Novel Ideas

If there's anything I love, it's a strong female protagonist getting into everybody's heads. Of course I mean that literally. It's the only way to leave an impression. Sooki is just someone trying to make it through a work-day without losing her mind; luckily a tall, dark and handsome distraction proves to be the right salve. Except when they eventually get you caught up in a world of trouble. Got...

I can't believe Bella and Edward are finally getting married! All it took was a couple brushes with death, six months of depression, and a sordid affair with her best friend. At least Bella gets a kid at the end; after dying after months of pain and sacrifice, while her best friend still pines for her. I'm starting to sense a pattern. And hopefully you are too by tuning to another episode of this...

This sanguine saga continues steamrolling over Jacob's character and Bella's ability to choose anything other than the life she imagines connected to Edward. Rosalie and Jasper inspire us with their tales of woe, and werewolves demanded sacrifice if things are going to work out for our salacious couple. Tune for another riveting installment to our bloody bacchanal. Well maybe not that, but the occ...

It should be standard knowledge that after you discard your human girlfriend in the woods at night, you shouldn't be able to walk back into their life. Unfortunately, Bella is a different breed with oh so special blood that keeps her wanting for more. Now there's werewolves walking around and scary nightmares coming true. Wake me up when the fairytale is over, or at least when someone dies. Please...

Between you and I, Bella Swan never stood a chance. She barely made it through the doors before Edward sunk his teeth into her heart, or veins, or brain. Take your pick. Between her new school, boys that don't interest her, and a dangerous predator stalking her, Edward really isn''t that much of an issue. Unless, he's the one stalking her! Tune in to the newest episode of a heartwarming tale.

We've crossed the bridge heading to the world of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, but we had to see our friend first. We all know an eccentric white man with too much money and not enough government oversight to protect us during an epidemic. Lucky, there's an allegorical vampire waiting to take our revenge out on him before Edward and Bella's marriage ceremony. Please tune in to this new, nail-biting...

I’m never ready for an ending to a book or series, and I’m getting teary-eyed just thinking about our finale. It’s been a hard life for Darren; one of many relatable traits about a story in which nothing can last forever. Some things are meant to be, and others can only last for so long. I hope you enjoy this final episode to an ever-present saga in my heart, and hopefully yours.

It’s not looking well for our buddy, Darren. Things are really down to the wire, and he isn’t even a full vampire yet; apparently, there’s more than one puberty and it involves hair everywhere. Could you imagine? Steve’s back at it again, and Darren’s becoming someone he can’t even recognize anymore. Strange twist of fate how time can alter us in ways we never imagined. If only we had a little mor...

I just want to say something, and it’s this; if you aren’t jumping in a portal to help me rescue my soul and figure out who I truly am, are we even friends? Will you slay a panther for me? Confront giant toads and alligators? Brave a 007 montage for some exploding meat juice?! Then I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Find my wayward soul in this reality bending episode of our perpetual saga...

It’s getting to be too much. Steve’s betrayal, the girls are in jail, and now it’s gonna be on Darren’s permanent record. Maybe I watched too much Twilight, but the life of a half-vampire sucks. Death is coming for Darren and his friends, and the casualties are high and mighty. Hopefully Darren Shan makes it out alive. Of course, we do have three books left, soooooo, DUH! Tune for a truly out-of-p...

I’ve said it never, but I’ll say it again, never trust a man. Especially one whose SWORN that you stole their dreams, plotted against them, and that they would ruin your ruin forevermore. But Darren’s not me and he’s not using his vampire instincts to notice when luck isn’t luck anymore when someone’s been plotting against you for the last sixteen years. Hopefully we got out of this unscathed, but...

I haven’t been on many treks around the world, but if I’m relying on Darren’s experience, I never want to head out into the world and find myself; Darren can only seem to find more obstacles. Threatening enemy forces, unhelpful guides, AND no A/C?! I would say send me home, but Mr. Tiny probably wouldn’t allow that. Who knows? The future’s funny that way. Tune in for another episode of this deathl...

If I thought I wanted to be a vampire prince before, I must’ve been an idiot thinking it would be fun. It’s bad enough Darren’s lost his family, some friends, and his hair. Now he has to save an entire race from a powerful traitor hunting after him? Maybe I should rethink blooding with a vampire for an extraordinarily long life. Too much work in my future. I’ll stick with foreboding prophecies for...

What’s that in the air? I can’t tell if it’s Christmas or my impending doom at the hands of some ritualistic tradition. Thank God, Darren’s taking my place this time, otherwise we’d both be on the chopping block. There’s nothing like a friend and nepotism to save you when you need them most. Maybe it is Christmas! Please tune in for another nail-biting continuation of our everlasting saga.

Do you know what we all need after murdering someone and fleeing the scene? A nice scenic trip to Key West. Unfortunately for Darren, luck has him exploring a snowy tundra up a rough mountain, and he can’t even bring snow shoes. Like all of us needing to prove ourselves at some point, we must push ourselves to the brink and befriend some wolves in order to survive. You’ve seen Mean Girls. Please e...

Like the famous movie says, “there’s no place like home”, especially after wearing one outfit for months and running away from your problems. Darren’s trying to find himself after suffering some losses trying to connect to a world that isn’t his anymore; getting a girlfriend must solve those issues. Heavy on the sarcasm. And the blood. And some murder. Tune in for another thrilling episode undergr...

Can I just say I never want to become a vampire if it doesn’t even guarantee an immortal life or earth shattering abilities that would make me invulnerable. Who wants to be a half-vampire, much less doing chores? Darren’s not feeling the best about life, and who could blame him? He did get himself into this predicament. But with new adventure and a change in scenery, comes greater chance of messin...

It’s truly a world of freaks and geeks. Darren Shan, with his very angry friend, Steve Leopard, luck upon a flyer heading the “Cirque du Freak”. If only I could’ve warned Darren that his best friend would soon become his closest enemy. Tune in for the first episode to the long-standing series of vampires, setups, and frights galore!

It only felt right to introduce October and Halloween Month with one of my favorite stories showcasing how wonderful moms can be, and why names are so important in our development. Don't be afraid if I ask to sew buttons in your eyes in order to enjoy tonight's episode.

I wanted this to be a special treat; me yelling into a microphone about why bad horror movies suck. It's full of spoilers, terrible mothers-in-law, and me waiting to run out of the movie theater. Trigger warnings for religious abuse and mention of dead children.

I can't believe our journey into frights and fears is coming to an end. But hopefully as you're a subscriber to this podcast, you already know fear is never going to leave us! Simon is incredible as always and I Neve fail to tear up about life changing us into who we are meant to be. I really do hope you enjoy this conclusion to one of my favorites trilogies of all time.

Vours are scary, but missing out on this new episode is definitely scarier. I can only say that my love for Simon Holt's writing on fear only pales to my hatred of the summer, its heat, and the mosquitoes feasting on my blood. Tune in to the second part of "The Devouring" trilogy. Sorry for the screaming!

What can I say? I couldn't wait until October to talk about some scary stuff, and what's better than fear getting underneath our skin. The threat of an upcoming bill. The chill of a withdrawal from your account? Kids?! Please join me for this frightful first parter about confronting fear, before it possesses us.

What can I say? Life is asking me to be more successful, and my sister happened to recommend a book that could help me along the way. If you want some of this success, or to just listen to me complain about rent prices, me and Deepak are here.

Between the circumstances of life and understanding when it's time to let go, "The God Box" opens up a conversation about how we choose to grow in the face of adversity; willing to see the brighter side of things when we choose to do and be more honest with ourselves, understand to trust the nature of things, and sometimes believe that there are greater things waiting for us if we ju...