Story Discovery Podcast [Short Stories | Poetry | Flash Fiction | Audiobook]

An energy healer struggles through the pandemic by lightening the load of the locals. When the lockdown restrictions are lifted, she finds that the tangled past of her newest client is irrevocably enmeshed with her own. After Tiffany Vojnovski reads her own work, we talk with her about the inspiration for the story and how the struggles in her childhood impact the way she creates, as well as the u...

Patrice worries about her determined aging mother who refuses to leave her three-story Queen Anne Victorian home. In search of a caregiver, mother and daughter discover the challenge and gravity of taking care of one another. During the interview, author Kendall Klym explains the motivation behind the story, the impact of dance on his writing style, and how he interprets storytelling. It might jus...

The pandemic lockdown has everyone on edge and the outside world is a place where friends and relatives are trapped inside little boxes on screens. Some are more trapped than others. When the lockdown lifts, what will old high-school acquaintances do to protect one of their own? After the reading, we talk with Cheryl Rieger about the impetus for the story, her writing journey, and her ‘seventh’ no...

On today’s show we hear five poems by award winning author, Kate Banks. Experience the silence of stillness, the succulence of figs, and the grandeur of an ancient orange tree. Her poems explore that space between known and intimated, and once you’re there with her, you might not want to leave. Afterward, Kate shares her view on discovering stories and getting inspiration. We also discuss her skil...

A dead lawnmower, teachers dropping like flies, and a neighbor bent on enforcing homeowner association rules. What more is there to say? This is a story of death, dereliction, and dandelions from the perspective of a high school teacher whose summer break is becoming wilder by the day. During the interview, we talk with author John Eric Vona about the inspiration for the piece, his approach to dis...

Today’s show is a special edition where we hear the audiobook prologue for Beneath the Marigolds, a debut novel by Nashville writer Emily Whitson.  When her friend and sponsor, Reese Marigold, goes missing after attending Last Chance, an exclusive singles’ retreat on a remote island off the coast of Hawaii, no-nonsense lawyer Ann Stone infiltrates the retreat. Ann quickly realizes there’s more to...

The tale of Louis’ downward trajectory is one that every attendee at his AA meeting can relate to. Circumstances, bad choices, chemistry, aligning like chemical bonds. His story of addiction and disaster unfolds on the streets of Baltimore. Will it end with hope? After the story, we talk with Henry Cherry about how his photography, poetry, and letter writing has improved his craft as a writer. If...

Earl has taken a turn for the worse, and Alice believes she was never meant to be a mother. The blue room offers her escape, and a place to conjure on futures and pasts. Where will the signs lead? After the reading, we speak with Peter Gooch about his own conjuring, the writer's muse, and that place where inspiration hides -- between the conscious and unconscious mind. If you’d like to read this s...

Brianna encounters a stranger on the NYC subway who inserts himself in her life. Despite her attempts to shun him, he persists. Follow Brianna and her unborn child as they navigate the travails of NYC streets and strangers. For today’s show, Melissa and JW talk about the unique circumstances of John Mahoney and his story. Although John was unable to participate in-person for the interview, JW and...

Nellie’s state of mind leads to a crash that breaks her arm, but her limb isn’t the only thing that’s broken. Follow Nellie as she smooths the sharp edges of her life into curves while hiding the truth from her brother. After the reading we talk with Piper Gourley about her writing style, her inspiration for the story, and writing about people in that space before crisis and intervention. If you’d...

On today’s show we hear five poems by Lila Rutishauser. Her works plumb the space between past and present, parent and child, and the purity and wonder of youth. Afterward, Lila shares her ‘Old Soul’ perspective on writing a crappy first draft and the power of pen on skin. If you’d like to read these poems or learn more about Lila, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All...

The Russian phone roulette has begun, and you wonder if you’re next. Find out what happens in this flash fiction story that too many of us have faced in these trying times. Afterword, we talk with Donald Capone about his path to writing, his unique day job, and his approach to cranking out the stories and books. If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Don, head over to Etched Onyx Mag...

Rising star Roy Ashcroft fears his career is on a downward trajectory. When seeking help from a studio kingmaker, Roy is offered a lifeline, but will it come at an unspeakable price?  After the reading, we talk with Jordan about his tenacious approach to writing and get several nuggets about improving your craft. We also discover whether Jordan’s love of music will lead him to become the next big...

These six poems by Dennis Maloney will take you from beaches to mountains to bedrooms. Lush with imagery and loss, we're sure you'll enjoy them all. After the narration, special guest AM Ringwalt, professor of creative writing at Belmont University and a premier Nashville poet and singer-songwriter, talks with us about poetry basics. She also reads and unpacks one of her own poems, Some People. If...

Felix avoids purchasing the stuffed squirrel, but life throws all kinds of things at you, including signs. What do they mean and where will they lead?  After the reading we talk with Gavin Boyter about his career in freelance writing, movie making, and the joys of writing prompts. If you’d like to read this story and learn more about Gavin, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications...

On today’s show we hear three poems by Francis Fernandes that delve into the interpersonal, the challenge of finding perfection in a world gripped by invisible dangers, and the small pleasures of music and sunshine. Afterward, we hear from Francis about his take on poetry and its power to traverse time and space. You might also be surprised to learn that certain books don’t require bookmarks. If y...

Follow a high-school teacher as she attempts to find zen while confronting the daily challenges of supporting her students in an ever-increasing atmosphere of do-more-with-less. After the story, we talk with Melissa about real-life teaching challenges and how this impacts her writing. If you’d like to read this story and learn more about Melissa LaDuc, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyx...

Today’s show is a special edition where we hear the prologue for a work-in-progress by local Nashville writing fixture, Katie McDougall.  It’s Allison Bosch’s sixtieth birthday and she’s hiking a seldom-traveled ridge in the San Juan Mountains where her husband died sixteen years prior. What happens when her dog, Jez, encounters a mountain goat will leave you wanting to read the next chapter. Afte...

Old James is looking for a companion.  What he finds is a kindred spirit with a secret. Together, they discover the joys of a simple life while whittling a mystery. If you’d like to read this story and learn more about Michael Sobie, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com . All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

Lauren is on a mission. She needs some chips, and she needs them now, but sometimes your past gets in the way. Even at the grocery store.  After the reading, we talk with April about what sparked the idea for this story, and how a background in journalism informs her fiction and non-fiction writing.   If you’d like to read this story and learn more about April Bailey, head over to Etched Onyx Maga...

Discover a safe place, where a chance interaction between two strangers struggling to overcome their demons, changes both lives and hearts. After the reading, Melissa reveals her writing style as well as some of her surprising friends.  Bonus points to those who can guess the type of bird who performs several cameos during the interview. If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Melissa...

The Bleecker family looks to enjoy some much-anticipated together-time at Constance Beach, but nature, and those pivotal moments in life, may have other plans. After the story we speak with Christopher about writing inspiration, his approach to storytelling, and an emotion he most appreciates. It might surprise you. Also, keep an eye out for his debut novel, We Take Care of Our Own, to be out soon...

A humorous tale of a musical director vetting aspiring actors and the unlikely impact on all involved. After the reading we speak with Becky about the origin of the story, writing practices, the challenge of creativity during a pandemic, and even bear attacks.  If you'd like to read this story and learn more about Becky Hinshaw, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com All aud...