MSW Classic: Connie Willis's "Newsletter"

If you ever thought to yourself, “I wish Beauty and the Beast had aliens in it,” then today’s story is for you. In her short story “Beauty,” Tanith Lee takes the classic fairy tale out of the castles and forests and into the stars. Recommended in this episode: Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake UP NEXT: Interview with author Cythia Pelayo Buy Toil and Trouble here!  

The mysterious Velkwood Vicinity is an occult and paranormal marvel, occupying the interest of scientists and conspiracy theorists alike. But for three friends, Talitha, Brett, and Grace, the Velkwood Vicinity is their painful past. It’s the neighborhood they grew up in, and where their families still live–as ghosts. But now, Talitha returns, hoping for answers and maybe closure. The past is never really dead, though, and it may be more than she bargained for. Recommended in this episode: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo UP NEXT: Tanith Lee’s short story “Beauty”  Buy Toil and Trouble here!  

Join Lisa and Mel as we talk with author Gwendolyn Kiste about her newest novel, The Haunting of Velkwood. Gwendolyn Kiste is the three-time Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Rust Maidens, Reluctant Immortals, Boneset & Feathers, Pretty Marys All in a Row, and The Haunting of Velkwood. Her short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in outlets including Lit Hub, Nightmare, Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, CrimeReads, Tor Nightfire, The Lineup, and The Dark. She's a Lambda Literary Award winner, and her fiction has also received the This Is Horror award for Novel of the Year as well as nominations for the Premios Kelvin, Ignotus, and Dragon Awards. Originally from Ohio, she now resides on an abandoned horse farm outside of Pittsburgh with her husband, their excitable calico cat, and not nearly enough ghosts. Find her online at gwendolynkiste.com Purchase The Haunting of Velkwood here.  Buy Toil and Trouble here!

This episode is a little different from our usual format, but we promise you'll love it. It's all about book recommendations and what Mel and Lisa are loving right now.  UP NEXT: An interview with author Gwendolyn Kiste! Buy Toil and Trouble here!

A rogue adventurer meets a woman with snakes for hair, and he falls under her seductive spell. Luckily, a friend gives our hero a heads up: don’t look in her eyes for that leads only to certain doom. No, we aren’t talking about the legend of Perseus and Medusa. This is a space adventure story set on Mars, and written by C L Moore. Recommended: Starling House and Never Whistle at Night UP NEXT: A recommendation episode! Buy Toil and Trouble here!

Kelly Link’s “Stone Animals” begins with an unspoken question, immediately throwing readers into an ambiguous but nightmarish journey as a family moves into a new home, where nothing is as it should be. Rabbits are taking over the yard. The children are eating grass and complaining of haunted items. And the husband never wants to come home. But is it really a haunted home? Or has this family made it that way by moving their own baggage into this contested domestic space? Recommended in this ep: Carissa Orlando’s The September House;  The Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste UP NEXT: C.L. Moore’s “Shambleau” Buy Toil and Trouble here!  

What Moves the Dead is T. Kingfisher’s retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher.” More than that though, it’s the tale of Alex Easton, a retired soldier, who visits their dying friend, Madeline, at her family manor. Something very sinister is going on, and it’s up to Alex, along with their newfound friends, a mycologist and a doctor, to figure it out before it’s too late.  Recommended in this episode: The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno Garcia UP NEXT: Kelly Link’s “Stone Animals” Buy Toil and Trouble here!  

Louisa was raised in isolation in a cottage deep in the woods by a mysterious witch. It sounds like the start of a fairy tale, but this story takes twists and turns as Louisa leaves her home for the outside world. She’s no princess…and this is no fairy tale. This is a Gothic tale with plenty of intrigue, led by a rather unusual heroine. Join us as we discuss Tanith Lee’s “Louisa the Poisoner.” Recommended in this episode: Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series UP NEXT: What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher Tanith Lee tribute anthology:  https://tanithleestoryteller.com/ Buy Toil and Trouble here!  

We made it to 100 episodes!   Join us as we look back at the writing of the book and as we look to the future of the podcast! UP NEXT: Tanith Lee’s “Louisa the Poisoner” Buy Toil and Trouble here!  

We are on hiatus for the December holidays. Please enjoy this classic episode from our archives.  We will be back in 2024 with a brand new season and a special celebration of our 100th episode.  Have a happy holiday season, from Lisa and Mel.