There are the ties that bind and those we run from.
Jim Szabo's six word story is the beginning of (a beautiful?) marriage. Copyright 2014, used with permission. Read Jim's bio or find him on the Second Hand Stories Podcast.
Five-time No Extra Words contributor Tina Tocco ponders whether you really can go home in "That Boy's a Catch." Copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Tina's bio.
Writing Spaces for Episode 86 features Dallas Woodburn, who first appeared with us back on Episode 28. Click here to see her writing space. We are also featuring Sheila Good, whose story was featured on Episode 35. Click here to see her writing space.
Sometimes escape takes you away from something. Sometimes it takes you towards something. "Moira Actually" is by Adam Kluger and voiced by Bill Tush. Copyright 2016, used with permission.
People aren't perfect, but there's perfection in the imperfection, like when your girlfriend gets "Sweaty." By T.E. Cowell, copyright 2017, used with permission. Read T.E.'s bio.
Today's drabble writer is my buddy and fellow podcaster Kelly J. Covert, and she pays tribute to something sacred to us all. Find Kelly on Instagram or head over to her website to check out her amazing podcast.
What do you do when time away is simultaneously long enough to sink your teeth into and yet not nearly long enough? "Walk a Pavement Once." By Eivend Nerberg, copyright 2007, used with permission. Originally published in 2008 in the anthology Nano2ales, edited by Ziv Navoth (Franc Roddam's Ziji Publishing, UK.) Read Eivend's bio.
It's funny how every familiar place eventually becomes a "Ghost Town." By Jessica Psenski, copyright 2017, used with permission. Originally published over on her lovely blog. Read Jessica's bio.
For today's segment, a grand experiment: Found Literature. This is an anonymous piece and there is no good way to locate its author so as I said on the show it lives in a murky area of U.S. copyright law. I am choosing to take the risk and bring it to you, trying to operate on good faith. Story really is everywhere, and if anyone knows where the author(s) of this piece might be, I hope you'll reach out.
As a Pacific Northwest native, I am a sucker for excellent visual descriptions of this amazing part of the world, such as those found in "Red of 10,000 Years." By Dave Barrett, copyright 2015, used with permission. This piece is an excerpt of his novel Gone Alaska and the excerpt was originally published in the Summer 2015 issue of The Vignette Review. Read Dave's bio.
I loved my chat with Jim Szabo, host of the Second Hand Stories podcast. We chatted about the inspiration for our shows, how we deal with submissions and what our pet peeves are, how much we love our writers, our recording spaces, and so much more. Here's some links to the things we talked about.
And the two recommendations Kris gives to podcaster wannabes are:
Not what you think. This is what happens to the living that the dead don't have to deal with.
"The Adequate News Report" gives us just the facts, and just the end. As in all good microfiction, you get to come up with the beginning. By Dan Seiters, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Dan's bio.
Paul and Emma have had "A Death in the Family," and someone has to decide how they tell. By Amanda Staples, copyright 2017, used with permission. Read Amanda's bio.
No new announcements on today's episode, but definitely think about contributing your 100 word story to our Instagram challenge and check out how you can support the show. Supporters also get a behind the scenes look at how I used Google to create poems like the one featured on today's episode "What Happens After Death?"
Dealing with Grandma's death is one thing. Getting Grandma to her final resting place is something different in "The Ministry." By Niles M. Reddick, copyright 2014, used with permission. Visit Niles's website.
One minute, one hundred words, one story. Click here to see the photo that inspired this story and here to learn how to submit your own work via Instagram.
Up late wondering if they know what they are doing to memories of "My Last Husband." By Mary J. Breen, copyright 2013, used with permission. "My Last Husband" first appeared in The Waterhouse Review in January 2013. Read Mary's bio.
Today's episode features a silly campfire story by Kris Baker Dersch. The three guardians of this podcast are Submissions, Promotion, who would like to introduce you to the wilds of Instagram and YouTube, and Support.
Writing spaces for Episode 83 features Steven Mayoff, who was previously with us on Episode 47 and Episode 56. Click here to see his writing space.
Our second Writing Spaces contributor is Rachel Lyon, whose work can be heard on Episode 46. Click here to see her writing space. You can also see detailed photos of the balloon, the lion, the angel, and the novel-in-progress featured in her piece.
It's always hard to explain a dream. "I Had Children in a Dream" is by Stacy Stepanovich, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Stacy's bio.
The Google poem featured in this episode is by Kris Baker Dersch and is the launch of our fundraising campaign on Patreon. You can view the video of the Google poetry writing technique by becoming a Patreon sponsor to the show. The poem is called "Lost Sleep" and is inspired by the stories of this episode.
We've all had that middle of the night feeling like it's "Three in the Morning and You Don't Smoke Anymore." By Peter J. Stavros, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Peter's website.
This mini-episode launches our Instagram challenge!
Click here to see the photo of the found poem that inspired the story.
To participate in the Instagram challenge, find us on Instagram @noextrawords
Be sure to follow #drabbleoninstagram and on Fridays look for our #foundpoetry
It's our two year podcastiversary! This jam-packed episode honors the short form of the drabble, a story of exactly 100 words.
All 12 of today's stories were part of the Apples to Apples Drabble contest put on by Katharine Grubb at the 10 Minute Novelists blog. Katharine herself stops by on this episode to talk writing, the contest, and the 10 Minute Novelists facebook group. We are grateful to Katharine and the 10 Minute Novelists for being part of this special episode. Read Katharine's bio. Read the bios of today's contributors here, here, and here.
All of the stories featured on this episode are copyright 2017. All are used with permission and remain the intellectual property of their creators.
The blog post I spoke about in my interview with Katharine is on the Blonde Write More blog.
A little history of the No Extra Words podcast and a story I really want to share with all of you.
"Mother's Day in the NICU," by Kris Baker Dersch, is copyright 2015. I shared the true story from this time in my own life on the New Parent podcast back in April. This is the fictionalized version.
Do you think the cop in your rearview mirror knows you are "Tipsy?" By T.E. Cowell, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read T.E.'s bio.
Lunch with a friend teaches us that in so many ways there is a "First Time for Everything." By Amanda Staples, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Amanda's bio.
What's truth and what's fiction in "The Afternoon Sleepwalk?" By Cara Lopez Lee, copyright 2012, used with permission. Visit Cara's website.
Back for Episode 82, Writing Spaces! Past contributors share with us where they write. First up is Charles O'Hay, who shared his poem with us back on Episode 45. Click here to see his writing space. Next up the master storyteller Eldon Reishus from Episode 71 takes us into his world. Click here to see his writing space.
Coming next episode! A two year anniversary and a jam-packed episode with 11(!) stories. Let us know what you want to know about No Extra Words history.
Everyone's on some kind of a journey today.
No border wall could ever keep out the "Dust." By Patty Somlo, copyright 2009, used with permission. Visit Patty's website.
Episode 67 contributor and poet Anuja Ghimire is our guest on the Poets' Corner today. Born in Kathmandu and always seeming to visit her homeland in periods of great tumult, she tells us how poetry and place entwine in her life and shares with us some poetry. Read Anuja's bio.
A brief encounter reveals so much of "The Fishermen of Dragon-Tooth Beach." By Michael Paul Hogan, copyright 2001, used with permission. Read Michael's bio.
Not all journeys are long or grand. Sometimes it's the small distances that mean the most, like the search for the "Thrush." By Norbert Kovacs, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Norbert's bio.
For those who love books, they become almost human beings standing there in their “Dust Jackets.” By Samantha Dutton, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read Samantha’s bio.
Some things just cannot be escaped, especially “The Curse of the Virgin.” By Richard Sensenbrenner, copyright 1992, used with permission. Read Richard’s bio.
In the first ever installment of our Poet’s Corner segment, Kelli Russell Agodon invites me into her office where she shares poetry and we discuss poetry, small presses, and the importance of finding your voice. Visit Kelli’s website or the website for Two Sylvias Press. For photos of the field trip and Kelli's writing space, check out the show notes.
All editors are the same, such sticklers about reading the “Guidelines.” by T.E. Cowell, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read T.E.’s bio.
A literary celebration of a national pastime.
Come with Shawn Aveningo Sanders for "One Final Inning in St. Louis." Copyright 2011, used with permission. Visit Shawn's website.
Susan Vollenweider was with us back on Special Episode #3. She is back with a special guest telling us how she came to know "Baseball: My Way." Copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Susan's website.
Niles Reddick's famous name has him throwing out a "First Pitch." Copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Niles's website.
In a brand-new segment, we are diving into the archives to bring back Angela Lombardo's story from last year's baseball opening day special...a gift for you Cubs fans. Copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Angela's website.
Most of us had someone who helped us learn to love the game. In Bill McStowe's story, it's "Astrid from Sweden." Copyright 2017, used with permission. Check out Bill's previous contribution to No Extra Words and visit his website.
You never know what will help you in this game. Carolyn Martin tells us why "It's Good I'm Slow." Copyright 2011, used with permission. Read Carolyn's bio.
Stay tuned to the end of this episode to hear about Attagirl: your women and girls in baseball podcast. Visit the website or find Attagirl in your favorite podcast app.
Happy baseball season!
Kris
Somehow life got "Lost at Sea." By Drew Lovell, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Drew's website.
Can't go gator hunting without "Gator Bait." By Paul Rousseau, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Paul's bio.
Sometimes life puts you in just the right uncomfortable place, and in this case it involves "Bodily Fluids" By Ron Riekki, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Ron's website.
Don't forget to share podcasts with your family and friends and us the hashtag #trypod all March long.
Writing Spaces has a sponsor for this episode! Visit Matt Keefer over at the Ravings of a Mad Music Man blog to hear his Writing Spaces essay.
Jen McConnell, Episode 54 contributor shares all about where she writes. Click here to see her writing space.
Marina Frances Mularz is behind "What We Talk About When We Talk About Homer" from Episode 20. She shares all about where she writes. Click here to see her writing space.
It really can all change in "One Moment." By Amanda Staples, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Amanda's website.
If only all fairy tales ended like "The Frog Prince." By Clive Collins, copyright 2014, used with permission. Read Clive's bio.
Back for Episode 77: Writing Spaces, featuring No Extra Words contributors. Pat Obermeier was with us back on Episode 36. Click here to see her writing space. Joan MacIntosh was featured on Episode 57. Click here to see her writing space.
http://noextrawords.wordpress.com
No matter how far you run away, you never escape who you are and what your past is.
After not being able to slow down a friend who is struggling, those left behind must deal with the fact that there was "Nothing They Could Do." By Kim Farleigh, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Kim's bio.
New segment today! You Be the Producer, with No Extra Words contributor Arden Wren Sawyer. Arden wrote "Caffeine, Cancer, Coco, Candida," copyright 2016 and used with permission, with a special secondary character. Read Arden's bio.
It's not always your choice, sometimes it's "Policy." But that doesn't mean it doesn't haunt you. By Timothy Boudreau, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Timothy's bio.
http://noextrawords.wordpress.com
No one knows life in the ring like "The Undercard." By David Whippman, copyright 2000, used with permission. Read David's bio.
"First a Woman Then a Man" is a fictional story about the real-life Guevedoce of the Dominican Republic. By Justin Fenech, copyright 2016, used with permission.Visit Justin's website or read more about the Guevedoce.
Writing Spaces returns this episode featuring two more previous No Extra Words contributors. Korey Wallace was featured on Episode 52. Click here to see his writing space. T.J. Peters was featured on Episode 43. Click here to see his writing space.
http://noextrawords.wordpress.com
"How May I Help You?" is by Kris Baker Dersch, copyright 2015. Inspired by the #FridayFlash hashtag, which I won't link because some people...don't use it as intended.
Another new segment! "Social Media Snippets," as inspired by Episode 14 contributor Jake Bible and his fun podcast "Writing in Suburbia."
How many times have you been asked to "Please Hold?" By Genelle Chaconas, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Genelles' bio.
Always always always hold on to your "Passport." By Marina Rubin, copyright 2008, used with permission. Visit Marina's website.
I want to be the customer service rep who reads this "Complaint Letter to Bloomingdale's Cosmetics Department." By Sally Stevens, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Sally's website.
Never has a family been so in need of "Healing Time." By Paul Beckman, copyright 2015, used with permission. Visit Paul's website.
"Suebelle's Homecoming" may not be all it's cracked up to be. By Helen Grochmal, copyright 2014, used with permission. Read Helen's bio.
People have the oddest way of telling you to "Stay Away." By Thom Young, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Thom's website.
The rules all change when you reach "Autumn." By Fred D. White, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Fred's bio.
NEW THIS EPISODE, our Writing Spaces segment featuring two former No Extra Words contributors.
Sarah Mitchell-Jackson was featured on Episode 39 last March, Episode 67, and Special Episode #5. Click here to see her writing desk. Click here to see her library.
Edith Gallagher Boyd was featured on Episode 54 in July. Click here to see her writing space.
The bookstore I mentioned in this show was Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, Washington.
When I released our non-Election Day Election Day episode in November, I did not expect to be doing a non-Inauguration Day Inauguration Day Episode, but here goes.
"Guinivere Tries a New Kind of In-Vitro" is one of those stories that is better when you don't try to describe it, so I'm going to let it speak for itself. It is by Dina Greenberg, copyright 2016, used with permission. I just saw a play in which they go a little bit into the legend of Cerridwen, mentioned in the story. If you don't know the reference, it is a wonderful tale of Welsh mythology and you should read more about it. Also, visit Dina's website.
Ever wonder who decided which books get read and what becomes canon? It was decided in the "Blood Feud: Melville vs. Hawthorne." By James Bezerra, copyright 2015, used with permission. Visit James's website.
Today's show closes with the reading of an important historical document, inspired by my friend tweeting government documents to the President Elect. Check out her Twitter feed.
Hey, while you're hanging out on Twitter, follow us! Special episode coming when we hit 1,000 followers.
Our special guest for today explains our unexpected three week hiatus. We appreciate all our listeners and followers and are glad to be back.
As we look to the future of the No Extra Words Podcast, we want to hear what you think. What segments would you like to see? What is missing from our show? Contact us at noextrawords@gmail.com or find all our social media on our website noextrawords.wordpress.com
For today's short story, I share the folk tale "The Tailor" or "Just Enough," a Jewish folk tale of Russian origin. The version I share is my own adaptation of the story.
We will see you January 20, if not sooner, with a brand-new episode.
For today's new content, I go into my own archives and share a personal story, "Green Angels," copyright 2000.
The books mentioned on this episode are:
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell, copyright 1946. There have been many editions of this book, but our copy is illustrated by Sergio Leone and published by Watertower Books.
A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg, illustrated by Warren Hanson. Copyright 1982, published by Waldman House Press.
Santa's Crash-Bang Christmas by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Tomie DePaola. Copyright 1977, published by Xerox Education Publications.
For photos of the books and angels discussed, please visit our website at https://noextrawords.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/episode-72-a-christmas-serial-remix-part-4/
This episode ends with the conclusion of A Christmas Serial. Parts 1-3 were featured in Episodes 69-71. A Christmas Serial is written and read by Kris Baker Dersch and the current version is copyright 2015.
The version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" featured on this episode is by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. It is in the public domain and comes to us courtesy of the Free Music Archive.
Fun new content today, the title says it all: "The Tiny House on Singing Wheels on the Prairie & The Army Corps of Engineers Container." By Eldon Reishus, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read his bio.
Part 2 of our four-part "A Christmas Serial," takes us onstage, backstage, and points in between. Check out Episode 69 if you missed Part 1 and Episode 70 if you missed Part 2.
This version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is played by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. It is in the public domain and comes to us courtesy of the Free Music Archive.
Once again we start with new content! Everyone dreams of being an "Extra." By Charles Rammelkamp, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read his bio.
Part 2 of our four-part "A Christmas Serial," takes us onstage, backstage, and points in between. Check out Episode 69f if you missed Part 1.
This version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is played by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. It is in the public domain and comes to us courtesy of the Free Music Archive.