I know it’s been awhile since I gave you anything new. But you must know by now, that I love a good horror story! I couldn’t resist taking the time to record this one for your Spooky Season enjoyment. Did you know that Bram Stoker stole, and married, Oscar Wilde’s girlfriend? And even though Oscar was not happy about it, they remained friends. They met at school where Bram studied Mathematics. This story is about a student of mathematics that steals away to study uninterrupted in a far away town. It is said to be one of the best English ghost stories ever. Oh, and, trigger warning… if you don’t like rats, don’t listen to this one.

Our story today is dedicated to all the authors out there. It is a delightfully fun jab at the ever tumultuous relationship between authors and reviewers. Back in her day, the only reviewers were the journalists of certain publications. Nowadays, every one is a reviewer. Which gives a review even more impact and influence. Whether good or bad. But, as you will see in this story, the politics and engineering of getting and giving reviews has not changed. Enjoy!

It’s about marriage and divorce, women and men, and the complexity or simplicity of relationships.  I love Wharton’s adept turn of phrase. She can say so much in one little sentence. For example, “It was so delicious to cry over imaginary troubles!” or  “Womanlike, she wanted to turn her disobedience into a law.” While Wharton was not considered a feminist, her sympathy with her female characters and their situations in society reveals so much insight and understanding of feminist issues. Did you know that 1/3 of her 86 short stories center on The Marriage Question? And in her stories, she exposes the consequences of abortion, illegitimacy, economic dependency, and the double standard of sexual morality. Not bad for a woman who doesn’t consider herself a feminist.

This is a re-do! This story was my 5th episode, back in 2017. I was going to just re-broadcast it, but I’ve learned so much since then. I want to do it more justice. So, here it is better than before.

This story is a nod to the New Year. The New Year is often symbolized as an infant, and the passing year is depicted as an old man. Jack London gives us an exquisite example of youth vs. age. Both have advantages. Both have challenges. But who would win in a head-to-head battle? And what exactly would they be fighting for?

Here’s to the New Year. Or maybe to the old year.

What was a Thanksgiving without a turkey? “It was like a great flourish of accompaniment without any song.” That’s how Ann Mary felt about it. This week we bring you two stories by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: “Ann Mary; Her Two Thanksgivings” and “Thankful” Thanksgiving is a holiday where no gifts are given, yet one receives so much. Even a Thanksgiving spent alone can still find one grateful. So whether you’ll be surrounded by family or friends, or alone, I hope you find something to be thankful for. 

I could not resist bringing you a new story for the spooky season. So, here is “With Intent to Steal” by Algernon Blackwood. Blackwood has a special place in my heart because he was a broadcast narrator! I also love his philosophy about horror and the human mind. He says: “My fundamental interest, I suppose, is signs and proofs of other powers that lie hidden in us all; the extension, in other words, of human faculty. I believe it possible for our consciousness to change and grow, and that with this change we may become aware of a new universe.”  My favorite type of horror story always has something to do with the Supernatural. How about you? What’s your favorite kind of horror?

In this story, London’s intention is to show the contrast between nature and man. This story is also one of the stories the Cohn brothers included in “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”. If you’d like to hear another short story used in the film, listen to “The Girl Who Got Rattled” by Stewart Edward White. The brothers won an Academy Award for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay). Well, when you have well written stories to start with, you can’t go wrong. I’ve chosen this story this week because, as it happens, I will be headed up to the Sierras in the next few days. When I read this story, I could feel what London says:  “The spirit of the place was the spirit of the peace of the living”. I can’t wait to get up the mountain and feel that spirit.

The Fly has been touted as the perfect short story by some. It definitely has an impact on the reader, or listener in this case. The Doves’ Nest is an interesting commentary on the issue of the company of men from the women’s perspective. This “nest” has all female servants, a widow, her female companion and her daughter. When a gentleman comes calling, the doves are all a flutter. Great fun! But with an interesting message in the undercurrent. Enjoy!

This week is NYMST’s 5th Anniversary. 5 years ago, on Halloween, was my first ever episode. Of course, I read “Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe. So for this episode, we’re doing something different. We’re breaking out of the public domain! I’ve got a new, current, author to share with you. Lee Allen, an author in Wales, writes short stories – spooky short stories. I asked if he’d let me read one for my podcast and he agreed. It’s called “The Deathly Shade of Pale.” I think you’ll enjoy it. You can find Lee Allen’s linktr-ee here: LeeAllenAuthor. Enjoy! And Happy Halloween!

This is a fun one for you! Stockton is best known for his children’s stories, but there are a few gems in his repertoire for adults. I love his humor and his timing. Just sit back and enjoy a light and uplifting little story from Frank Stockton.