest tragedies and why the Bard is the ultimate guide for navigating the complexities of modern life.* Finish the First Draft: A vital tip for all writers: use a different “brain” for each draft. The first draft is for getting it down without judgment; the third or fourth draft is where you start “punching up” the jokes.Connect with Dave Cohen.Dave is passionate about building a community for comedy writers. If you're looking for a writing group or want to hone your craft, you can find his courses, his novels, and his new podcast at davecohen.org.uk.Watch or Listen Below.You can watch the full interview right here or head over to YouTube to join the conversation in the comments. The Writing Community Chat Show is also available on all major podcasting platforms. Our Spreaker Prime Show.Watch it right here:The WCCS is a live-streaming YouTube podcast featuring interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. We were recently ranked #3 in the Top 10 writing podcasts in the UK for 2025.Together as one, we get it done!Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes time, effort, and resources — from live streaming and editing, to event hosting and outreach. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us continue providing a platform for authors, please consider donating directly to our PayPal. Every contribution goes right back into growing the show and supporting the writing community.Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheWCCSEven the price of a coffee makes a difference in helping us keep the lights on, the mics live, and the conversations flowing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Sam's farming career, and we talk to writer and musician Austyn Wohlers about her intriguing and beautifully written novel, Hothouse Bloom.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina Edited and Mixed at ATX Audio Post
Today Karmen sits down with sits down with Ella Khort, an adult fiction novelist and psychiatrist, to discuss the parallel themes in their writings and the power of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling. Ella shares her inspiring journey of balancing a challenging career and family life while pursuing her passion for writing. They explore themes of emotional truth, generational trauma, and the importance of self-discovery. Ella's novels delve into the complexities of life and the personal growth that comes from embracing your authentic self and refusing to continue hiding your emotions. This episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the deeply connective power of women's stories.Connect with Ella:IG: @ellakhortauthorCheck out Locked Away here.https://a.co/d/fTXzYYaAnd Unlocked here.https://a.co/d/21DW8yrConnect with Karmen and A Line:aline-online.comIG: @alinestoriespodcast@alineboutique@karmenberentsenYouTube: A Line BoutiqueTikTok: @a_line_boutiqueCheck out Karmen's memoir Learning to Fly, here.https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Fly-Memoir-Karmen-Berentsen/dp/1735235008
This week on Relic Radio Science Fiction, Dimension X brings us a story titled, Beyond Infinity. This one originally aired July 21, 1950. Listen to more from Dimension X https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/SciFi914.mp3 Download SciFi914 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support Relic Radio Science Fiction
ACOFAE Podcast Presents: Heavenly Tyrant: "Seven months to save the world." Happy New Year! ACOFAE is thrilled that you've joined us for 2026! Could there be a better way to set the tone and kick off 2026 than with Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao?! Picking up almost right where ACOFAE left off in book 1, Heavenly Tyrant reunites readers with Zetian and all of her wild decisions as the government has been destroyed and someone has to pick up the pieces. Qin Zheng was that man before, can he be that man again? A book filled with politics, schemes, chrysalis', and complicated social structures Heavenly Tyrant explores what happens when great change is enacted. Looming over all of these plot points is the Heavenly Court and it's secrets. Join Laura Marie and Jessica Marie as they reiterate that the triangle is the strongest shape, and that decisions that seem great on paper can be disastrous upon implementation. TW / CW: none to our awareness For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao Mentions: Heavenbreaker, *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review and follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/) at @ACOFAEpodcast and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura?) ( https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica?) (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica) Instagram: @ACOFAEpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/) https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/ @ACOFAELaura (https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/) https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/
In this episode, we explore the magic behind the Aubrey–Maturin novels—often hailed as the greatest naval fiction series ever written—and uncover what makes Patrick O'Brian's storytelling so enduring, vivid, and beloved.Dr Sam Willis speaks with Dean King, O'Brian's acclaimed biographer and one of the foremost experts on the author's life and work.Together, we delve into the rich themes that define the books: the complex friendship between Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin; the interplay of duty, loyalty, and personal conscience; the transformative nature of life at sea; and the fine balance O'Brian strikes between high adventure and intimate human drama. We look at how he blends naval action with music, science, medicine, espionage, natural philosophy, and the deep emotional landscapes of his characters.Dean also guides us through the thrilling and turbulent world of the Napoleonic Wars—an era of global conflict, revolutionary change, and unprecedented naval innovation. It's a period bursting with dramatic sea battles, political intrigue, scientific discovery, and the human costs of empire, all rendered with O'Brian's unmatched historical precision and wit.Packed with insights into O'Brian's craft, influences, and the real history behind the novels, this episode is a must-listen for long-time fans and newcomers alike. We also speak with Peter Leech, who runs the hugely popular Patrick O'Brian Appreciation Society on Facebook, one of those rare online communities that genuinely reflects the spirit of the books it celebrates. It's warm, knowledgeable, generous, and filled with people who love to share insights, nautical lore, historical tidbits, and favourite passages with genuine enthusiasm. The group balances deep expertise with a hugely welcoming approach, making it a place for newcomers just discovering Aubrey and Maturin while offering a treasure chest of scholarship, humour, and camaraderie for long-time readers...a finer crew of enthusiasts would be hard to find. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it possible to set goals as a writer? As a creative? When there are so many different variables that go into creating a story? In this episode I go into the reality of goal setting as a writer, especially one just starting out (with 4 books or less). I believe in going into the new year with eyes wide open, but also with encouragement. Let's get those books written in 2026! And not falling into the pit of thinking we should be on track with everyone else out there.Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell or on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katcaldwell.author
We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with an introduction to Beowulf.Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/rK0IWdhM9ikListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmindPurchase the complete Fiction & Philosophy of C.S. Lewis course here: The Fiction & Philosophy of C.S. LewisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.
Send us a textA large thud on the roof accompanied by a familiar heartbeat can't mean anything good. The part continues their quest for the heart shard in Port Wayworth.The Unknowing | Unquenchable Thirst Arc | Episode 5Theme song by Ryan Springman. Website: https://www.notherrealm.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notherrealmpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NotherRealm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notherrealm TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notherrealm
Fiction Break: 100 WORD HORRORS #1 Written and Narrated by Steve StocktonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
durée : 00:14:05 - Les Nuits de France Culture - par : Antoine Dhulster - Cette émission est le neuvième volet d'un entretien en douze parties que Roger Caillois accorda à Jeannine Worms en 1970. Dans cet épisode Roger Caillois évoque la littérature de science-fiction et ses liens avec le fantastique. - réalisation : Antoine Larcher - invités : Roger Caillois écrivain, éditeur, membre de l'Académie française
Desparate to for conversation, LittleWolfBird brings in Doom.Daddyyy and Mr. LWB to watch the teaser and final trailers of HBO's forthcoming "Tales of Dunk and Egg" adaptation, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Enjoy LWB trying to explain when and where AKOTSK is set and its plot, as someone who hasn't read the novellas without giving anything away, Doom.Daddyyy coming in hot with the cultural tie-ins and perfectly timed yet completely accidental puns; and Mr. LWB, a man of few words, using them at the right time.Doom.Daddyyy is a professional voice over artist who lends her voice to LittleWolfBird's A Song of Fan and Fiction project because she's her sister.Mr. LWB is a live enterntainment engineer and entrepeneur. If the name didn't give it away, he is LWB's partner.The Silent Sisters have built the rookery and are receiving ravens!Support the show by dropping a penny, copper star, silver stag, or golden dragon in our metaphorical cup. Recording, editing, and mixing were done by LittleWolfBird. The Silent Sisters Podcast: Website | Tumblr | BSky Music by Mattstagraham Profile Art by Mondongo Credit to George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire, Fire & Blood, and related works, and HBO's Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The Silent Sisters Podcast is an gen A.I.-free podcast. Generative A.I. is a destructive and harmful tool and as such, this show does not knowingly use any version of it. No aspects of this episode may be used, altered, duplicated, redistributed, or published elsewhere without direct and written permission.
Happy New Year! It's Episode 520, Ryan and Jose are joined by David Blair and Erik Van T'Holt for our 15th annual year in review episode, 2025 in review. We talk about all the cool Barker-related stuff that happened in 2025. This is the Clive Barker Podcast, where long-time fans Ryan and Jose interview guests, bring you the news, and take deep dives into Barker-related stuff. This episode will be available in Podcast Audio and Youtube Video. Sponsor : Don Bertram's Celebrate Imagination | Pinterest | ETSY Store Check out his recent paintings, Self Acceptance, Fireflies and The Waiting Room II, Sponsor : Ed Martinez YouTube Channel | Internet Killed the Video Star Sponsor : The Now Playing Podcast Ed and Nina's 2025 with Hellraiser 2022. Discussion: 2025 in Review Patreon Members Shout-Out (Become a Patron) David Anderson Erik Van T' Holt Daniel Elven Amanda Stewart Bradley Gartz Matthew Batten Bennett Jesse Clara Leslie Timothy Ramakers Terry Murdock Sponsor: Don Bertram's Celebrate Imagination Sponsor, Ed Martinez YouTube Channel Sponsor : The Now Playing Podcast Show Notes Episode 502 514 | Hellraiser Revival | Announcement Red Band Trailer | Bloody Disgusting Episode 518 | Hellraiser 2022 4K Blu-Ray set : Order Here 499 Wishmaster Commentary with Peter Atkins The Book Club of Blood Youtube Playlist David: New Comics from Crowdfunding Hellraiser 2022 Soundtrack on iTunes Store Suntup The Hellbound Heart Opur Interview Episodes: Roy Robbins | Jason Lyles | Barbie Wilde | Don Bertram and Hans Rueffert | Nicholas Vince | Del Howison Night of the Zoopocalypse David: Re-Listening to old episodes of the Clive Barker Podcast 500th Episode Jose's Graham Humphreys Hellbound Poster Creepy Pasta Article Candyman: The True Story of the Bathroom Mirror Murder: Episode | The Podcast Commentary: Enter the Dragon The Now Playing Podcast Ryan's Podcast Commute | YouTube | Tiktok Lord of Illusions in 4K End of Jericho Squad 77 D&D Game Just in! The BarkerCast Interviews Occupy Midian 2nd Ed Coming up for 2026 Portrait Study Book Club of Blood : Confessions of a (Pornographer's) Shroud Clive's Contemporaries: 1978 More News, Reviews and Interviews, And this podcast, having no beginning will have no end. web www.clivebarkercast.com Apple Podcasts, Android, Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, Libsyn, Tunein, iHeart Radio, Pocket Casts, Radio.com, and YouTube and Facebook: | BarkerCast Listeners Group | Occupy Midian BlueSky | Reddit | Discord Community Support the show Buy Our Book: The BarkerCast Interviews Occupy Midian Hardcover | Kindle | Apple Become a Patreon Patron | Buy a T-Shirt Music is by Ray Norrish All Links and show notes in their Entirety can be found at https://www.clivebarkercast.com AI Summary of our chat Hellraiser Community Engagement Discussion The group discussed their New Year's Eve experiences and introduced themselves, with José, Ryan, Erik, and David Blair joining the call. They shared their anticipation for upcoming game announcements, particularly the Hellraiser Reviver, and highlighted the growth of the related Discord community. José mentioned fan screenings of Hellraiser franchise movies and the community's engagement with actors. The group also touched on the significance of the Hellraiser Reviver Discord server and its activities, including interviews with actors and fan-made content. Hellraiser 2022 Blu-ray Bonus Features The group discussed the recent Hellraiser 2022 Blu-ray release, which included bonus material provided by Ed and Nina Martinez featuring 3D files and imagery of Leviathan tech used on the Cenobites. They highlighted the inclusion of a steelbook, two audio commentary tracks, and a full-color booklet with artwork by Keith Thompson, noting that the booklet was in German and would need translation. José and Erik shared their excitement about the release, with José mentioning the importance of Ed and Nina's YouTube channel in providing interviews for the bonus features. Erik praised the Wishmaster commentary with Pete Atkins as a favorite episode, while Ryan appreciated the "Book Club of Blood" series for providing engaging content during a period of limited new releases. Book Club of Blood Series The group discussed their Book Club of Blood series, with Ryan suggesting creating a separate YouTube playlist for these episodes. They explored upcoming stories, including one about frog races and world politics. The conversation shifted to independent creators and Kickstarter projects in the horror and sci-fi genres. Erik shared his experience funding soundtrack Kickstarter campaigns, particularly for The Chairman. The group discussed the challenges of featuring music in their content due to streaming platform restrictions. They agreed to review the Hellraiser soundtrack, with Erik offering to share his review in Dutch. Hellraiser Media and Celebrations The group discussed several topics related to Clive Barker and Hellraiser media. José shared his excitement about a new Suntup edition of the Hellbound Heart, which features a beautiful design and limited editions. Ryan mentioned conducting interviews with various Hellraiser-related individuals, including Roy Robbins and Jason Lyles. Erik expressed enjoyment of the Night of Zoopocalypse movie and commentary. The group also celebrated their 500th episode and discussed a new Hellraiser poster by Graham Humphries that José had received as a private commission. Reality and Fiction in Media The group discussed various gaming and movie-related topics, including haunted characters in video games and the true crime podcast about the Candyman story. They explored the intersection of reality and fiction, particularly in true crime podcasts and movies based on real events. The conversation concluded with a discussion about their upcoming movie commentary project, which will focus on films from 1978, with a poll to determine the next movie to cover. Podcast Polls and Barker Discussion The group discussed creating a poll for their podcast, deciding to centralize all polls on their blog and share them across platforms. José shared his collection of Clive Barker character portraits and mentioned a particularly moving interview with Nicholas Vince about his life and work. Erik expressed appreciation for Now Playing Podcast's sponsorship, while the group also discussed various movie franchises like Anaconda and Darkman. Ryan attempted to demonstrate the Barker Cast Studio setup but experienced technical difficulties with his camera connection. Clive Barker Projects Update The group discussed various topics related to Clive Barker's work and their own projects. Ryan shared updates on his studio setup and recent activities, including a TikTok video. José mentioned the completion of the Jericho Squad 77 campaign and the release of the second edition of the BarkerCast interviews book. They also discussed potential future projects and releases for 2026, including possible new movies, plays, and poetry books by Clive Barker. The group agreed to start a new series in 2026 focusing on Clive Barker portraits and to continue with their regular content of news, reviews, and interviews. Clive Barker Projects Update The group discussed upcoming projects and predictions for Clive Barker's work, including potential sequels and adaptations. They noted that while some projects were in development, others had faced setbacks, such as a TV series that lost its studio backing. José encouraged listeners to follow their podcast for updates on Barker's work, and the group shared plans to ring in the New Year with family and work commitments. Streaming's Impact on Entertainment Industry The group discussed José's work schedule and potential job changes, followed by a conversation about streaming services and YouTube Premium. They explored the dominance of YouTube compared to other streaming platforms and discussed how major companies like Google and Apple could potentially acquire studios to compete with traditional media. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the future of movie theaters, including the impact of streaming services on box office attendance and the potential for theaters to be converted into other uses. Future of Movie Theaters Evolving The group discussed the future of movie theaters, with José suggesting that while traditional theaters may not disappear soon, they might evolve to become more gimmicky with features like 4D experiences and bars. They also discussed the history of home video formats, including the failed DivX format, and the current trend of YouTube adding AI-generated captions to videos. The conversation concluded with a discussion about potentially doing a live YouTube stream for their podcast, though they expressed concerns about the technical challenges and managing the chat.
Psychic Predictions for 2025 and Rogue Predictions; News Items: Psychology Intervention for ADHD, Biological vs Artificial Consciousness, Fentanyl Vaccine, Possibility of Orbital Disaster; Who's That Noisy; Science or Fiction
Depending upon the narrative, American Indians were either noble creatures who were victims of a genocide by rapacious European settlers or were bloodthirsty savages. The truth is more nuanced.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/american-indians-separating-truth-fiction
659. John C. Rodrigue joins us to discuss his research on the Civil War and Reconstruction. John is a prominent historian specializing in the U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, known for his deep focus on slavery, emancipation, and the Lower Mississippi Valley, with key books like Reconstruction in the Cane Fields and Freedom's Crescent, exploring how the war transformed Southern society and Lincoln's evolving views on Reconstruction. He's recognized for meticulous research and contributions to understanding the complex transition from slavery to free labor, earning awards like the 2024 John Nau Book Prize for his 2023 work. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Richard Emmons wrote an "Epick Poem" about the Battle of New Orleans: "Now when the States with soul-abhorrence saw Britain's design to wage a Vandal war — That spoils and rapine fill'd her heart with joy — That all her thoughts were loosen'd to destroy, — One voice from Florida to Maine was heard, To rise in panoply and draw the sword — Grace, Hampton, Norfolk, Baltimore — of late, Urg'd their uniting with unbroken weight, To guard their cities smiling on the sea, From the rude grasp of spoiling Royalty. This week in Louisiana history. January 2, 1860 Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana near Pineville, Louisiana opened with Col. William Tecumseh Sherman as superintendent, would later become LSU, Seminary opens with five professors and 19 cadets This week in New Orleans history. Troy Andrews (born January 2, 1986), also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty has worked in jazz, funk and rap music. Andrews is the younger brother of trumpeter and bandleader James Andrews as well as the grandson of singer and songwriter Jessie Hill. Andrews began playing trombone at age six, and since 2009 has toured with his own band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. This week in Louisiana. Carnival season begins in Louisiana on 12th Night of Christmas, January 6, 2025 Joan of Arc Parade French Quarter New Orleans Floats will focus on Joan of Arc's life. The 2026 Route & Key Stops The parade follows a specific path through the French Quarter with three traditional “stops” for pageantry: Start: Corner of Bienville and Front Streets. Stop 1 (The Toast): A toast to the royalty from the balcony of the Historic New Orleans Collection (416 Chartres St). Stop 2 (The Blessing): The blessing of Joan's sword. Due to ongoing construction, this may take place at St. Mary's Church at the Old Ursuline Convent rather than the Cathedral. Stop 3 (The Birthday Song): A pause at the golden Joan of Arc statue (Place de France) on Decatur Street to sing “Happy Birthday.” End: The crowning of the King and a public King Cake ceremony at Oscar Dunn Park. Website: joanofarcparade.org Email: joanofarcparade@gmail.com Phone: (504) 251-5046 The Joan of Arc Project 7330 Sycamore St. New Orleans, LA 70118 This event is family friendly. Postcard from Louisiana. Delfeayo Marsalis & Doreen at Snug Harbor. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook.
Depending upon the narrative, American Indians were either noble creatures who were victims of a genocide by rapacious European settlers or were bloodthirsty savages. The truth is more nuanced.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/american-indians-separating-truth-fiction
National Park SECRETS: Ranger Campfire Stories: Ferals - Missing People - Hauntings - Cryptids Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
Learn Unite to Create Site-Specific Browsers with ScreenCastsONLINE Tutorial From Surge Protectors to Mice to Displays — by George from Tulsa Building a Fiction Editing Pipeline Part 2 - Grammar — Eddie Tonkoi Support the Show CCATP #827 — Bart Busschots on Understanding Email Sender Validation Transcript of NC_2026_01_02 Join the Conversation: allison@podfeet.com podfeet.com/slack Support the Show: Patreon Donation Apple Pay or Credit Card one-time donation PayPal one-time donation Podfeet Podcasts Mugs at Zazzle NosillaCast 20th Anniversary Shirts Referral Links: Setapp - 1 month free for you and me PETLIBRO - 30% off for you and me Parallels Toolbox - 3 months free for you and me Learn through MacSparky Field Guides - 15% off for you and me Backblaze - One free month for me and you Eufy - $40 for me if you spend $200. Sadly nothing in it for you. PIA VPN - One month added to Paid Accounts for both of us CleanShot X - Earns me $25%, sorry nothing in it for you but my gratitude
Amy Meyerson is the acclaimed author of the internationally bestselling The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects, and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and are frequently chosen for best-of lists, including lists from Good Morning America, Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Texas Library Association's Lariat List, among others. Meyerson completed her graduate work in creative writing at the University of Southern California, where she now teaches in the writing department.Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network#podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #amymeyerson #amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer
The unlikely encounter between a river fisher bird and a slug of the sea inspire both to strike a bargain to explore the powers and limits of their forms. Genre: Fable Excerpt: Halceyx cocked her head. "I've never encountered a poisonous river slug before. This is most adventurous." "I am not a river slug. I am a slug of the sea. I am called Irsid. And I have come to the river to explore." The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. This episode landed on PROMPTS. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: River Fisher and Blue Dragon Find more stories and episodes featuring this theme here: Year of Prompts. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE The Store page also has sign-up forms for my two email newsletters: Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create)Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "River Fisher and Blue Dragon" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Spinning Tavern" by JONATHAN SHAW (Intro & Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by JONATHAN SHAW"Checking Inventory""Afternoon Chat""In Tranquil Spring""A Tale of Wind""Out of Time""Spinning Tavern""A Tale of Water""Cold Sanctuary""A Tale of Peace" All these tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Jonathan Shaw and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarketChanges made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Jonathan Shaw and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.netFind more music by Jonathan Shaw at jshaw.co.ukFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. At center, a bird in right profile, head tilted up, beak slightly parted and holding a slug-like creature. The bird is perched on a patch of earth, at bottom left corner, along the shore of a river. At top of frame, glowing balls of light float through the air. The bird appears to be a river kingfisher of the Ceyx genus. The bird bears feathers of many different colors. The front half of the slug has the shape of a garden slug, with streaks of many colors. The slug's eyes are directed toward the bird. The bottom half of the slug appears like a blue dragon sea slug with blue coloring and plume-like appendages. Both animals are speckled with sparks of light. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along the bird's chest.
Amy Meyerson is the acclaimed author of the internationally bestselling The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects, and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and are frequently chosen for best-of lists, including lists from Good Morning America, Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Texas Library Association's Lariat List, among others. Meyerson completed her graduate work in creative writing at the University of Southern California, where she now teaches in the writing department. Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #amymeyerson #amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer
Campfire Stories: Feral People in the Deep Woods of SE KentuckyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
Happy New Year 2026! I love January and the opportunity to start afresh. I know it's arbitrary in some ways, but I measure my life by what I create, and I also measure it in years. At the beginning of each year, I publish an article (and podcast episode) here, which helps keep me accountable. If you'd like to share your goals, please add them in the comments below. 2026 is a transitional year as I will finish my Masters degree and continue the slow pivot that I started in December 2023 after 15 years as an author entrepreneur. Just to recap that, it was: From digitally-focused to creating beautiful physical books; From high-volume, low cost to premium products with higher Average Order Value; From retailer-centric to direct first; and From distance to presence, and From creating alone to the AI-Assisted Artisan Author. I've definitely stepped partially into all of those, and 2026 will continue in that same direction, but I also have an additional angle for Joanna Penn and The Creative Penn that I am excited about. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Leaning into the Transformation Economy The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community Webinars and live events Finish my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture Bones of the Deep — J.F. Penn Add merch to CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com How to Write, Publish, and Market Short Stories and Short Story Collections — Joanna Penn Other possible books Experiment more with AI translation Ideally outsource more marketing to AI, but do more marketing anyway Double down on being human, health and travel You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. Leaning into the Transformation Economy I've struggled with my identity as Joanna Penn and my Creative Penn brand for a few years now. When I started TheCreativePenn.com in 2008, the term ‘indie author' was new and self-publishing was considered ‘vanity press' and a sure way to damage your author career, rather than a conscious creative and business choice. It was the early days of the Kindle and iPhone (both launched in 2007), and podcasting and social media were also relatively new. While US authors could publish on KDP, the only option for international authors was Smashwords and the market for ebooks was tiny. Print-on-demand and digital audio were also just emerging as viable options. While it was the early era of blogging, there were very few blogs and barely any podcasts talking about self-publishing, so when I started TheCreativePenn.com in late 2008 and the podcast in March 2009, it was a new area. For several years, it was like howling into the wind. Barely any audience. Barely any traffic, and certainly very little income. But I loved the freedom and the speed at which I could learn things and put them into practice. Consume and produce. That has always been my focus. I met people on Twitter and interviewed them for my show, and over those early years I met many of the people I consider dear friends even now. Since self-publishing was a relatively unexplored niche in those early years, I slowly found an audience and built up a reputation. I also started to make more money both as an author, and as a creative entrepreneur. Over the years since, pretty much everything has changed for indie authors and we have had more and more opportunity every year. I've shared everything I've learned along the way, and it's been a wonderful time. But as self-publishing became more popular and more authors saw more success (which is FANTASTIC!), other voices joined the chorus and now, there are many thousands of authors of all different levels with all kinds of different experiences sharing their tips through articles, books, podcasting, and social media. I started to wonder whether my perspective was useful anymore. On top of the human competition, in November 2022, ChatGPT launched, and it became clear that prescriptive non-fiction and ‘how to' information could very easily be delivered by the AI tools, with the added benefit of personalisation. You can ask Chat or Claude or Gemini how you can self-publish your particular book and they will help you step by step through the process of any site. You can share your screen or upload screenshots and it can help with what fields to fill in (very useful with translations!), as well as writing sales descriptions, researching keywords, and offering marketing help targeted to your book and your niche, and tailored to your voice. Once again, I questioned what value I could offer the indie author community, and I've pulled back over the last few years as I've been noodling around this. But over the last few weeks, a penny has dropped. Here's my thinking in case it also helps you. Firstly, I want to be useful to people. I want to help. In my early days of speaking professionally, from 2005-ish, I wanted to be the British (introvert) Tony Robbins, someone who inspired people to change, to achieve things they didn't think they could. Writing a book is one of those things. Making a living from your writing is another. So I leaned into the self-help and how-to niche. But now that is now clearly commoditised. But recently, I realised that my message has always been one of transformation, and in the following four areas. From someone who doesn't think they are creative but who desperately wants to write a book, to someone who holds their first book in their hand and proudly says, ‘I made this.' The New Author. From someone who has no confidence in their author voice, who wonders if they have anything to say, to someone who writes their story and transforms their own life, as well as other people's. The Confident Author. From an author with one or a handful of books who doesn't know much about business, to a successful author with a growing business heading towards their first six figure year. The Author-Entrepreneur. And finally, from a tech-phobic, fearful author who worries that AI makes it pointless to create anything and will steal all the jobs, to a confident AI-assisted creative who uses AI tools to enhance and amplify their message and their income. The AI-Assisted Artisan Author. These are four transformations I have been through myself, and with my work as Joanna Penn/The Creative Penn, I want to help you through them as well. So in 2026, I am repositioning myself as part of The Transformation Economy. What does this mean? There is a book out in February, The Transformation Economy by B. Joseph Pine II, who is also the author of The Experience Economy, which drove a lot of the last decade's shift in business models. I have the book on pre-order, but in the meantime, I am doing the following. I will revamp TheCreativePenn.com with ‘transformation' as the key frame and add pathways through my extensive material, rather than just categories of how to do things. I've already added navigation pages for The New Author, The Confident Author, The Author-Entrepreneur, and The AI-Assisted Artisan Author, and I will be adding to those over time. My content is basically the same, as I have always covered these topics, but the framing is now different. The intent is different. The Creative Penn Podcast will lean more heavily into transformation, rather than just information — And will focus on the first three of the categories above, the more creative, mindset and business things. My Patreon will continue to cover all those things, and that's also where I post most of my AI-specific content, so if you're interested in The AI-Assisted Artisan Author transformation path, come on over to patreon.com/thecreativepenn I have more non-fiction books for authors coming, and lots more ideas now I am leaning into this angle. I'll also continue to do webinars on specific topics in 2026, and also add speaking back in 2027. It's harder to think about transformation when it comes to fiction, but it's also really important since fiction books in particular are highly commodified, and will become even more so with the high production speeds. Yes, all readers have a few favourite authors but most will also read a ton of other books without knowing or caring who the author is. Fiction can be transformational. Reader's aren't buying a ‘book.' They're buying a way to escape, to feel deeply, to experience things they never could in real life. A book can transform a day from ‘meh' into ‘fantastic!' My J.F. Penn fiction is mostly inspired by places, so my stories transport you into an adventure somewhere wonderful, and they all offer a deeper side of transformative contemplation of ‘memento mori' if you choose to read them in that way. They also have elements of gothic and death culture that I am going to lean into with some merch in 2026, so more of an identity thing than just book sales. I'm not quite sure what this means yet, but no doubt it will emerge. I'll also shape my JFPennBooks.com site into more transformative paths, rather than just genre lists, as part of this shift. My memoir Pilgrimage always reflected a transformation, both reflecting my own midlife shift but I've also heard from many who it has inspired to walk alone, or to travel on pilgrimage themselves. Of course, transformation is not just for our readers or the people we serve as part of our businesses. It's also for us. One of the reasons why we are writers is because this is how we think. This is how we figure out our lives. This is how we get the stories and ideas out of our heads and into the world. Writing and creating are transformative for us, too. That is part of the point, and a great element of why we do this, and why we love this. Which is why I don't really understand the attraction of purely AI-generated books. There's no fun in that for me, and there's no transformation, either. Of course, I LOVE using Chat and Claude and Gemini Thinking models as my brainstorming partners, my research buddies, my marketing assistants, and as daily tools to keep me sparkly. I smiled as I wrote that (and yes, I human-wrote this!) because sparkly is how I feel when I work with these tools. Programmers use the term ‘vibe coding' which is going back and forth and collaborating together, sparking off each other. Perhaps that I am doing is ‘vibe creation.' I feel it as almost an effervescence, a fun experience that has me laughing out loud sometimes. I am more creative, I am more in flow. I am more ‘me' now I can create and think at a speed way faster than ever before. My mind has always worked at speed and my fingers are fast on the keys but working in this way makes me feel like I create in the high performance zone far more often. I intend to lean more into that in 2026 as part of my own transformation (and of course, I share my experiences mainly in the Community at patreon.com/thecreativepenn ). [Note, I pay for access to all models, and currently use ChatGPT 5.2 Thinking, Claude Opus 4.5, and Gemini 3 Pro). So that's the big shift this year, and the idea of the Transformation Economy will underpin everything else in terms of my content. The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community The Creative Penn Podcast continues in 2026, although I am intending to reduce my interviews to once every two weeks, with my intro and other content in between. We'll see how that goes as I am already finding some fascinating people to talk to! Thank you for your comments, your pictures, and also for sharing the episodes that resonate with you with the wider community. Your reviews are also super useful wherever you are listening to this, so please leave a review wherever you're listening this as it helps with discovery. Thanks also to everyone in my Patreon Community, which I really enjoy, especially as we have doubled down on being human through more live office hours. I will do more of those in 2026 and the first one of the year will blearily UK time so Aussies and Kiwis can come. I also share new content almost every week, either an article, a video or an audio episode around writing craft, author business, and lots on different use cases for AI tools. If you join the Patreon, start on the Collections tab where you will find all the backlist content to explore. It's less than the price of a coffee a month so if you get value from the show, and you want more, come on over and join us at patreon.com/thecreativepenn My Books and Travel Podcast is on hiatus for interviews, since the Masters is taking up the time I would have had for that. However I plan to post some solo episodes in 2026, and I also post travel articles there, like my visits to Gothic cathedrals and city breaks and things like that. Check it out at https://www.booksandtravel.page/blog/ Webinars and live events Along with my Patreon office hours, I'm enjoying the immediacy and energy of live webinars and they work with my focus on transformation, as well as on ‘doubling down on being human' in an age of AI, so I will be doing more this year. The first is on Business for Authors, coming on 10 and 24 January, which is aimed at helping you transform your author business in 2026, or if you're just getting started, then transform into someone who has even a small clue about business in general!Details at TheCreativePenn.com/live and Patrons get 25% off. In terms of live in-person events, it looks like I will be speaking at the Alliance of Independent Authors event at the London Book Fair in March, and I'll attend the Self-Publishing Show Live in June, although I won't be speaking. There might be other things that emerge, but in general, I'm not doing much speaking in 2026 because I need to … Finish my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture This represents a lot of work as I am doing the course full-time. I should be finished in September, and much of the middle of the year will be focused on a dissertation. I'm planning on doing something around AI and death, so that will no doubt lead into some fiction at a later stage! Talking of fiction … Bones of the Deep — J.F. Penn The Masters is pretty serious, as is academic research and writing in general, and I found myself desperate to write a rollicking fun story over the holiday break between terms. I've talked about this ‘tall-ship' story for a while and now I'm committing to it. Back in 1999, I sailed on the tall-ship Soren Larsen from Fiji to Vanuatu, one of the three trips that shaped my life. It was the first time I'd been to the South Pacific, the first time I sailed blue water (with no land in sight), and I kept a journal and drew maps of the trip. It also helped me a make a decision to leave the UK and I headed for Australia nine months later in early 2000, and ended up being away 11 years in Australia and New Zealand. I came home to visit of course, but only moved back to the UK in 2011, so that trip was memorable and pivotal in many ways and has stuck in my mind. The story is based on that crossing, but of course, as J.F. Penn my imagination turns it into essentially a ‘locked room,' there is no escape out there, especially if the danger comes from the sea. Another strand of the story comes from a recent academic essay for my Masters, when I wrote about the changes in museum ethics around human remains and medical specimens i.e. body parts in jars, and how some remains have been repatriated to the indigenous peoples they were stolen from. I've also talked before about how I love ‘merfolk' horror like Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant, All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter, and Merfolk by Jeremy Bates. These are no smiling fantasy mermaids and mermen. They are predators. What might happen if the remains of a mer-saint were stolen from the deep, and what might happen to the ship that the remains are being transported in, and the people on board? I'm about a third in, and I am having great fun! It will actually be a thriller, with a supernatural edge, rather than horror, and it is called Bones of the Deep, and it will be out on Kickstarter in April, and everywhere by the summer. You can check out the Kickstarter pre-launch page with photos from my 1999 trip, the cover for the book, and the sales description at JFPenn.com/bones Add merch to CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com I've dipped my toe into merch a number of times and then removed the products, but now I'm clear on my message of transformation, I want to revisit this. My books remain core for both sites, but for CreativePennBooks, I also want to add other products with what are essentially affirmations — ‘Creative,' ‘I am creative, I am an author,' and variants of the poster I have had on my wall for years, ‘Measure your life by what you create.' This is the affirmation I had in my wallet for years! For JFPennBooks, the items will be gothic/memento mori/skull-related. Everything will be print-on-demand. I will not be shipping anything myself, so I'm working with my designer Jane on this and then need to order test samples, and then get them added to the store. Likely mid-year at this rate! How to Write, Publish, and Market Short Stories and Short Story Collections — Joanna Penn I have a draft of this already which I expanded from the transcript of a webinar I did on this topic as part of The Buried and the Drowned campaign. It turns out I've learned a lot about this over the years, and also on how to make a collection, so I will get that out at some point this year. I won't do a Kickstarter for it, but I will do direct sales for at least a month and include a special edition, workbook, and bundles on my store first before putting it wide. I will also human-narrate that audiobook. Other possible books I'm an intuitive creative and discovery writer, so I don't plan out what I will write in a year. The books tend to emerge and then I pick the next one that feels the most important. After the ones above, there are a few candidates. Crown of Thorns, ARKANE thriller #14. Regular readers and listeners will know how much I love religious relics, and it's about time for a big one! I have a trip to Paris planned in the spring, as the Crown of Thorns is at Notre Dame, and I have some other locations to visit. My ARKANE thrillers always emerge from in-person travels, so I am looking forward to that. Maybe late 2026, maybe 2027. AI + religion technothriller/short stories. I already have some ideas sketched out for this and my Masters thesis will be something around AI, religion, and death, so I expect something will emerge from all that study and academic writing. Not sure what, but it will be interesting! The Gothic Cathedral Book. I have tens of thousands of words written, and lots of research and photos and thoughts. But it is still in the creative chaos phase (which I love!) and as yet has not emerged into anything coherent. Perhaps it will in 2026, and the plan is to re-focus on it after my Masters dissertation. I feel like the Masters study and the academic research process will make this an even better book, But I am holding my plans for this lightly, as it feels like another ‘big' book for me, like my ‘shadow book' (which became Writing the Shadow) and took more than a decade to write! How to be Creative. I have also written bits and bobs on this over many years, but it feels like it is re-emerging as part of my focus on transformation. Probably unlikely for 2026 but now back on the list … Experiment more with AI translation AI-assisted translation has been around for years now in various forms, and I have experimented with some of the services, as well as working with human narrators and editors in different languages, as well as licensing books in translation. But when Amazon launched Kindle Translate in November 2025, it made me think that AI-assisted translation will become a lot more popular in 2026. AI audiobook narration became good enough for many audiobooks in 2025, and it seems like AI-translation will be the same in 2026. Yes, of course, human translation is still the gold standard, as is human narration, and that would be the primary choice for all of us — if it was affordable. But frankly, it's not affordable for most indie authors, and indeed many small publishers. Many books don't get an audiobook edition and most books don't get translated into every language. It costs thousands per book for a human translator, and so it is a premium option. I have only ever made a small profit on the books that I paid for with human translators and it took years, and while I have a few nice translation deals on some books, I'm planning to experiment more with AI translation in 2026. More languages, more markets, more opportunities to reach readers. More on this in the next episode when I'll cover trends for 2026. Ideally outsource more marketing to AI, but do more marketing anyway You have to reach readers somehow, and you have to pay for book marketing with your time and/or your money. Those authors killing it on TikTok pay with their time, and those leaning heavily on ads are paying with money. Most of us do a bit of both. There is no passive income from books, and even a backlist has to be marketed if you want to see any return. But I, like most authors, am not excited about book marketing. I'd rather be working on new books, or thinking about the ramifications of the changes ahead and writing or talking about that in my Patreon Community or here on the podcast. However, my book sales income remains about the same even as I (slowly) produce more books, so I need to do more book marketing in 2026. I said that last year of course, and didn't do much more than I did in 2024, so here I am again promising to do a better job! Every year, I hope to have my “AI book marketing assistant” up and running, and maybe this will be the year it happens. My measure is to be able to upload a book and specify a budget and say, ‘Go market this,' and then the AI will action the marketing, without me having to cobble together workflows between systems. Of course, it will present plans for me to approve but it will do the work itself on the various platforms and monitor and optimize things for me. We have something like that already with Amazon auto-ads, but that is specific to Amazon Advertising and only works with certain books in certain genres. I have auto-ads running for a couple of non-fiction books, but not for any fiction. I'd also ideally like more sales on my direct stores, JFPennBooks.com and CreativePennBooks.com which means a different kind of marketing. Perhaps this will happen through ChatGPT shopping or other AI-assisted e-commerce, which should be increasing in 2026. More on that in trends for the year to come in the next show. Double down on being human, health and travel I have a lot of plans for travel both for book research and also holidays with Jonathan but he has to finish his MBA and then we have some family things that take priority, so I am not sure where or when yet, but it will happen! Paris will definitely happen as part of the research for Crown of Thorns, hopefully in the spring. I've been to Paris many times as it's just across the Channel and we can go by train but it's always wonderful to visit again. Health-wise, I'll continue with powerlifting and weight training twice a week as well as walking every day. It's my happy place! What about you? If you'd like to share your goals for 2026, please add them in the comments below — and remember, I'm a full-time author entrepreneur so my goals are substantial. Don't worry if yours are as simple as ‘Finish the first draft of my book,' as that still takes a lot of work and commitment! All the best for 2026 — let's get into it! The post My 2026 Creative And Business Goals With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.
On this year's final Relic Radio Show, The Zero Hour starts us off with Bend, Spindle and Mutilate, its story from July 1, 1974. (24:32) We close with The Saint, and his episode titled, The Old Man's Car. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio978.mp3 Download RelicRadio978 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show If you'd like to support Relic Radio, please consider [...]
In this podcast, Eric LaRocca talks about his influences for the Burnt Sparrow trilogy, short stories, repeated choruses, and much more. About Eric LaRocca Eric LaRocca is a 2x Bram Stoker Award finalist and Splatterpunk Award winner. Named by Esquire as one of the “Writers Shaping Horror's Next Golden Age” and praised by Locus as … Continue reading
It's one of our favorite episodes of the year! Cole and Terry discuss their favorite books from 2025 and a few for next year as well. Let us know your favorites from this year! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Best Books of 2025 03:02 Reflections on Reading Habits 05:56 Exploring Hasidic Judaism 08:46 Navigating Technology in Parenting 12:06 Christian Perspectives on Parenting 15:06 Art, Beauty, and Christianity 18:01 Insights from Tim Keller 20:51 The Role of Rituals in Life 23:51 Churchill and World War II 27:00 British Politics and John Major 29:53 The Influence of Christianity on Western Values 32:48 The Golden Thread of Western Civilization 36:06 Fiction and Science Fiction Recommendations
Bradley Jay Fills In On NightSide with Dan Rea Our shared scientific reality is what unites us as humans, but over time, some scientific truths have fallen out of public favor. Misinformation abounds, and many can’t tell scientific facts from fiction anymore. Bradley talked with Doug Arion, Prof. Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at Carthage College, about 10 scientific truths that somehow became unpopular in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrew Ng, founder of Coursera and Deeplearning.AI, joins Edelman CEO Richard Edelman to discuss what it will take to build trust in artificial intelligence at scale. They explore how AI is moving from experimentation to everyday use, why media narratives and sensational headlines have led to public fear and misunderstanding of AI, and how leaders can ensure AI innovation delivers real value for stakeholders.
Join Joe Pisapia, Chris Welsh and Scott Bogman LIVE on Twitch every Monday afternoon at 2:00 PM ET at twitch.tv/fantasypros. The guys discuss everything happening in the football world, both in fantasy and in reality, while having some fun along the way! Put your bad day behind you with a new episode of "Out of Bounds," where Joe Pisapia and Scott Bogman share their top fantasy football Week 17 takeaways!Timestamps: (May be off due to ads) Intro - 0:00:00Questions and Asses - 0:07:29Joe's Takeaway of the week: The Bucs have to fire Todd Bowles after this collapse. - 0:17:02Bogman's Takeaway of the week: Still a shot to go 9-8. - 0:19:39Bogman's Moment of the week: Chase Young ripping the ball away from Cam Ward. - 0:20:20Joe's Moment of the week: BUF Missed XP. - 0:20:48Fact or Fiction - 0:21:52311 Contest Results - 0:35:41Joe's 311 Picks: Tyler Shough @ ATL, James Cook v NYJ, CeeDee Lamb @ NYG - 0:35:59Bogman's 311 Picks: Dak Prescott @ NYG, Derrick Henry @ PIT, Mike Evans vs CAR. - 0:36:12Outro - 0:39:38 Helpful Links: Hard Rock Bet - All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet. Sign up for Hard Rock Bet and make a $5 bet and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if you win. Head over to Hard Rock Bet, sign up and make your first deposit today. Payable in bonus bet(s). Not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-888-ADMIT-IT. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA). My Playbook - Sync your league instantly to My Playbook to get custom advice on how to manage your team throughout the season. See your league’s top available players, power rankings, and more for free! Check the “Are They Playing” tool each week to get the latest game-day availability odds for all injured players. If you’re premium – you unlock all kinds of helpful waiver, trade, lineup and league analysis tools. You can even auto-start your team’s optimal lineup each week with Auto-Pilot. Sync your league and dominate every week of the season with My Playbook at fantasypros.com/myplaybook or on the FantasyPros App Follow us on Twitch - The team here at FantasyPros is taking questions all week, every week on Twitch. Follow us on Twitch at twitch.tv/fantasypros and never miss a stream! Discord – Join our FantasyPros Discord Community! Chat with other fans and get access to exclusive AMAs that wind up on our podcast feed. Come get your questions answered and BE ON THE SHOW at fantasypros.com/chat Leave a Review – If you enjoy our show and find our insight to be valuable, we’d love to hear from you! Your reviews fuel our passion and help us tailor content specifically for YOU. Head to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts and leave an honest review. Let’s make this show the ultimate destination for fantasy football enthusiasts like us. Thank you for watching and for showing your support – https://fantasypros.com/review/ BettingPros Podcast – For advice on the best picks and props across both the NFL and college football each and every week, check out the BettingPros Podcast at bettingpros.com/podcast, our BettingPros YouTube channel at youtube.com/bettingpros, or wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We'll hear from The CBS Radio Mystery Theater on this week's Relic Radio Science Fiction. From March 2, 1974, here's their story, Out Of Sight. More from CBS Radio Mystery Theater https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/SciFi913.mp3 Download SciFi913 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support Relic Radio Science Fiction Your support makes this show possible. If you'd like to help, visit donate.relicradio.com for more information. Thank you.
Looking to unwind and sleep deeply? Join Geoffrey by the fireside for a soothing tale that carries us across the Aegean to Ikaria - an island where life moves slowly, the nights are warm, and even old myths are told at an unhurried pace. This is Part 82 of The Falls series - but as always, you can jump in anytime and feel right at home. Love Night Falls?
All Though the House***Written by: Unknown***At Bay***Written by: Tim Pratt and Narrated by: Megan McDuffee***Silent Night, Secret Cry***Written by: Angie and Narrated by: Alicia Atkins***Support the show at patreon.com/creepypod***Sound design by: Pacific Obadiah***Title music by: Alex Aldea Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
[REBROADCAST FROM Oct. 2, 2025] The novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize and is a Kirkus Prize finalist. Author Kiran Desai discusses the novel, which tells the story of one couple throughout their lives in India and New York City.
[REBROADCAST FROM May 14, 2025] Celebrated poet and author Ocean Vuong discusses his new novel, The Emperor of Gladness. It follows the relationship between a young man and an elderly woman who meet after the man's suicide attempt.
2025 Year End Review, with special guest Ian Callanan; Best of SGU; Best Science of 2025; Skeptical Hero and Jackass of the Year; In Memoriam; Science or Fiction
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