Conversations with Laurel

Laurel talks about her short story collection "Dark Ebb: Grim Tales," available for pre-order now (April 1, 2020 download and paperback order), and gives a few tips about the novel Corona Virus and quarantining.

In this first episode of Dark Ebb, a young girl decides not only her own fate, but the fate of mankind. Laurel McHargue narrates stories from her upcoming short story collection "Dark Ebb: Grim Tales" (coming soon to Amazon) Follow her on her website @ www.laurelmchargue.com and email her @ laurel@strackpress.com

Happy Valentine's Day! Laurel shares a letter she wrote to her parents justifying her love for the man who would become her husband!

Laurel explores ablutophobia, the fear of bathing, and her own reasons for hesitating before hopping into the bubbles!

Laurel's first SUP experience on the Colorado River leads to the discovery of a new character for her "Waterwight" series!

In this historical fiction, Laurel imagines an interview with the bigoted friend of the man who assassinated President James Garfield.

Laurel narrates award-winning author Donna Baier Stein's short story "My Lovers #1-5, Or Why I Hate Kenny Rogers" from Donna's short story collection "Sympathetic People."

Laurel records her first piece of 2020 in her home closet!

Characters from Laurel's "Waterwight" trilogy come together for a special Christmas story!

Laurel reads an editorial written by Herald Democrat Editor Marcia Martinek--"Describing Leadville"--and then discusses her own experience living in Leadville for 12 years.

When Laurel received a suspicious friend request on Facebook, she does something she's never done before!

Laurel shares two microfiction stories, the first--a horror story, the second--a sci-fi tiny tale. Not for the faint of heart!

Laurel confesses to one of her character flaws in this pre-holiday episode about choices and her family's first experience climbing Mt. Shavano in Salida, CO.

Laurel's West Point mentor--COL (Ret) Pat C. Hoy II--permitted her to share his Veterans Day Reflections: "Images of War." Find more of Hoy's essays in his book "Instinct For Survival: Essays by Pat C. Hoy II" and consider ways to honor today's veterans.

Grace Fletcher (pen name)gave me permission to share this poignant story about the home birth of her son Zeb.

Laurel shares a "quickie" writing prompt based on the phrase "You are a wild stillness" and proposes a couple of challenges to listeners.

When Laurel tells her friend--Nadine Collier--about her goal to write a Country Western song, Nadine suggests an inspiring line. It becomes a challenge not only for Laurel, but for Nadine and her daughter Sarah as well! In this episode, the three lyricists share their debut CW songs, all titled "Never Share Your Whiskey"!

Routines, when performed with thoughtfulness, can rise to the level of ritual. Laurel shares some special rituals and talks about how they've changed since her recent move.

"Fine Print" is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you fail to read the fine print in legal documents! A tale perfect for Halloween!

In Laurel's horror short story "Taps," a halfway house employee is determined to retrieve her tap shoes from residents still learning lessons about respect.

Laurel shares a new experiment she's trying...drinking a gallon a day (of water!)...and her new writing project (she'd like your participation)!

A piece about Laurel's experience as she waits for her husband and son to return from a SAR mission . . . and an opportunity to participate in Laurel's latest project: a military romance series.

I describe a recent incident that culminated in the loss of my underwear, which takes me back to a memory of my mother. This does include discussion of my mother's experience with stroke.

Award-winning author Helen Starbuck writes romantic suspense mysteries and has a third book coming out soon! Visit with us as she shares writing tips and her experience with research, planning, marketing, and more!

Author Miriam Green's important book "The Lost Kitchen: Reflections and Recipes from an Alzheimer's Caregiver" combines memoir, recipes, and poetry associated with the author's changed role as a caregiver for a mother with Alzheimer's Disease.