The Problem with Fruitcakes by Delbert Griffith

Walk with poet Renee Rigdon as she travels along paths in parallel worlds, overhears the language of the garden, wrestles with her ancestors, and wonders on the impact of childhood trauma. These poems are steeped in reflection and rooted in organic metaphor. Due to scheduling conflicts, this episode includes poetry readings only. If you’d like to read these poems or learn more about Renee, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

This quirky tale about a man, a cat, a dogmatic preacher, and a wise elder, will take you on a fun journey into the mind of a feline and up the side of a mountain. During the show, high school student Maddie Rosales shares her old-soul wisdom about editing, submitting, and staying off social media. You’ll also learn how a single teacher can change your life and how food can become a love-language. If you’d like to read Maddie’s story or learn more about her next speculative project, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

The death of a turtle in the road forces Ann Markham Bailey to reflect on the tenuous relationship between humans and nature, while also celebrating the wisdom and beauty of the humble turtle. Anne believes that turtles carry the stories that we don’t remember in our headlong rush for tomorrow. After the reading Anne discusses her devotion to the forests of Alabama, forest therapy (it’s a thing), and killing the ‘killing voice’ inside you. If you’d like to read Anne’s essay or learn more about her next essay or poetry, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

A new farmhand’s arrival stirs unfamiliar feelings in an adolescent youth as she wrestles with childhood joys and burgeoning emotions. Jessica Cull weaves an atmospheric coming-of-age story that is equal parts sinister,  sensual, and tragic. After the reading, learn how Jessica’s career as a copy-writer and her experiences in rural England influence her stories about women seeking control over their lives. If you’d like to read Jessica’s story or learn more about her writing approach, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Two best friends, one tragic event, a cascade of choices that result in changed lives. Danny Giancioppo weaves a story of decisions, consequences, and life struggles that might just have you reflecting on your own. After the reading, Danny relays the influence of family, as well as comics, on his writing and provides some surprising advice on the difference between writing literary fiction, speculative fiction, and YA fiction. If you’d like to read Danny’s story or learn more about his own adventures in comics, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Richard Vetere’s writing and creative journey is a story of its own. His early life as a poet in the 1970s led to a career as a screenplay writer, a playwright, a producer, a novelist, and a memoirist turned movie-cult-classic creator. After the reading, Richard slowly unwinds his past to reveal a path that strayed far from the straight and narrow, yet graced him with experiences both sobering and eclectic. You’ll have a blast exploring the life of this multi-award winning writer and poet extraordinaire. He’s a proud Italian-American from Queens who discusses his past movies as well as his latest projects, including Black and White City Blues, recently staged in New York City. If you’d like to read Richard’s poems or learn more about his incredible career, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

When you put together an eccentric neighbor, a potential serial killer, and a fruitcake, do you create a problem or a solution? Delbert Griffith’s story will have you guessing. After the reading Delbert reveals his process for creating a female assassin, as well as his technique for teaching H.S. math by using creative writing. If you’d like to read Delbert’s story or learn more about his amazing mathematical teaching approach, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Experience the frustration, the anger, the bewilderment that a naive young Jehovah’s Witness encounters as she is betrayed by the system and the elders she trusts. This potent First Place Prose winner of Etched Onyx’s 2024 Writing Contest explores the convergence of doctrine and emotional, psychological, and domestic violence. After the reading, award-winning author, Summer Hammond, talks about some of the crueler aspects of her childhood religion that impel her to write, and she shares writing advice gems such as contrary action and approaching critiques with your heart. If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Summer, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

A first-generation boy learns through the cruelty of his classmates that his given name is not a blessing but a curse at his American school. Second Place Prose winner, Jill Martin, tells a poignant and relevant story for the Etched Onyx 2024 Writing Contest. Afterward, Jill talks about her writing process, the importance of prompts, submitting pieces, and how to get inspired by rejection. If you’d like to read her story or learn more about her fascinating novel in progress, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

Vengeance is a drink best served cold. Etched Onyx’s third place prose winner, Lindsay Marshall, weaves a web of intrigue, slowly revealing the cause and effect of male predation of women. During the interview, Lindsay spills the tea about dancing bartenders, the value of MFAs, and the uniquely inspiring performances of both Green Day and the show Supernatural. If you’d like to read Lindsay’s story or learn more about her, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2024, all rights reserved.