This week we return to some of my own original writing, and I am really proud of this week's episode.
Struggling with a little bit of writer's block after Christmas, this was the story that pulled me out of my slump and helped get my head back in the game.
Inspired by a random prompt I found online, and written on a bus, and in a tattoo chair during a long session, this was one of the more enjoyable pieces I have had the pleasure of writing recently.
And it got published in Vol. IV of the Dark Corner to boot. I am very excited to share this one
The Muse
A struggling writer is about to hit rock bottom, when a chance encounter with a fan changes the course of his career.
And sometimes a deal is too good to be true.
Just how much of your soul would you be willing to sell chasing that next bestseller?
Content Warning: Death, violence, substance abuse, depictions of child death, explicit language
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:38 - The Muse
00:30:21 - Background Discussion
00:33:40 - CTA
00:34:03 - Outro
This week we reach the climax of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's classic novella Carmilla.
General Spielsdorf completes his story and reveals the mystery behind his niece's death and the travels he has undertaken in the interim. The group gathers in the ruins of the Karnstein castle, and Carmilla flees once she is recognised for what she is.
And with the help of a mysterious stranger, the group work to banish the evil entity, once and for all.
The story of one of the greatest vampire tales draws to a close...
Content Warning: Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:35 - Carmilla - Chapter 14
00:10:00 - Carmilla - Chapter 15
00:16:46 - Carmilla - Chapter 16
00:23:54 - Background Discussion
00:25:52 - CTA
00:26:215 - Outro
Episode 31 of Tales Under A Broken Sky is now live!
Join us by the hearth for the penultimate episode in our reading of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's Gothic Masterpiece Carmilla.
In this week's episode, General Spielsdorf relates the story behind his neice's death, which bares striking similarity to the situation currently in Laura and her Father's household.
The story is now rapidly approaching his climax, and the atmosphere is tense, charged and expectant, as Carmilla is expected to be joining the group presently when she awakens from her slumber.
Content Warning: Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:37 - Carmilla - Chapter 11
00:09:21 - Carmilla - Chapter 12
00:18:05 - Carmilla - Chapter 13
00:27:08 - Background Discussion
00:29:08 - CTA
00:29:27 - Outro
This week we continue to read Carmilla, by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, exploring Chapters 8, 9 & 10
The action is starting to kick off now, with the search for Carmilla after she goes missing from her room. The doctor arriving to check up on Laura's unusual lethargy and tiredness, as well as the return of General Spielsdorf from his long and unusual travels.
The stake are beginning to rise, and with the reappearance of the general, the tension is now palpable.
Join us by the hearth why don't you, as we delve deeper into the gothic world of Carmilla.
Content Warning: Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:36 - Carmilla - Chapter 08
00:07:54 - Carmilla - Chapter 09
00:17:49 - Carmilla - Chapter 10
00:2:48 - Background Discussion
00:25:52 - CTA
00:26:11 - Outro
This week we revisit Carmilla, by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, and read through Chapters 6 & 7.
In this episode, we learn more about the situation in the house, including some unsettling dreams that the young ladies are having, as well as a number of suspicious actions on the part of Carmilla
Content Warning: Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:38 - Carmilla - Chapter 06
00:09:09 - Carmilla - Chapter 07
00:20:11 - Background Discussion
00:21:42 - CTA
00:22:03 - Outro
<p>This week, we take a break from Carmilla and turn our attention to one of my own stories, which recently appeared in Vol. 3 of The Dark Corner; Dawn and the Spectre of Death
<p> Dawn is just beginning to peak its head, but for a lone stranger stranded on a mountain, the nightmare is just beginning. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Content Warning: Demonic Presence, Death, depictions of self-harm, torture</p>
<p></p>
<p>Timestamps:<br />00:00:00 - Intro<br />00:00:37 - Dawn and the Spectre of Death<br />00:09:02 - Background Discussion<br />00:10:38 - CTA<br />00:10:58 - Outro</p>
This week we revisit Carmilla, by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, and read through Chapters 3-5.
In this episode, we learn more about Carmilla, her disposition and her personality. In the process, we discover a slow, creeping dread, that something is not right with the situation.
Content Warning: Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:45 - Carmilla - Chapter 03
00:15:36 - Carmilla - Chapter 04
00:37:32 - Carmilla - Chapter 05
00:45:02 - Background Discussion
00:47:46 - CTA
00:48:09 - Outro
This week's episode is the first part of my reading of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's classic gothic horror story, Carmilla.
The classic work's of horror strongly favour in my favourite stories of all time, and Carmilla is one of thtose that has inspired so many tales over the years.
I am looking forward to digging in and exploring this work more over the next couple of episodes.
Join me by the hearth why don't you, and let me tell you a tale...
Content Warning: Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:36 - Chapter 01
00:11:24 - Chapter 02
00:25:52 - Background Discussion
00:28:38 - CTA
00:29:00 - Outro
This week, we try something new. A new format I've been thinking about for a while now, A Tale From The Hearth, short stories told around the fire to pass the cold winter nights.
In The Banshee, a grandfather relates tales of his family's banshee to his grandson as they sit by the fire.
Content Warning: Cursing, Death
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:41 - The Banshee
00:07:38 - Background Discussion
00:10:07 - CTA
00:10:29 - Outro
This week's episode is a special one for me.
Earlier this year Eternal Sunshine became the first short story submission I had accepted, and the first piece of writing I earned anything from.
This was a wild one to record and produce, but I (totally unbiased as I am) think it turned out great!
Eternal Sunshine
The last survivor of a rescue mission to a distant planet struggles to survive the infernal heat of the world's dying star.
Following the trail of those they came to rescue, they venture into the heart of the planet, desperate for answers and driven to complete their mission.
But they are not prepared for the horrific fate of the planet's original inhabitants, or what now awaits below in the darkness.
IT REACHES
Check out thedarkcorner.blog for the prose version of the story!
Content Warning: Cursing, Violence, Death, Cosmic Horror, Body Horror
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:46 - Eternal Sunshine
00:26:44 - Background Discussion
00:29:16 - CTA
00:29:40 - Outro
Episode 24 of Tales Under A Broken Sky goes live tomorrow at 18:00GMT
This one is super special to me, so if you have half an hour, I'd love if you'd check it out!
Here's a brief trailer to tickle your fancy, whet your whistle, and garner your interest!
Enjoy!
This week, We're returning to the town of Killdanoe as the search for Julia Burns continues.
As divers work to recover her body from the lake, James Galvin works over the details of the case and uncovers a disturbing truth.
Maisie Horgan returns home after learning about the death of her best friend's mother only to find tensions high and anger flaring in the peaceful town.
Everything is about to change...
Content Warning: Cursing, Violence, Death, Murder
Table of Contents:
Part 01
Part 02
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:49 - James Galvin
0011:04 - Maisie Horgan
00:19:54 - Background Discussion
00:21:55 - CTA
00:22:21 - Episode 24 Trailer
00:22:56 - Outro
This week, we're doing something different.
Due to some life/work committments, I'm a bit behind scripting the next story, so instead, I've put together a behind the scenes look at how I write and produce an episode of the podcast.
I've learned a ridiculous amount over the last year, and there is still so much more out there to learn, so putting this together was an interesting introspective on my process and workflow and how they have evolved over time.
Join us by the hearth!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:43 - Introduction
00:02:13 - Writing & Scripting
00:09:45 - Recording & Production
00:17:11 - Proofing
00:18:36 - Final Thoughts
00:21:29 - CTA
00:22:01 - Episode 23 Trailer
This week, we return to The Possessed for the second instalment in the series.
The story picks up where we left it at the end of the last episode as our cast of characters struggle to come to terms with the dark presence that has suddenly entered their lives.
A dark presence presides over the end of the world.
A professor spirals further and further into madness.
A former priest questions and reconsiders his faith.
A psychologist struggles with his own inner demons.
A nurse endures a chilling experience.
The fate of the world hangs in the balance...
Content Warning: Swearing, Depiction of Blood, Violence & Death, Mental Health Issues, War, Fascism
Table of Contents:
Part 01
Part 02
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:45 - The Dark Stranger
00:03:25 - The Continued Agony of Martin Hill
00:13:06 - Justin Shaw Contemplates His Faith
00:22:39 - Tim Masters' Inner Demons
00:32:08 - Maria Deteriorates
00:36:35 - Background Discussion
00:41:49 - CTA
00:42:14 - Episode 22 Trailer
This week, we celebrate a milestone. I finally reached Episode 20!
So, instead of a story this week, I am going to be sharing my thoughts on the podcast, what Fantasy, Horror and Science Fiction mean to me as genres, and where I see their role in wider society.
This also marks the first time I have posted a video for an episode of the podcast, I thought it would be something different, and it felt more suitable to the content that simply talking in to a microphone for thirty minutes.
That said, I don't do a whole amount of video editing, and I definitely don't own a decent camera so you'll have to forgive a few patches where I think the dubbing is off by a few ms as well. Hey it's a process!
I hope you enjoy this little break from the usual posting pattern. It was definitely an interesting experience for me! I'll catch you again soon for some more stories of the fantastic, the horrifying and the speculative!
Until next time!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:32 - The Podcasting Adventure So Far
00:07:30 - Fantasy
00:12:30 - Science Fiction
00:17:55 - Horror
00:24:17 - Diversity in Fantasy, Horror & Science Fiction
00:26:05 - CTA
00:26:30 - Episode 21 - Trailer
Turn off your lights, close your blinds, and settle down in some candlelight...
Join your host Keith (@LooseVerse) as they explore the surreal, the fantastical and the speculative through the mediums of storytelling and poetry. Tales Under A Broken Sky is a fortnightly Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction show, independantly written, recorded and produced in the Southwest of Ireland, and dedicted to the spooky, the macabre and the fantastic.
https://linktr.ee/LooseVerse
Look, if you’ve been around a while, you’ve probably heard the rumours. You know the ones. The whispers about a late game at the convention, not on the schedule. You’ve probably heard about them from a friend of a friend of a friend. Someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
Look, they say that the Devil himself runs those games, wagering for your soul with each roll of the dice.
Look, I didn’t believe the stories. It was just an urban legend. A thing the organising committee spread to make things a little more mysterious, a little more interesting. Generate some interest in the after hours activities you know.
I was wrong.
Content Warning: Blood, Profanity, Gore, Cosmic Horror
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:48 - The Devil’s in the d20
00:17:07 - Background Discussion
00:20:15 - CTA
This week, join us for the next installment in Pretender.
Former-Prince Cassian has won an important battle, increasing his hold on the heartland of the empire.
But war has ravaged the people of his kingdom; disease and hunger are rife, the usurper is conscripting heavily to fill his army's ranks, leaving entire towns devoid of hope, and despite Cassian's best efforts to help his people, his every advance only seems to increase their suffering.
The success of his campaign to reclaim his kingdom hangs in the balance, plagued by threats from within as well as without.
The winter is fast approaching and some hard decision will have to be made.
Content Warning: Violence, Bloodshed, Death, Gore
Table of Contents:
Prologue
Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:50 - A Royal Victory
00:24:14 - Background Discussion
00:27:36 - CTA
This week, join us for the next installment in The Old Gods Are Dying
After ten long years away from home, Fiachra is summoned by his grandmother Maeve to visit his dying grandfather.
Returning to the small farmhouse of his childhood, Fiachra is greeted by memories of a past he wishes to forget. And struggles with feelings of grief and regret as he sits by Domhnall's deathbed and prepares to say goodbye.
Content Warning: Supernatural Horror
Table of Contents:
Prologue
Chapter 01 - A Long Winter
Chapter 02 - Returning Home
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:44 - Returning Home
00:24:33 - Background Discussion
00:28:00 - CTA
00:28:27 - Episode 18 Trailer
00:32:48 - Outro
Mark Winthrop is having a bad day.
Tired, hungry and forced out of his strict daily routine by a series of unlucky circumstances, he finds himself the victim of a mugging, and bleeding in a dark alley.
A mysterious stranger comes to his aid, but Mark's so-called rescuer has other, more sinister motives.
Content Warning: Blood, Bodily Harm, Cursing, Supernatural Horror
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:47 - A Deal With The Devil
00:46:47 - Background Discussion
00:49:40 - CTA
00:50:05 - Episode 12 Trailer
00:52:58 - Outro