Drabblecast Covers Collage 2018 01

Category: Drama Page 7 of 8

Cover for Drabblecast episode 92, Synesthesia, by Tom Morganti

Drabblecast 92 – Synesthesia

Cover for Drabblecast episode 92, Synesthesia, by Tom MorgantiThey called  it “Synesthesia.”  It’s when the senses got mixed up and you started to hear colors or taste sounds…

Norm begins this with a warning concerning graphic violence and gore. We return to one of the Drabblecast’s favorite topics, the Zombie Apocalypse. The theme receives a fresh airing, which is just as well, as it was starting to smell. Sal Lemerond, veteran of the horror webzine “Necrotic Tissue,” posits the connection between drug addicts and zombies, in a 100-word drabble. Norm chimes in with a tasty public service announcement about the nutritional value of your brain on drugs. In the feature story, J. Alan Pierce – whose work has appeared in Kaleidotrope, as well as twice on the Drabblecast (#18 “The One that Got Away” and #31 “Beekeepers”) – takes us through a zombie plague via the eyes of an early victim. The condition first manifests as Synthesesia, the scientific name for the ability to taste colors, smell sounds, and other bizarre sensory hallucinations.  The story culminates in a family dispute and a choice betrayal.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 89, Starry Night, by Philippa Jones

Drabblecast 89 – Starry Night

Cover for Drabblecast episode 89, Starry Night, by Philippa Jones“They were frozen in place, and their bodies blazed.  The angel was before them, and they were silent, burning with no heat…”

The episode opens with a Drabble by John Medaille, a veteran of Podcastle, the Dunesteef, and the “Three-Lobed Burning Eye.”  It discusses the depredations and terror experienced by survivors of a post-apocalyptic elevator failure. Next, continuing the theme of apocalyptic landscapes, Samantha Henderson –also a veteran of numerous podcasts as well as “Realms of Fantasy” –contributes her story, “Starry Night.” Evoking Van Gough’s famous painting, her story describes the consequences of a celestial event that illuminated, and then blinded, the renaissance village of Monte Verde. Surreal tragedy follows. After the story, reader feedback from the Double-Header, “Hush and Hark” and “Meta Science Fiction,” describes how disturbing and or amusing the audience found the stories. Listeners rated Trifecta 5 as middle-of-the-road.

Cover for Drabblecast 88, The Toys of Peace, by Brent Holmes

Drabblecast 88 – The Toys of Peace

Cover for Drabblecast 88, The Toys of Peace, by Brent HolmesHarvey retreated to the library and spent some thirty or fourty minutes in wondering whether it would be possible to compile a history, for us in elementary schools, in which there should be no prominent mentions of battles, massacres, murderous intrigues, and violent deaths…

Norm thanks listeners who voted in the recent election, before punishing non-voters by busting out an unexpected freestyle rap explaining the American Electoral College system, entitled “Electoral Homies.” Keeping with the civic governance theme comes a feature story from 19th-Century author “Saki,” the pen name for Hector Hugh Monroe.  In it, the National Council for Peace attempts unsuccessfully to limit and channel the aggressive instincts of playful young boys. Lastly, Norm reviews the overwhelming reader feedback response to Episode #84, “Floating Over Time.”

Cover for Drabblecast episode 86, Half Sneeze Johnny, by Bo Kaier

Drabblecast 86 – Half-Sneeze Johnny

Cover for Drabblecast episode 86, Half Sneeze Johnny, by Bo KaierIf he ain’t comfortable, he can’t sneeze proper to save his life…

During the Drabble News, Norm introduces us to the cutest little tongue-biting-then-tongue-impersonating parasite that one could ever hope to meet.  The Drabblecast then ticks off another row on its scorecard for “Bodily Functions Bingo” by delivering fiction about the act of sneezing.  In the Drabble segment, Peter Wood tells the story of an unfortunate sufferer who finds that even death is no surcease from the problem of allergies. During the feature story, “Half-sneeze Johnny” which originally appeared in “Kaleidotrope” print magazine, the gentle sound of a half-sneeze, which sounds like chickadees being crushed to death, serves as an unlikely truth detector for a pair of mobsters.  The author also contributed the story for Drabblecast #54, “Unholy Fruit.” Feedback from Episode #81, “Snuffles,” and #82, “Overgrown Clump of Narcissists,” rounds out the episode.

Cover for Drabblecast 83, Floating Over Time, by Philip Pomphrey

Drabblecast 83 – Floating Over Time

Cover for Drabblecast 83, Floating Over Time, by Philip PomphreyShe was a machine, fabulously complex and durable and imaginative.  She was also alive…

This well regarded episode of the Drabblecast shares the poetic story of two complex individuals welcoming, dreading, and ultimately learning from the finality of their own end.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 82, An Overgrown Clump of Narcissists, by Bo Kaier

Drabblecast 82 – An Overgrown Clump of Narcissists

Cover for Drabblecast episode 82, An Overgrown Clump of Narcissists, by Bo Kaier“As you can see, this clump of daffodils is far too overgrown,” said the frail, blue-haired host.” The blooms in the center are starting to suffer as the younger bulbs challenge them for sunlight and nutrients…”

The episode begins with more from the world of the Mega-Beach Death-Match. The Drabble describes warring among fairies. The feature is a  grim tale of holiday angst, shame, and the potential for forgiveness (and unforgivable acts). Feedback is for episode 79’s “Low Carb Cheesecake.”

Cover for Drabblecast episode 80, Standing in Line, by Rick Green

Drabblecast 80 – Standing in Line

Cover for Drabblecast episode 80, Standing in Line, by Rick Green

I sense a diference the instant I step out of the water.  In the unnatural stillness there is an arid taste in the air that assaults the back of my throat…

Norm Sherman brings us an episode about endings, and why they don’t always have to be bad. The Drabble is about a “beautiful” end. The feature is a touching tale of family’s facing their impending end with strength and solidarity. Feedback is for “Apologies All Around,” episode 76.

Cover for Drabblecast 76, Apologies All Around, by Bo Kaier

Drabblecast 76 – Apologies All Around

Cover for Drabblecast 76, Apologies All Around, by Bo Kaier“Pardon, Winston Sinclair, I am not here to sell you something. I am not here to buy something. Winston Sinclair, sir, I am here to apologize…”

Jeff Soesbe, graduate of The Viable Paradise Workshop, gives us a tender feature about a family of the future, and a unique robot with a special purpose. In Drabble News, Norm Sherman makes all the men jealous with the tale of a sexual powerhouse: a prolific, philandering Guinea Pig! Norm tells us more about the Mega-Beast Death-Match. Feedback is for Episode #70 “Reality Bites!” and Episode #71 “Perfect Down Further.”

Cover for Drabblecast episode 74, Witchcraft in the Harem, by Caroline Parkinson

Drabblecast 74 – Witchcraft in the Harem

Cover for Drabblecast episode 74, Witchcraft in the Harem, by Caroline Parkinson

“I’m in serious trouble here,” I said to the pale man.  “Give me some words of wisdom.”

This episode’s Drabble details a disturbing beginning. The feature is a haunting tale of desire and eternity. Norm Sherman gives us more information on the Mega-Beach Death-Match, which contains a squid with tank treads, a giant wasp, and a robotic tanuki. Feedback is from Episode #96 “The Story-Teller” by Saki.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 72, Exit, by T.A. Holly McCrea

Drabblecast 72 – Exit

Cover for Drabblecast episode 72, Exit, by T.A. Holly McCrea“Lieutenant,” she said, “Stevens obviously has it, or he would have quit this crap…”

Cover for Drabblecast episode 68, The Wiggly People, by Bo Kaier

Drabblecast 68 – The Wiggly People

Cover for Drabblecast episode 68, The Wiggly People, by Bo KaierUncle Karl shouts when he’s mad, and sometimes he smacks Mama.  That always makes the sharp things hurt me and the wiggly people come out…

On this episode of the Drabblecast, a dark tale from favorite author Eugie Foster. A troubled youth, a view in to his chaotic mind, and deeply effected life. Shake hands with the wiggly people!

Cover for Drabblecast episode 63, Time Shift, by Jonathan Wilson

Drabblecast 63 – Time Shift

Cover for Drabblecast episode 63, Time Shift, by Jonathan WilsonA few seconds (approximately 3.21, her processors told her) wasn’t a lot of time- a human brain wouldn’t have had the same opportunity for reflection…

Cover for Drabblecast episode 60, Dysfunction, by Bo Kaier

Drabblecast 60 – Dysfunction

Cover for Drabblecast episode 60, Dysfunction, by Bo Kaier“I have to see for myself, or else I’ll never know.  I’ll lie there, half-in and half-out of a dream, listening to them every night…”

Cover for Drabblecast episode 57, The Tiger Fortune Princess, by Caroline Parkinson

Drabblecast 57 – The Tiger Fortune Princess

Cover for Drabblecast episode 57, The Tiger Fortune Princess, by Caroline Parkinson“Your daughter will die unborn unless she rides the dragon’s tail…”

Cover for Drabblecast 55, Circe's, by Mary mattice

Drabblecast 55 – Circe’s

Cover for Drabblecast 55, Circe's, by Mary matticeFeliks Duda has eight weeks left in the country on the morning the letter from the Home Office arrives.  They tell Feliks he has to go back to his country.  That Feliks can not do…

Cover for Drabblecast episode 42, 40 Quarters, by Jonathan Wilson

Drabblecast 42 – 40 Quarters

Cover for Drabblecast episode 42, 40 Quarters, by Jonathan Wilson“Your work does sound most commendable, but I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do.  Volunteer work, no matter how worthy, doesn’t pay taxes.  There’s no such thing as a free lunch…”

Building on last episode’s interest in a Nigerian scam spame e-mail, Norm announces the first annual “Nigerian Scam Spam E-mail Contest,” arising from listener Strawman’s suggestion. We move on to the feature story, whose author Tom Williams appeared before on episode #30, “2084.” This week, Mr. Williams writes about a cynical Social Security officer who tires of the hard-luck cases he hears on a daily basis, deciding “there ain’t nobody but workers and slackers.” A special individual arrives to remind our protagonist of the truth of the social contract.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 40, Marbles, by David Steffen

Drabblecast 40 – Marbles

Cover for Drabblecast episode 40, Marbles, by David Steffen

“Michael…” his mother said, smiling and bending toward him. “Don’t you think we should invite your new neighbor over to play?”

In Drabble News:  the field of Taxidermy triumphs with the successful recovery of a famous cryptozoological (mystery) animal. This week’s Drabble, “Shark attack,” provides a surprising role reversal. The feature story, also by author Ayn Sauer, continues the theme of vicious youth. “Marbles” tells the tale of young Michael and a precocious young collector named Alice. It details a kiddie cross, the sort of thing that scars for life, or elicits a frightful smile. Head-scratcher feedback for Episode #35, “The Guilt Trader,” follows.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 37, Luna Springs, by Rick Green

Drabblecast 37 – Luna Springs

Cover for Drabblecast episode 37, Luna Springs, by Rick Green

They say the gravity’s lessened here, air’s purified, filtered with vitamins and proteins.  Even the light’s better – Luna Springs is on a mobile foundation timed to keep optimum reflected sunlight at all hours…

In Drabble News: a young girl born with four arms and four legs in India, believed to be the incarnation of a Hindu goddess, underwent surgery to remove her irregularities. Norm speculates on her attitude towards baby pictures later in life. Continuing on the theme of physical infirmities, the feature story features a sickly and wheelchair-bound grandfather. A man who found a place in a retirement community on the Moon, where “memories come alive with the moonlight and dance with the stars” – leaving his grandson with a painful memory of his own. The story author, Patrick Hurley, has been published in “The Horror Library” and other venues. Feedback for Episode #32, “The Warden’s Last Day,” closes out the episode.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 32, The Warden's Last Day, by Bo Kaier

Drabblecast 32 – The Warden’s Last Day

Cover for Drabblecast episode 32, The Warden's Last Day, by Bo Kaier“It was 11 at night, and only a few shouts of men in the lifer block penetrated the concrete walls of death row.  My name is Michael Zlocinac, and I am a warden of U.S. Federal Penitentiary at Magdalena, New Mexico…”

On this episode of the Drabblecast, on his last day as warden, the titular protagonist explains his complicated history, and the moral conundrums it presents. A rumination on capital punishment, legacy, and war.

Cover for Drabblecast episode 28, The Hog-Faced Man, by Richard K. Green

Drabblecast 28 – The Hog-Faced Man

Cover for Drabblecast episode 28, The Hog-Faced Man, by Richard K. GreenI listened to my father talk about the hog-faced man who came into his hospital room and stood at the foot of his bed.
“What does he say to you?” I asked.
My father turned his head and looked at me.
“He tells me he’s too early…”

On this episode of the Drabblecast, a spooky, sorrowful apparition causes a father to question his worldview. What secrets does this nocturnal visitor hide?

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