The Last Days of Grandymace by Laura Efron

On today’s show we hear A Selection of Poems about deity, frustration, and struggles by Claire Scott. Walk with her as she shops at the supermarket, ideates a new branding strategy for Jesus, and wonders at the sad state of our world. Today’s show does not include an interview, but 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 2024, all rights reserved.

A childhood friendship, a punk band, and a jealous friend collide in this High School coming of age story about what is gained and lost in the transition to adulthood. Afterward, author Laura Efron relays the inspiration for this story and the process of channeling childhood angst. She discusses her experience as a teacher and how being around kids provides insight for that youthful inner voice. You’ll also learn of Laura’s recommendations for how to write to younger generations, hint, don’t talk down to them. If you’d like to read her story or learn more about Laura, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Ella and Bart spar through words, movement, and silence, as they wonder about the future of Ella’s pregnant young daughter, Lucinda. This tale of struggle unveils itself through relationships and everyday events, revealing the common challenges of being lower-income in America. After the reading, we talk with Jim Steinberg about the origins of this story, his past as a legal services attorney, and his foray into blacksmithing. He reveals one of the biggest challenges with self-publishing and extols the benefits of writers groups. If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Jim, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of potential child and sexual abuse. A seemingly innocuous email sets off a cascade of hard-feelings, memories, and past trauma. Type along with Kathleen as she works through her emotions. You’ll experience a slow-reveal of a troubled history as she crafts her response. After the reading, Tomas Zandir discusses the ins-and-outs, as well as the ‘why’ he uses gender neutral pronouns in his writing. Tomas describes his approach to ghost writing, provides some humorous examples of unique stories, and relays some wisdom about your writing ideas. If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Tomas, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Young Eusebio is caught in a spiral, trying to turn back time, as he struggles with the consequences of violence – not least of which is his own. Giles Kelvage’s profound story explores elements of choice, friendship, and innocence in a world of poverty and guns. Afterward, Giles shares his approach to writing (hint: it takes work) and discusses why he focuses on the major themes of humanity. If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Giles Kelvage, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

A coffee shop, a dog park, a coterie of liars attract and repel in this humorous story by V.J. Hamilton. Without giving anything away, suffice it to say that our pets may be smarter than we know. After the reading, V.J. delves into the roots of this story and her choice to have a unique narrative perspective. We also learn how her ultra-rural Canadian childhood, current big-city living, as well as a resume with multitudinous jobs, has shaped  V.J.’s perception of the absurd and the delightful bit of human behavior.  If you’d like to read her story or learn more about V.J., head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

A 1960s VW Bug, a graduate research student, and a wet t-shirt contest come together during the Flower Power generation to provide some surprising lessons for the narrator and her readers.  Author Deborah Wilbrink, a self-described embellisher of fiction, as well as musician, engages in lively conversation about ghostwriting, memoir versus autofiction, and her years in the tumultuous era of Free Love. If you’d like to read Deborah’s fun and thought-provoking story, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.  

Poetry that is spare yet profound might best describe the beautifully crafted poems of Larissa Peters whose subjects range from love to children to all that we can lose in both a single moment or a single year. JW and Becky learn about Larissa’s childhood with her missionary parents in Indonesia and then her discovery of love during COVID lockdown in California. Young writers out there with small children, Larissa will  inspire you to know that you can still find time to write! If you’d like to read her gorgeous poems or learn more about Larissa, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

In his gorgeously understated short story, John Irving Clarke quietly challenges the British myth of Keep Calm and Carry On. Set in England between WWI and WWII, a family with four sons struggles with the aftermath of war and the high stakes test of a coming war. Join JW and Becky as they learn about John’s varied publishing career of both poetry and fiction, his early life teaching English and his turn in a radio drama. And yes, there are still writers who crank out their first drafts in longhand - learn the secrets! If you’d like to read John’s poignant story or learn more about his useful writing tips, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2025, all rights reserved.

Stacy’s poems will have you smiling at society’s prim modesty, slap you with the reality of fundamentalism, and inspire you to laughter (and maybe tears?) all while reaching into your heart and breaking it open. Still, in the end, you'll feel heard. Stacy is one of those rare poets who combines rhythm, meter, shape, and theme to craft poems from a place of love and empathy. After the reading, award-winning guest, Stacy Boe Miller, relays how she finds time to publish books and poetry, host her own podcast, and pay the bills. Stacy simply believes in poetry — nothing is off limits. Death comes to us all, so why waste time writing about trivial things? You gotta go deep! If you’d like to read her poetry or learn more about Stacy, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.