When I speak of silencing women, I am not referring to speech. No, in fact, the sound of their words is simply the expression of their voices, not their voice itself. What I’m speaking of is the silencing of their souls, their spirit, their divine expression. I’m referring to the things they came here to say and do and think. I am referencing the destruction of the potential of all things. This mighty, divine potential that arrived wrapped up in the shape of an infant. When we silence that, ...
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Supporting fiction writers doing the hard work of revising unputdownable novels. The novel editing process is the creative crucible where you discover the story you truly want to tell—and it can present some of the most challenging moments on your writing journey. Developmental editor and book coach Alice Sudlow will be your companion through the mess and magic of revision. You’ll get inspired by interviews with authors, editors, and coaches sharing their revision processes; gain practical t ...
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A quarterly publication of the Vita Poetica Arts & Faith Collective, our online journal features creative work explored through a spiritual lens. Vita Poetica connects and upholds artists of faith, enlivening spiritual conversations through the arts. Learn more about us at www.vitapoetica.org. -- Hosted by Vita Poetica Journal Editors Music by John Morris
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Finding Fantasy Reads is for ravenous readers who are eager to find their next favorite character, series, or world by sampling clean fantasy short stories from a variety of authors. New episodes are released every Tuesday morning. This show is hosted by Karyne Norton, author of epic fantasy and reader of all types of fantasy. Narration of short stories is performed by either Karyne Norton or Paeter Frandsen, host of the Christian Geek Central Podcast.
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The Hunter of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler [Epic fantasy short story]
36:41
36:41
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36:41In this episode you'll hear an epic fantasy short story from Jeff Wheeler, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author. The Hunter of Muirwood is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Jeff Wheeler's website, where you can get The Hunter of Muirwood for free The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website This month’s giveaway Vote for you…
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The Art of Contemplative Photography by Jacqueline Wallen
14:47
14:47
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14:47Jacqueline Wallen introduces the ideas behind the art of contemplative photography, and guides us in three ways to practice it. Jacqueline Wallen is a clinical social worker with a practice of psychotherapy and an Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park.…
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Inciting Incident: How to Revise an Unputdownable Beginning
25:53
25:53
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25:53Your inciting incident sets the stage for everything that follows. Here's what to revise so it can carry the story. A great inciting incident does a lot of heavy lifting. → It hooks your readers, pulling them into the story. → And it sets up everything to come, laying the foundation for a brilliant climax your readers will love. The beginning matte…
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Fran Markover reads her poem "Uncle Julius Gifts Me with Awe," and Elizabeth Hamilton reads her poem "Sunday at the SoCal Winery." Fran is a retired psychotherapist who lives in Ithaca, NY. Her poems have been published in many journals. She has a chapbook, and has published two books, History's Trail (Finishing Line Press) and Grandfather's Mandol…
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Wind and Silk by Alice Ivinya [Romantic Fantasy]
56:27
56:27
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56:27In this episode you'll hear a short story from Alice Ivinya steeped in rich culture with unique magic. Wind and Silk is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Alice Ivinya's website; Her latest book: Ties of Deception, which is part of the Tethered Hearts multi-author series; Sign up for her newsletter here! The Narrator: Karyne No…
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The Sacrament of Silence by Layne Matthews Boles
34:10
34:10
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34:10Layne Matthews Boles reads her essay "The Sacrament of Silence." Layne holds an MFA from Seattle Pacific University in creative nonfiction, and is co-editor of Among Winter Cranes, the quarterly for the Christian Poetics Initiative (CPI) of the Rivendell Center for Theology and the Arts. While also working the front desk of a climbing gym, Layne en…
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Poems by Jonathan Chibuike Ukah & Maryella Desak Sirmon
5:47
5:47
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5:47Jonathan Chibuike Ukah reads his poem "The Valley of the Living," and Maryella Desak Sirmon reads her poem "Uncertain Opposites." Jonathan Chibuike Ukah is a Pushcart-nominated poet living in the United Kingdom. His poems have been featured in TAB: The Journal of Poetry and Poetics, Unleash Lit, The Pierian, Propel Magazine, Atticus Review, The Jou…
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Four Havok Fairy Tales by H.L. Davis [Fairy Tale Flash Fiction]
32:17
32:17
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32:17In this episode you'll hear four fairy tale flash fiction stories from H.L. Davis. The stories are narrated by Paeter Frandsen and Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: H.L. Davis' substack and H.L. Davis' Instagram and Havok's latest anthology The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website This month’s giveaway…
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Corey Flintoff reads his short story "Beulah Land" from our current Spring issue. Corey Flintoff is a former foreign correspondent for NPR. His fiction has appeared in the Virginia Quarterly Review, Glimmer Train, Ploughshares, and other journals.
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What If You Do Everything Right and the Book Launch Still Goes Wrong? with A.S. King
50:33
50:33
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50:33“It really broke my heart, actually. . . . For the rest of my life, it will break my heart.” A.S. King gets honest about what happened when the publishing industry failed her book. What happens after you edit your book? What happens after you’ve bared the story of your heart, crafted it into an excellent novel, and presented it to the world? What h…
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Linda Laderman reads her poem "How you go on about the other woman," and Ryan Harper reads his poems "Atonia, Eve of St. Mark" and "Early Easter." Linda Laderman is a Michigan poet. Her poetry has appeared in numerous literary journals, including The Burningword Literary Journal, MER, SWWIM, ONE ART, Rust & Moth, Minyan, and Action-Spectacle. She i…
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The Dragon Between Worlds by TE Bradford [Fantasy Short Story]
55:34
55:34
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55:34In this episode you'll hear a short story from TE Bradford that explores the significant moment in a young man's life when he can choose to become the hero or the villain. The Dragon Between Worlds is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: TE Bradford's website or Follow TE BRadford on Amazon The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's websi…
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Alice Wyman reads her essay "How to Buy a Rainbow" from our Spring 2025 issue. Alice Wyman is an essayist and poet whose work explores the revelation of outlandish grace in small, daily things. Her work has appeared in Darling, The Washington Post, and other publications. She makes her home in the Carolinas with her husband and three children.…
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Co-Editor Caroline Langston introduces our new Spring 2025 issue. Tune in for a preview of what's to come and listen to Caroline's editorial letter, "Or Does It Explode?"
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A Tooth for Trulian by AD Uhlar [YA Fantasy Short Story]
29:35
29:35
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29:35In this episode you'll hear an adventurous short story from A.D. Uhlar that pulls at the heartstrings with a girl on a mission to protect her younger sister. A Tooth for Trulian is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: A.D. Uhlar's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Instructions on how to subscribe to the podcast…
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Think You Need a Line Editor? Try This First
27:44
27:44
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27:44Do you need to hire a line editor? Or should you line edit your manuscript yourself? After all, you want to write an excellent novel. You know that great writing takes shape in revision, and you don’t want to skimp on any layers of editing. Nor do you want to overestimate your writing skills and leave your book littered with clunky sentences that a…
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The Chase: Part 2 by ZR McCormick [Christian Fantasy]
38:44
38:44
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38:44In this episode you'll hear the second half of a short story from ZR McCormick filled with magic, pirates, and adventure. The Chase: Part 2 is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: ZR McCormick's website; Kickstarter for Awakening The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website Instructions on how to leave a review for the podcast…
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The Chase: Part 1 by ZR McCormick [Christian Fantasy]
35:26
35:26
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35:26In this episode you'll hear the first half of a short story from ZR McCormick filled with magic, pirates, and adventure. The Chase: Part 1 is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: ZR McCormick's website; Kickstarter for Awakening The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website Sign up for the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast weekly updates…
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How Surrealist Pantser A.S. King Revises Award-Winning Novels
1:29:34
1:29:34
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1:29:34“Revising is about making sure that you're saying what you want to say in the way you want to say it. . . . To me, revision is the sport. It's the impact. It's the reason we're writers.” Have you ever read a book and thought, Holy cow, this is amazing. How did this author DO this? Or, maybe you’ve read a book and thought, Wow, I wish I could write …
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The Aquamancer's Secret: Part 2 by Jeremy P. Madsen [Fantasy Short Story]
1:01:12
1:01:12
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1:01:12In this episode you'll hear part two of a cozy short story from Jeremy P. Madsen filled with potions, a mix of humans and animals, and layers of deep themes. The Aquamancer's Secret: Part 2 is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Jeremy P. Madsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Listen to Karyne's other podcast: Bl…
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The Aquamancer's Secret: Part 1 by Jeremy P. Madsen [Fantasy Short Story]
55:12
55:12
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55:12In this episode you'll hear part one of a cozy short story from Jeremy P. Madsen filled with potions, a mix of humans and animals, and layers of deep themes. The Aquamancer's Secret: Part 1 is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Jeremy P. Madsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Share with a friend using these link…
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The Editor Life: 5 Days Behind the Scenes with Alice
46:54
46:54
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46:54Ever wondered what an editor actually does all day? What it looks like to spend all day supporting writers in their stories? Or what your editor’s doing in all that time when they’re not sharing their feedback with you? If those questions pique your curiosity, you’re in luck. I’m pulling back the curtain to share a week in my life as a developmenta…
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Keeper of Light by Drew Avera [Epic Fantasy Short Story]
42:46
42:46
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42:46In this episode you'll hear a classic fantasy short story from Drew Avera with good pitted against evil. Keeper of Light is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Drew Avera's website The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website Know a story we should feature? Apply with your own story or nominate an author here.…
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Shattered Threads: Part 2 by A.L. Lorensen [Epic Fantasy Short Story]
43:40
43:40
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43:40In this episode you'll hear the second half of a short story from A.L. Lorensen filled with threads of magic, dragons, and mystery. Shattered Threads: Part 2 is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: A.L. Lorensen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Take the two-quesiton listener survey here…
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How to Use Revision Tools Like the Story Authority You Already Are with Brannan Sirratt
57:36
57:36
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57:36When to use frameworks to solve your story problems—and when to trust yourself and lean on your own story authority. You’ve heard of Save the Cat! Story Grid. Blueprint for a Book. These are all frameworks designed to help you edit a novel. If you don’t know these names, I bet you know others—Hero’s Journey, Freytag’s Pyramid, 7 Point Story Structu…
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Shattered Threads Part 1 by A.L. Lorensen [Epic Fantasy Short Story]
35:59
35:59
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35:59In this episode you'll hear the first half of a short story from A.L. Lorensen filled with threads of magic, dragons, and mystery. Shattered Threads: Part 1 is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: A.L. Lorensen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Instructions on how to leave a review for the podcast…
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The Courtship of Giants by Kristi Simonson [YA Fantasy Short Story]
35:32
35:32
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35:32In this episode you'll hear a short story from Kristi Simonson filled with giants, sphinxes, and an underdog. The Courtship of Giants is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Kristi Simonson's website, where you can get The Courtship of Giants for free The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website Instructions on how to subscribe to t…
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Ask This Question When You’re Overwhelmed by Your Story
22:49
22:49
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22:49Escape analysis paralysis with one powerful question. It’s deceptively simple—and yet it unlocks everything. If you’re like most of the writers I work with, you’re pretty savvy about story structure. You know your Story Grid, your Save the Cat!, your Hero’s Journey. You’ve probably analyzed your story six ways to Sunday, and you’ve got the spreadsh…
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Unmasked: Part 2 by Sarah Carlisle [Fantasy Romance Short Story]
1:22:35
1:22:35
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1:22:35In this episode you'll hear the second part of a romantic fantasy Cinderella retelling from Sarah Carlisle. Unmasked: Part 2 is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Sarah Carlisle's website, where you can get Unmasked for free The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website This month’s giveaway Sign up for the Finding Fantasy Reads podcas…
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Unmasked: Part 1 by Sarah Carlisle [Romantic Fantasy Short Story]
1:41:35
1:41:35
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1:41:35In this episode you'll hear the first part of a romantic fantasy Cinderella retelling from Sarah Carlisle. Unmasked: Part 1 is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Sarah Carlisle's website, where you can get Unmasked for free The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website This month’s giveaway Listen to Karyne's other podcast: Blood of th…
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How Multiple Layers of Editing Combine to Perfect Your Story (with Cathryn deVries and Kim Kessler)
1:32:05
1:32:05
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1:32:05The best novels combine rock-solid story structure with scenes that are unputdownable on every page. Here’s how one writer and two editors polished a story at every level. If you want to move your reader in every moment, keep them hooked on every page, you need to refine your scenes until each one is unputdownable. And that refinement? It’s SUCH a …
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Plenus Luna by Maseeha Seedat [Fairy Tale Retelling Short Story]
35:44
35:44
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35:44In this episode you'll hear a Peter Pan orgin story from Maseeha Seedat that shows a darker side of Neverland. Plenus Luna is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Maseeha Seedat's Instagram The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website This month’s giveaway Share with a friend using these links…
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Waxing and Waiting by Allison Tebo [Fairy Tale Retelling]
49:45
49:45
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49:45In this episode you'll hear a Sleeping Beauty retelling from Allison Tebo filled with sassy fairies and spells gone wrong. Waxing and Waiting is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Allison Tebo's website and Kickstarter The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website This month’s giveawayBy Narrated by Karyne Norton
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What Is a Manuscript Evaluation? (And Do You Need One?)
32:34
32:34
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32:34It’s the most common developmental editing service you’ll see. Know what to look for and when (or if) you need one. If you google “developmental editor” and start looking through editors’ websites, you’ll see a common service appear again and again: A manuscript evaluation. (Or assessment, or diagnostic, or critique. A rose by any other name, etc.)…
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To Thaw a Phoenix Heart: Part 2 by CK Beggan [YA Romantic Fantasy Short Story]
36:54
36:54
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36:54In this episode you'll hear a young adult short story from CK Beggan with phoenixes in a dystopian setting. To Thaw a Phoenix Heart: Part 2 is narrated by Paeter Frandsen and Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: CK Beggan's website The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Know a story we should feature? A…
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Poem by Sharon Dolin & Art by Timothy deVries
7:38
7:38
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7:38Sharon Dolin reads her poem, "Before," and Timothy deVries discusses his art in "When Art Eschews Theology." Sharon Dolin is the author of seven books of poetry, most recently Imperfect Present; a memoir entitled Hitchcock Blonde; and two books of translation, most recently Late to the House of Words: Selected Poems by Gemma Gorga. Dolin is associa…
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To Thaw A Phoenix Heart: Part 1 by CK Beggan [YA Romantic Fantasy Short Story]
52:50
52:50
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52:50In this episode you'll hear a young adult short story from CK Beggan with phoenixes in a dystopian setting. To Thaw a Phoenix Heart: Part 1 is narrated by Paeter Frandsen and Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: CK Beggan's website The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Instructions on how to leave a re…
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The Practice of Leading Contemplative Prayer with Kevin Driedger
7:07
7:07
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7:07Sometimes after doing a practice for a while, you may be invited to lead others in that practice. And leading contemplatively is its own practice. In this meditation, Kevin Driedger offers his approach to "The Practice of Leading Contemplative Prayer." Kevin lives on the Canadian prairies with his lovely wife June. He tries to bring a contemplative…
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Scene Workshop: Hook Your Readers in Chapter One with Cathryn deVries
1:38:37
1:38:37
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1:38:37You get one shot to grab their attention. Don’t waste it with characters staring off into space. You've put all this work into uncovering your character's internal arc. You know them SO WELL. When you step into a scene, you're giving your absolute all to uncovering the deep meaning and purpose behind it, the profound arc of character transformation…
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Maya Bernstein reads her poem, "The Primordial Catastrophe in the Process of Creation," and Douglas Thornton reads his poem, "The Tantra of Abiding." Maya Bernstein’s writing has appeared or is forthcoming in By the Seawall, The Ekphrastic Review, Pensive: A Global Journal of Spirituality and the Arts, Tablet Magazine, and elsewhere. She is a recen…
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The Weaver and the Dragon by Lauren Hildebrand [Epic fantasy short story]
40:18
40:18
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40:18In this episode you'll hear a short story from Lauren Hildebrand about a boy finding a lost dragon. The Weaver and the Dragon is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Lauren Hildebrand's website The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Instructions on how to subscribe to the podcast…
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A Brief Cooking Meditation from Samir Knego
10:57
10:57
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10:57In this contemplative practice, Samir Knego invites us to embrace the ordinary act of cooking as a time for contemplation. In "It Shall Be Food for You: A Brief Cooking Meditation," Samir guides us through the process of cooking dried black beans, prompting us to thoughtfully consider our actions in each step, and to use times of waiting to refle…
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Riv Wren reads his poem, "The Lead Pastor's Visit," and Maxim D. Shrayer reads his poem, "The Conductor from Zion Square." Riv Wren lives in Loveland, Ohio. That is a real place. Wren's most recent poems appear in Pensive Journal and Cathexis Northwest. Maxim D. Shrayer, a Professor of Russian, English, and Jewish Studies at Boston College and a bi…
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Lightning Hunter by Cathryn deVries [Fantasy Short Story]
35:14
35:14
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35:14In this episode you'll hear a short story from Cathryn deVries about a gnome struggling to find her place after a big adventure. Lightning Hunter is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Cathryn deVries website, where you can get Lightning Hunter and When a Slave Falls for free The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Sign up for the…
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Seeking Creative Freedom by Lory Widmer Hess
15:11
15:11
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15:11Lory Widmer Hess reads her book review, "Seeking Creative Freedom: A Review of The Release: Creativity and Freedom After the Writing Is Done by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew." Lory Widmer Hess lives with her family in Switzerland, where she works with adults with developmental disabilities and recently completed a training in Spiritual Direction. She is…
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The Unskippable Process to Create Unputdownable Books
25:57
25:57
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25:57It’s unpopular, but essential if you’re aiming to craft your best work. Picture this: one year from now, you’re holding your book in your hands. You see the gorgeous cover art, feel the slight resistance when you open the cover for the first time, run your hands over the soft, smooth paper, flip the pages and smell that delicious new book smell. Do…
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Poems by Spencer Barnhill & Rachel Prizant Kotok
6:28
6:28
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6:28Spencer Barnhill reads his poem, "Hedge of Protection," and Rachel Prizant Kotok reads her poem, "Bat Mitzvah Dreams." Born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, Spencer is studying finance and English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is an aspiring writer who loves long-distance running and meaningful storytelling, and will have poetry featured in Eks…
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Three Havok Flash Fiction Stories by Rachel Dib, Jennifer Dyer, and Ryan Bush [Fantasy Flash Fiction]
27:42
27:42
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27:42In this episode you'll hear three flash fiction stories centered around midnight or New Year's. They're published by Havok and written by Rachel Dib, Jennifer Dyer, and Ryan Bush. The stories are narrated by Paeter Frandsen and Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Authors: Rachel Dib's Instagram Jennifer Dyer's website, where you can snag The Midnig…
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Tasha Cathey introduces her visual artwork, "God's Underpaintings," and Barbara Krasner reads her poem, "In the Shtetl, G-d Does Not Only." Tasha Cathey lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and two children. Her work is inspired heavily from her years spent living in Arizona and California at a young age and are either composed purely fro…
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'Twas the Night Before Christmas...with Dragons by Karyne Norton [Christmas Fantasy Parody]
6:14
6:14
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6:14In this episode you'll hear a Christmas fantasy parody of everyone's favorite Christmas poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, only this time it includes dragons. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas...with Dragons is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Karyne Norton's website The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website…
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