Read Me A Nightmare

If you go into the woods today...Beware the Zaggamung.James Hancock is a writer/screenwriter of comedy, thriller, horror, sci-fi and twisted fairy tales.  A few of his short screenplays have been made into films, and he has been published in print magazines, online, and in anthology books. He lives in England, with his wife and two daughters.  And a bunch of pets he insisted his girls could NOT have.Zaggamung is a short atmospheric horror story written byJames Hancock and performed by Karen Shute. In our interview, James Hancock talks about the differences between screen writing and the short story world. We also hit on the importance of writing groups.Here are some links if you want to learn more:https://twitter.com/JimHank13Bring Out the WickedDark Day Collection of Drabbles

So you're a shark, and you are looking for the best place to hang.What if there was a Trip Advisor for sea life? On today's episode, Pete Lead, a fellow author and improv actor presents his own story, "A Review of Bondi Beach, written by Henry the Shark."   Pete Lead is a writer, narrator, and facilitator who currently calls New Zealand his home. You can learn more about him at www.petelead.com  Stay tuned after the reading for a conversation about looking at writing as a business and strategies for success. Grab your towel, some sunscreen, a sharp harpoon, and let's dive into this review.

What is the secret behind the skull of the Peking man?Plus, how does one become the most famous sci-fi writer in Canadian history?Robert J. Sawyer is our guest today and he reads his award-winning story, "Peking Man."Robert J. Sawyer is one of only eight writers — and the only Canadian — to win all three of the world's top Science Fiction awards for best novel of the year: the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. He’s also won more Aurora awards than anyone in history. He recently received the L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement award in April at the 39th Annual Writers of the Future Awards Gala. His varied career includes script writing and television series production, including ABC’s Flash Forward which aired in 2009-2010. You can find his latest print novel, The Oppenheimer Alternative, a science fiction reimagining of history, on Amazon:The-Oppenheimer-AlternativeThe interview that follows the story is full of good advice for authors at any stage of their careers and some cautionary warnings about the advent of AI. Dim your lights, grab your nail file, and let's curl up for the award-winning horror-tinged tale, "Peking Man."  

Who is the ghost you see everyday?A gothic cautionary tale.This episode features a flash fiction piece by Amanda Cecelia Lang called "The Woman in the Churchyard".  It was first presented by Manawaker Studio’s Flash Fiction Podcast in June 2020.  Our retelling is brought to life by Karen Shute, one of the biggest horror experts I know, and a regular performer on this podcast.  Amanda Cecelia Lang is an author and aspiring recluse from Denver, Colorado. She writes weird novels and short fiction, tales of horror laced with whimsy, magic, and mayhem. When she isn’t plotting her next imaginary murder, she sleeps all day and plays all night—but probably isn’t a vampire since she thinks hickeys are seriously gross. You can learn more about her at https://www.amandacecelialang.com.Grab your warmest shawl and curl up for this creepy ghost story.

How do you win Writers of the Future? Coordinating Judge Judy Lynn Nye answers a selection of questions put together by the Wulf Pack writing group. ADDED BONUS. Jody Lynn Nye also reads her story "Superstition."Superstition first appeared in Furry Fantastic an anthology featuring otherworldly animals published in October 2006.You can also find this story in her collection Cats Triumphant. Jody Lynn Nye is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction books and short stories, many of them with a humorous bent.Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper at a small publishing house, freelance journalist and photographer, accounting assistant and costume maker.For four years, she was on the technical operations staff of a local Chicago television station, WFBN (WGBO), serving the last year as Technical Operations Manager. In 2016, Jody joined the judging staff of the Writers of the Future contest, the world’s largest science fiction and fantasy writing contest for new authors. She is now its Coordinating Judge.Learn more here:https://jodynye.com/Enter the writing contest here:Writers of the FutureCheck out the latest anthology here:L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Vol. 39Grab your favorite black cat, and let's curl up for a dark story with Jody Lynn Nye.

Beware! If you enter this bookstore... Plus how can you build a career and sustainable income with short stories?This episode features a short horror story by Mark Leslie called Browsers, read by Eric Bryan Moore. Mark Leslie has published more than 25 books. He has a comedy horror series featuring a Canadian Werewolf, several standalone thrillers and horror novels, a set of paranormal non-fiction books, and guides that help authors navigate publishing. You can find him at markleslie.ca After the reading, Mark Leslie talks about how he found a path to a profitable career as a writer. There is INVALUABLE advice in this chat. We Mention:Stark PublishingThe Canadian MountedDraft2DigitalFindaway Voices Public Lending RightsThe Relaxed AuthorGrab your favorite pen, collect your old short stories, and let's enter a mysterious bookstore.

How do you win Writers of the Future? What are the steps to growing a successful writing career?  PLUS how do you retire from dragon slaying?David Hankins has returned from the Writers of the Future Awards Gala. His story "Death and the Taxman" was a winner and can be found in L. Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future Vol. 39 .For this episode we are presenting another story of his. "The Last Quest of Corbin the Coward"  is written and performed by David Hankins and was originally published on May 31, 2022 by Factor Four Magazine.   David Hankins is an award-winning author who writes from the thriving cornfields of Iowa where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dragons disguised as cats. He devotes his time to writing, traveling, and finding new ways to pay his mortgage. You can find him at davidhankins.com Stay tuned after the episode when we chat about his experience at the gala, military life, and strategies for success. We mention:The DreamCastersWulf MoonDean Wesley SmithGrab a dragon's tooth, sharpen your pencil, and let's learn what it takes to conquer Writers of the Future. 

Anita Brown has just met the sexiest man in London.Why has he given her an Iguana?"The Guanche, the Iguana, & the Kidnapping of Anita Brown" was first published by Allegory Ezine in their Spring/Summer 2022 issue. This episode features an interview with Brandon Case, author and erstwhile government cog, who fled reality to live in unsettling worlds of science and magic. He has recent work in Escape Pod, Death Knell Press, and Air and Nothingness Press, among others. You can catch his alpine adventures on Twitter and Instagram @BrandonCase101."The Guanche, the Iguana, & the Kidnapping of Anita Brown" is voiced by Kristi Stewart. She is a regular performer for Read Me A Nightmare.Pack your bags, grab the pet of your choice, and prepare for the end of the world. 

There's nothing quite like a bucket list with a body count.TRIGGER WARNINGS: Profanity, violence, vigilantism. Eda Obey (pen name EH Obey) reads the first two chapters of her novella KILLER RV. Buy From Amazon Baltimore housewife Delilah is thrilled to make friends with her new neighbor Peggy, who has terminal cancer, a vicious little dog, and an RV with a gimp drawer.https://www.lastgirlsclub.comStay tuned after the reading for a candid chat with Eda. This is our third interview on this podcast, and, as always, it goes some interesting places.Ready for a road trip?

Cosmic Horror lurks in Arizona.Can one ex-military recluse save the world?"Kutulu in the Desert" first appeared in DreamForge Magazine's Halloween edition Dark Visions on October 17th, 2022.This episode features an interview with Jane Noel, the designer who created the art work for this story.  Jane talks about fiction as an inspiration for art, and her journey with DreamForge Magazine.  We get into the weeds with technology and techniques.Jane Noel is the artist and designer at DreamForge whose work as Art Director assured the success of early Dungeons & Dragons computer game titles like Menzoberranzan and Ravenloft: Stone Prophet, along with award-winning original titles like Anvil of Dawn.Learn more about DreamForge: https://dreamforgemagazine.com"Kutulu in the Desert" is voiced by Kristi Stewart. She is a regular performer for Read Me A Nightmare.Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. Tuck a cigarette in your pocket, load your gun, and let’s go for for a ride in the Sonoran Desert.

How far would you take your wedding vows?"Till Death Do Us Part" was written by James Hancock and first published in the anthology Broken Promises.  He narrates his own story.James Hancock is a writer/screenwriter of comedy, thriller, horror, sci-fi and twisted fairy tales.  A few of his short screenplays have been made into films, and he has been published in print magazines, online, and in anthology books. He lives in England, with his wife and two daughters.  And a bunch of pets he insisted his girls could NOT have.In our interview, James Hancock talks about the differences between screen writing and the short story world. We also hit on the importance of writing groups.Here are some links if you want to learn more:https://twitter.com/JimHank13https://shooterlitmag.com/2022/08/08/greed/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marie-supernatural-deceit-mystery-murder/dp/B096TRSV7Y/https://t.co/EHaGU3ASvfhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/One-About-Sheep-Other-Stories/dp/1739630505/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXa5wiGySYw Grab a blanket, cuddle up with a loved one, and get ready for FOREVER.

Try Floatation Therapy.It will be relaxing. We promise. "MgS04" was written by Angelique Fawns and first broadcast on The Other Stories in March 2020.If this story doesn't scare you, Karen Shute's true life experience in a floatation chamber will 100 % -- stay tuned after her reading to hear a story so unbelievably frightening that I wish I wrote it! Karen Shute is an editor, producer,  voice actor, and all-round horror fan. We also talk about the BEST horror Christmas movies available for your holiday viewing.Included are:Black Christmas 1974Black Christmas 2006Black Christmas 2019GremlinsTrancersViolent NightDie HardChristmas Horror StoryCobraThe ChildrenRare ExportsStrip down to your undies, dim the lights, and prepare to immerse yourself in MgS04.  

Ogri is an Osset from Oberon.His dream is to be a dancer. But his destiny is in the rodeo ring..."Ogri Trips the Light Fantastic " was written by Angelique Fawns and published November 15, 2022 on dreamofshadows.co.uk.Dream of Shadows is a London based website that features monthly horror and fantasy stories.  Ogri Trips the Light Fantastic is a science fiction flash that features an extraterrestrial creature who finds a way to makes lemonade when he’s given lemons.  Bill Wiesner is our voice actor for this episode. Bill Wiesner is a Toronto based technical and creative professional.  He is a promotions and commercial producer/director/writer, post-production editor and aspiring voice character actor. The artistic impressions of Ogri were created by Devin Towrie.Put on a cowboy hat, grab a feather boa, and let's dance with Ogri.

How far would you go to live in a crime-free world?And what are you willing to forget?"A Time To Forget" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology Pulp Modern: Tech Noir  by Pulp Modern and publisher Alec Cizak.AN ENSEMBLE CAST PERFORMANCE(in order of appearance)Frank- The CFO - Kelly PidgeonBetty - The Scientist - Karen ShuteHonour - Pleasure Provider - Kristi StewartIsla - Rescue Worker - Brooke St. OngeAngus - Paramedic - Luke FawnsEmily - The Wife - Rachel LuttrellDave - The Husband - Peter RuprechtSamar - Social Worker - Bill WiesnerStay tuned after the interview for a chat with Pulp Modern creator Alec Cizak about his imprint and the world of pulp and noir fiction. Links: Alec Cizak Author PageThe Independent Fiction AlliancePulp Modern Issues

In a Solarpunk world, some pay a high price for Utopia.Honour is about to learn a sordid secret...Kristi Stewart reads our tease and introduces us to Honour.Honour first came to life in the pages of Pulp Modern:Tech Noir. The story "A Time To Forget"  as originally presented will be performed by a cast of all Read Me A Nightmare's voice actors in the next episode!Kristi has worked in the communications and media industry most of her professional career. With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She says performing brings her joy and, keeps her young and, she has no plans to stop anytime soon!Turn off the lights, close your eyes, and let's meet our dark heroine, Honour.If you want to learn about the next episode of Honour's reimagined adventures, sign up for my newletter at www.fawns.ca.

Looking for a short story guaranteed to make you laugh? Or snort? Only 6 minutes long!"Why Ride A Broom" was written by Angelique Fawns and can be read free at Dark Dispatch.  This stallion is about to learn some manners.... the hard way.  Sandra Ruttan is the publisher of Dark Dispatch and she chats with us after the reading about success with novel writing, running an e-zine, and her interest in banned books.WARNING: This flash fiction has some salty language.Kelly Pidgeon reads for us today and he is a professional voice actor and musician. Learn more about this band Boats Against The Current.You can listen to them here:SPOTIFY YOUTUBEGrab a whip, slide on some chaps and prepare for a wild ride.For more info visit www.fawns.caInterview with Kelly about his band. 

Sharks aren't the most dangerous thing at this Texan beach..."The Trouble At Surfside Beach" was written by Angelique Fawns and can be read free at Pif Magazine, first published in December 2021. PIF MAGAZINE WARNING: This flash fiction deals with the death penalty and may be triggering. Kelly Pidgeon is our guest reader and interview. ** The Interview starts nine minutes in if you want to jump right there and skip the story.He is a professional voice actor, musician, and the voice on the intro of this podcast. After the story we talk about his career, how he takes care of his voice, and his band, Boats Against The Current.You can listen to them here:SPOTIFY YOUTUBEPut on your flip flops, grab your gun, and let's head to the beach...For more info visit www.fawns.caInterview with Kelly about his band.

It's a post-apocalyptic world where only teenagers have survived.This future world is ruled by battling bands..."The New Mutants" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology Gotta Wear Eclipse Glasses  by Third Flatiron Publishing.This story was a Tangent On-Line Recommended Read for 2020.Kristi Stewart is back by popular demand, and not only reads us this short adventure piece, but sticks around to talk to us about the future of the voice industry. We also answer the question...”If you could give your 20-year-old self some advice about the business, what would you say?" Kristi has worked in the communications and media industry most of her professional career. With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. During that time, she’s had the thrill of being the female National Imaging voice for GLOBAL TV, TLN, PRIME TV and, the Canadian Entrepreneur of the year awards!  In addition to voicing many commercials, narrations and, even a Harlequin romance novel.  She’s also no stranger to on camera acting having been in several productions including; SEE NO EVIL, FEAR THY NEIGHBOR and, HAUNTED HOSPITALs, to name a few….Kristi says performing brings her joy and, keeps her young and, she has no plans to stop anytime soon!

Sabrina climbs aboard an ancient Ferris wheel.She may have a disability, but that won't slow down the ride of her life."The Last Ride" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology The Corona Book of Ghost Stories. Caterina Papadopoulos is our voice actress and she brings her years of radio and broadcast experience to Read Me A Nightmare. You can find her magazine-style show on CHTO Radio in Toronto.  Stay tuned after the reading for a chat with Cat about her career, advice for the next generation, and future showbiz plans.  If you are over 50 inches tall, step right up and climb aboard! The ride is about to begin.... 

A group of writers join a retreat on a remote island...But the  Zombie Apocalypse has arrived! Who will survive?"The Writing Retreat" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology Strangely Funny VII by Mystery & Horror L.L.CBack by popular demand, Karen Shute brings her zombie expertise to this comedy horror short. Karen Shute is an editor, producer,  voice actor, and all-round horror fan.  Stay tuned after the reading for a chat about the best zombie movies -like EVER. Included are:The Evil DeadDawn of the DeadShaun of the DeadJuan of the DeadThe Walking DeadTrain to BusanDead SetWorld War ZDead AliveGrab a glass of Pelee Island Merlot, open your zombie apocalypse survival guide, and get ready for some undead entertainment.