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

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 discovering stories, and how his musician father-in-law taught Eric the most valuable lesson about writing.

If you’d like to read this story or learn more about Eric, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved. 

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 Last Chance than meets the eye. The extravagant clothes, never-ending interviews, and bizarre dates hint that the retreat is a front for a reality dating show. Could Reese be safe, keeping a low profile until the premier, or did something sinister occur after all? Afterward, we talk with Emily about her inspiration, her strong belief in writers’ groups, and the importance of editors.

If you’d like to read this book or learn more about Emily, head over to her website at www.emilycwhitson.com. For more information about Etched Onyx Magazine, you can find us at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material, except for the audio prologue, are copyright Onyx Publications, 2021, all rights reserved.

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 you’d like to read this story or learn more about Henry, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

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 story or learn more about Peter, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.

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 Melissa discuss the answers he provided in advance.

If you’d like to read this story or learn more about John, head over to Etched Onyx Magazine at www.onyxpublications.com. All audio and story material are copyright 2021, all rights reserved.