What happens when a writing group sparks something extraordinary? For Gloria Muñoz, it was the creative crucible where This Is the Year came to life—a dazzling YA cli-fi written in prose and verse that blends the urgency of climate change with the intimacy of family, loss, and resilience. In this episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, Aki, along with co-host Brian Petkash, discusses Gloria’s creative path from middle school writing camp to theater and playwriting, and from songwriting and poetry to prose. Brian reflects on the magic of their long-running writing group, where Gloria’s daring experiment—merging poetry with narrative prose—set her debut novel in motion.
At the heart of This Is the Year lies a bold reimagining of the near future: city centers are reclaimed as desirable while coastal mansions become divided into affordable housing units, highlighting the contrast between past grandeur and current working-class realities. Inspired by hearing about the Artemis Project on NPR, Gloria began to imagine futures shaped by both vision and labor—and this curiosity leads directly into the larger question of who builds society’s grandest structures—the state house, the monuments, and the projects that symbolize power. Enter the Cometa Rangers and a private space company building on the moon, threads that pull her world toward both hope and critique. Woven through this world is the intimate story of twin sisters—one alive, one lost—and the profound challenge of moving forward after grief. Drawing from her own experiences and the shared mourning of the Covid pandemic, Gloria creates a story that asks what it means to find your place in a changing world.
Keywords: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Story Genius, Save the Cat, The 90 Day Novel, Uta Hagen’s Nine Questions, Las Musas, Hermanas, APL Agency, Ayesha Pande Literary, Serene Hakim, Elena Rey, Samantha Sotto (Water Moon), Min Jin Lee (Pachinko), Melissa Mogollon (Oye), Jami Attenberg (1000 Words), Nicole Caron (founding member of the writing group, previously featured with Brian discussing writing groups), St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, Harriet the Spy, Moonlit Música, and the grounding presence of Gloria’s daughter.
This is not just a debut—it’s the story of how mediums merge, how inspiration transforms, and how one writer finds the form to tell the story only she could tell.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensedunder a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Just in time for Halloween, hosts Aki, Anto, and Charlie welcome back horror author Craig DiLouie for the first-ever themed episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast. The trio kicks off with a spirited trip down memory lane — from childhood mummy costumes and Aki’s infamous nail-in-the-head high school misfire, to Facehuggers, Predator couple costumes, and ghostly Charlie Brown mishaps.
Then the conversation takes a darker turn as they dive into Craig’s latest horror novel My Ex, the Antichrist, a wild, apocalyptic blend of love, faith, and the end of days. Charlie shares his own dark world through his Vamp City series — from the novella Quarter Moon to Vamp City and Midnight Brew. Together, they explore horror influences from childhood to now, question what truly defines “horror,” and even admit that maybe… they’re not writing horror at all.
Stay tuned for Craig’s upcoming duology, arriving next year — starting with Summer Fun Massacre and followed by The Yule Day Slaughter.
Tune in for absurd costume anecdotes, haunted reflections, and a no-holds-barred discussion of horror, authorship, and the shifting state of the genre.
Keywords: Craig DiLouie, My Ex, the Antichrist, Charlie Brown, Charles D. Brown, C.D. Brown,Vamp City, Quarter Moon, Midnight Brew, horror podcast, Halloween special, Sam Raimi Evil Dead series, Big Trouble in Little China, Tucker & Dale vs Evil, Dan Balengrad North American Lake Monster, Jack Ketchum The Girl Next Door, Amityville Horror, The Haunting, Mike Flanagan Ava’s Possessions, Jordan Peele films, George Romero, John Carpenter, Edge Sci Fi, writer’s retreats, Bubble’s Carousel, Chris Marrs, Summer Fun Massacre, The Yule Day Slaughter, Morphic Resonance, Colson Whitehead, Escape from the Secret Labs (online game show), Angels Die Slowly, Fritz Leiber, Fate’s Stiletto, The Weird Ones, Harry Harrison Make Room! Make Room!, Anto and John's dog - Jasmine
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensedunder a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
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This week on the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, our NoNamers - Aki, Al, Joshua, Edward, and Patrick- gather to dissect Chinatown (1974), the iconic noir starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. The crew digs into the lack of voiceover narration, the film’s haunting visuals and score, and the tangled triangle of Jake Gittes, Evelyn Mulwray, and Noah Cross. They pull apart noir tropes, wrestle with the meaning of “Chinatown,” and debate whether the infamous ending lands—or even makes sense. Edward steps beyond the standard “Vietnam metaphor” classroom take for a deeper lens on the film’s legacy. And yes, they even ask: should Chinatown ever be remade? Along the way, expect nods to other classics like L.A. Confidential and Silverado, plus the mystery of the knife-wielding hood who scars Nicholson’s Gittes. Spoilers abound—so if you haven’t actually seen Chinatown (but keep pretending you have), consider this your modern-day SparkNotes to one of the greatest noir (or is it neo-noir?) films ever made.
Keywords: classic film analysis, noir vs. neo-noir, Chinatown (1974), Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Jake Gittes, Evelyn Mulwray, Noah Cross, L.A. Confidential, Momento, Silverado, deep film study, Vietnam metaphor, remake debate, film spoilers, podcast roundtable.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensedunder a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
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Why wait for December? In this special October edition of The NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, co-hosts Aki, Celeste, and Alice sit down with New York Times–bestselling author Alex Palmer to unwrap the wild, true-crime tale at the heart of The Santa Claus Man. Palmer’s own ancestor, John Gluck, brought the Santa Claus Association to roaring life in 1920s New York City—mixing holiday cheer with Gotham grit. Along the way, Palmer reveals how research so fascinating it nearly hijacked the book had to be wrangled into a narrative built around one central question: Was John Gluck naughty or nice? A story that’s part Christmas tradition, part NYC history, and all holiday spirit.
Beyond the holiday history, Alex opens up about his own path as a writer—from his early days in trade journalism, where constant deadlines sharpened his craft, to landing his first agent with the very first proposal he sent, and eventually earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. He also shares a favorite practice: self-directed writing retreats, taken once or twice a year, that spark new momentum or provide the final push to complete a project. Whether you’re a history buff, an aspiring author, or just a curious listener, this episode is a sleigh ride packed with holiday lore and writerly grit.
https://www.alexpalmerwrites.com/
Keywords: Alex Palmer, The Santa Claus Man, John Gluck, Jazz Age NYC, Christmas history, narrative nonfiction, New York Times bestseller, trade journalism, writing deadlines, writing retreats, author journey, publishing tips, how to land an agent.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensedunder a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
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Hello, storytellers.
Did you miss us? NoNaMe Storyteller returns for Season 4 — messy, glorious, and full of surprises. From a real-life Santa con to a devilish ex, haunted poems, lost daughters, space interns, and a team of heroes inspired by Mexican heritage, we’re serving stories that stir, shock, and shine. Expect noir, horror, pop culture chaos, and creative confessions from writers, poets, and dreamers who can’t help but tell tales.
New episodes drop Fridays starting October 17.
Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your storytelling fix.
XOXO, NoNamers.
Miles Dewey II by Seyi River. https://www.seyiriver.com/
Aki, Charlie, and Anto return with Jeff LaSala to geek out over Tolkien’s legendarium and his upcoming book, The Silmarillion Primer. Jeff shares his excitement—and apprehension—about presenting Tolkien scholarship in front of seasoned experts, which began after his in-depth blogs on Tor.com (now known as Reactor) were discovered, earning him an invite to speak at a Tolkien conference. It was there he connected with a small university press, opening the door to publish his primer. Jeff explains how his book aims to demystify The Silmarillion’s dense mythos, from Valar feuds to elven genealogies, giving newcomers an approachable guide to Tolkien’s world without sacrificing depth. Expect hot takes on The Lord of the Rings, fantasy’s evolution, and the joys (and headaches) of unpacking Tolkien’s sprawling history.
👉 Read Jeff’s blog inspired by this talk here: “On Remaking Myths: Tolkien, D&D, Medusa, and Way Too Many Minotaurs” on ReactorMag.com
👉 Learn more about Jeff on his website: jefflasala.online/about/
👉
Keywords: Jeff LaSala, The Silmarillion Primer, J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings, First Age, Númenor, Valar, Morgoth, elves, elven lineages, Tolkien scholarship, Tolkien fandom, university presses, small press publishing, overcoming fear of public speaking, Second Age, Beleriand, fantasy mythology, The Hobbit, guides to Tolkien’s works, War of Wyvern, Mythmoot, Signum University, Corey Olsen, Patreon, The Signum Collaboratory, Christopher Tolkien, the legendarium, The Keep on the Borderlands, The Caves of Chaos, Children of Ilúvatar, Fred Rogers, the Rings of Power series, A Chance Meeting, Elfwood website, Richie Procopio, StokerCon, Balticon, and DirtyMagick Magazine.Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensedunder a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Join Aki, Charlie, and Anto as they dive into Jeff LaSala’s epic journey from lifelong Dungeons & Dragons fan to published author for Wizards of the Coast. In this episode, Jeff shares how his passion for roleplaying games and worldbuilding led him to write The Darkwood Mask, a novel set in the dark intrigue of Eberron. We explore his early love of Tolkien, favorite campaign settings, the unique appeal of Eberron, and how writing for an established IP tests a writer’s creativity. Whether you’re a fantasy reader, aspiring author, or tabletop gamer, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes magic of crafting a D&D tie-in novel.
Keywords: Jeff LaSala, The Darkwood Mask, Eberron, Wizards of the Coast, campaign settings, Keith Baker, Dragonmarked Houses, noir fantasy, tie-in fiction, worldbuilding, conventions and networking in publishing, creative writing challenges, D&D novels, Gamma World, Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens, Spelljammer, Dragonlance, He-Man, Expedition to the Barrier Peaks, Gary Gygax, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, the 1977 animated Hobbit movie, Tolkien, Tor publishing, Macmillan, Peter Jackson, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Silmarillion, The Silmarillion Primer, Rules Lawyers, Power Gamers, Indiana Jones, Maiden of Pain, Loviatar, Greyhawk, The Inquisitives series, detective stories in Eberron, private detectives, Sharn Inquisitive, The Maltese Falcon, pulp fiction, Tower Spit (BS slang), Five Nations sourcebook, City of Towers: Sharn, film noir, hardboiled detective tropes, urban fantasy, DirtyMagickMagazine, James Joyce, George Lucas, Krull, Analog Magazine, and the Lightning Rail.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
In this heartwarming, laughter-filled episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, hosts Aki and Celeste welcome back returning guest Hal Turner—this time joined by his equally talented writing partner and wife, Renee. A creative partnership spanning decades, the Turners take us on a joyride through their genre-hopping journey: from YA sci-fi (Aly’s Luck) to chilling horror (The Atheist's Daughter), then on to their smash-hit romance series One Bride for Seven Brothers and its sequels.
Along the way, they’ve ghostwritten for a beloved childhood detective franchise (which shall remain mysteriously unnamed), refined a unique process fueled by long walks to McDonald’s for fries, and found inspiration in the voices of their children and grandchildren.
With nods to everything from the ABC Fellowship Program and classic '90s sitcoms like Boy Meets World, The Drew Carey Show, Seinfeld, and Frasier, to Dean Koontz and Stephen King, their previous successes like Something Wicked and The Awful, Terrible, NO GOOD Mail-Order Bride.
Stay tuned for their next project, Black Hearted—a gripping mystery by the Turners.
Brimming with big laughs, honest insights into collaborative creativity, and a love story as rich as their bibliography, this Editor’s Pick episode invites you to come for the fries—stay for the fun.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
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Artist: http://incompetech.com/
What happens when a hard-nosed investigative journalist tries to cross the boundary into fiction—but keeps getting pulled back by the gravity of facts? In this episode, NoNaMe Storyteller welcomes Bill Alpert, longtime Dow Jones reporter and master of financial sleuthing, as he joins Aki and guest co-host Alice to explore the hilarious, humbling, and surprisingly existential question: Why can’t Bill write fiction?
Bill shares his unlikely journey from wanting to be an English major at Yale (spoiler: he wasn’t) to becoming an American Studies grad focused on democracies, his early days at local New York papers, and his eventual rise to Barron’s, where his reporting on stock fraud, money laundering, and corporate swindlers has led to real-world lawsuits—and even inspired characters in novels by others.
Along the way, we dive into the friction (and joy) of working with editors, the blessing of deadlines, and why Bill still feels a creative itch that journalism can’t quite scratch. We unpack the seductive legacy of New Journalism, the creative tension between truth and narrative, and Bill’s thoughts on what kind of novel he would write—if he could ever let go of the facts.
Featuring nods to: Jon Alpert & Keiko Tsuno (HBO documentarians), Shakespeare, Melville, Ralph EllisonTruman Capote, Tom Wolfe, John Sandford’s Prey series, Steven Pinker’s writing wisdom
Plus: A few tales of being sued, some self-deprecating humor, and a spirited defense of why investigative journalism isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensedunder a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
What really happens behind the scenes of a thriving writing group? In this episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, hosts Al and Aki, with returning guest co-host Edward Gauvin, sit down with author Brian Petkash (Mistakes by the Lake, upcoming tentatively titled The B-Sides) and Nicole Caron, founder of Brian’s long-running writing group and a writing professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, where she leads the First-Year Writing Program.
Together, they pull back the curtain on how writing groups form, what makes them work, what can quietly break them, and surprising things you might not know—like when it’s okay to kick someone out or why blank pages might be your boldest storytelling move.
The conversation dives deep into:
How to find your people at writing workshops like Writers in Paradise in Florida
The perfect size for a writing group
Why you might not want a group that always says your writing is great
The unspoken rules and hidden dynamics that make a writing group successful (or not)
The power of reading each other’s full manuscripts—and why this might be better than hiring a developmental editor
We also give a well-deserved shoutout to poet and novelist Gloria Muñoz, author of Danzirly and This Is the Year, and explore the essential feedback loop between craft, community, and accountability.
Whether you’re in a writing group, thinking about starting one, or wondering if they’re even worth it—this episode spills everything.
https://brianpetkash.com/bio/
https://www.nicolecaron.com/
Keywords: Writing groups, how to start a writing group, Writers in Paradise, writing workshops, Brian Petkash, Mistakes by the Lake, Nicole Caron, Edward Gauvin, Gloria Muñoz, Danzirly, This Is the Year, Paul Wilborn, Cigar City, Eleanor Eichenbaum, Ringling College of Art and Design, writing feedback, developmental editing, writing accountability, manuscript reviews, writing group tips, writing group pros and cons, author community, Brian Wedlake.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
In Part 2, Mouse Guard creator David Petersen returns to talk about the past and future of his ever-growing mythos. Hosts Aki Liao, Mark Smylie, and Patrick Banayo explore how David developed the anthology series Legends of the Guard, including how he invited artists and storytellers to contribute their own tall tales within the Mouse Guard world—with very few rules (but absolutely no humans allowed).
The episode also previews the exciting new spinoff series, Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe, illustrated by Gabriel Rodríguez (Locke & Key). David discusses what it’s like to hand over artistic duties for the first time on a multi-issue arc, while still writing and shaping the broader universe himself. It's a rare behind-the-scenes look at curating and collaborating in a beloved creator-owned world.
The photo with the risk pieces was posted on David's blog
https://davidpetersen.blogspot.com/2009/10/winter-1152-in-previews-black-and-white.html
Bricks of the Mouse Guard Kickstarter 3
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crazybricks/bricks-of-the-mouse-guard-3
Mouse Guard Soothsayer's Deck
https://mouseguard.bigcartel.com/product/soothsayer-s-deck-of-bone-cards
Keywords: Mouse Guard, David Petersen, Dawn of the Black Axe, Gabriel Rodríguez, Legends of the Guard, Archaia Studios, comic book anthologies, storytelling collaboration, fantasy comics, indie comics, Mark Smylie, Patrick Banayo, NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
In Part 1 of this Archaia reunion episode, Mouse Guard creator David Petersen joins hosts Aki Liao, Mark Smylie, and Patrick Banayo to discuss the artistic and creative choices behind the beloved comic series. From the bold decision to publish in a square format (yes, retailers complained!) to building handmade models as architectural references, David shares how he keeps his process creative and fun—even after 20 years of drawing mice.
The group dives deep into tools, drawing techniques, and how to fight burnout as a creator. Mark and David also swap tips on visual storytelling, model-making, and learning from Mr. Rogers, Rod Stewart, and even Steven Spielberg.
Example of David's models on Adam Savage's Tested
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGF9uArH5dI
Keywords: Mouse Guard, David Petersen, square comics, drawing comics, illustration models, artist techniques, Mark Smylie, Archaia Studios, indie comics, comic book design, NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
In this unapologetically bold episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, Aki, Al, Charlie, Edward, Patrick, and Anto gather around the mics for a cinematic showdown: when the movie adaptation didn't just hold its own — it actually outdid the book. Blasphemy? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely.
We break down the storytelling alchemy behind films that surpassed their source material, diving into what the movies nailed — from casting and emotional punch to pacing and world-building — that the books sometimes missed. Along the way, expect hot takes, literary confessions, and a few guilty pleasures.
Books and Source Material Referenced:We cover an eclectic mix of source material, including The Godfather by Mario Puzo, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, Jurassic Park and Timeline by Michael Crichton, 300 by Frank Miller, and Jaws and Shark Trouble by Peter Benchley. We also discuss Horns by Joe Hill, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, Paths of Glory by Humphrey Cobb, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, How Late It Was, How Late by James Kelman, The Hunter by Donald E. Westlake (adapted as Payback), True Grit, Dog of the South, and Masters of Atlantis by Charles Portis, Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella (basis for Field of Dreams), The Princess Bride by William Goldman, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Forrest Gump by Winston Groom, Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins (graphic novel), and No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy. We also reference The Hustlers, inspired by a New York Magazine article, and Lost in Translation, drawn from Sofia Coppola’s personal experience.
Authors and Creators Referenced:This episode features discussion of works by Mario Puzo, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jeff VanderMeer, James Fenimore Cooper, Michael Crichton, Frank Miller, Peter Benchley, Joe Hill, J.K. Rowling, Irvine Welsh, Anthony Burgess, Humphrey Cobb, Joseph Conrad, James Kelman, Donald E. Westlake, Charles Portis, W.P. Kinsella, William Goldman, Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson, Winston Groom, Max Allan Collins, Sofia Coppola, and Cormac McCarthy.
Keywords:Movies better than books, book to movie adaptations, No Country for Old Men, The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Annihilation, Last of the Mohicans, Jurassic Park, Timeline, 300, Jaws, Horns, Harry Potter, Trainspotting, A Clockwork Orange, Paths of Glory, Heart of Darkness, How Late It Was How Late, Payback, The Hunter, True Grit, Dog of the South, Masters of Atlantis, Field of Dreams, Shoeless Joe, The Princess Bride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Treasure Island, Shark Trouble, Forrest Gump, Road to Perdition, Hustlers, Lost in Translation, best movie adaptations, screen vs book, movies from graphic novels, adaptations that improved the story, better than the book, Cormac McCarthy, Charles Portis, Sofia Coppola, storytelling in film, NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Caution: This episode may contain trace amounts of literary theory, experimental fiction, and unapologetically obscure references. You have been warned!
In this episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, hosts Aki and Al, along with co-host Mark Smylie, sit down with acclaimed translator and emerging writer Edward Gauvin to explore his journey from literary translation to authorship. Best known for bringing the works of Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud and numerous French-language graphic novels to English readers, Gauvin shares about his formative years at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop—a turning point in his creative evolution.
Publishing his original fiction under the pen name H.V. Chao, Gauvin’s stories — including “Conspirator’s Notes,” “Raymond Chandler,” and “The Museum of the Future” — explore forms outside traditional realism, influenced by Donald Barthelme, Robert Coover, and Steven Millhauser. He opens up about falling into experimental writing "cause it just comes out that way" rather than by design, and how voices like Isak Dinesen shaped his literary DNA.
We also touch on Words Without Borders, Wakefield Press, the noir echoes of The Long Goodbye, the philosophy of Deleuze and Guattari (A Thousand Plateaus), and the enduring influence of The New Yorker, Dalkey Archive Press, and the so-called dirty realists, such as Carver, Ford, and Mason. Expect references to everything from Coup de Torchon to Clarion, McSweeney’s to Slow Horses, and even Lou Diamond Phillips in La Bamba — all woven through a conversation filled with literary and pop culture tangents.
This episode is a must-listen for fans of literary translation, speculative fiction, noir, experimental prose, and the beautifully uneasy sentence.
Conspirator's Notes I McSweeney's (requires fee, sorry!)
"Raymond Chandler" in The Adroit Journal
My Father’s Hand by H V Chao | Kenyon Review Online
The Museum of the Future, by H. V. Chao | Birkensnake 6
PseudoPod 402: The Recovery | PseudoPod (Audio)
Translated into French:
https://www.angle-mort.fr/fiction/le-musee-du-futur/
Upcoming releases:
Keywords: Archaia, Sylvain Ferret, Delcourt, Secret Histories, Okko, The Killer, Casterman, iBooks, First-Second, Mark Siegel, Lou Diamond Phillips, La Bamba, TC Boyle, Words Without Borders, contemporary realism, speculative fiction, The Dresden Files, Clarion, Donald Barthelme, William Gass, Robert Coover, Steven Millhauser, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus, The New Yorker, Dalkey Archive Press, Experimentalists, dirty realists, Richard Ford, Toby Wolfe, Raymond Carver, Bobbie Ann Mason, Wakefield Press, Jean Ferry, Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud, Gilbert Sorrentino, Quai des Orfevres (written by Jean Ferry, but directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot), Coup de Torchon (directed by Bertrand Tavernier), Michel Foucault, James Yeh, McSweeney's, Ted Chiang, Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye, Ross MacDonald, Isak Dinesen, John Updike, Mick Herron, Slow Horses, Norman Mailer, The Armies of the Night, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Marshall Plan, Michael Henry Heim, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera, Dashiell Hammett, Andor, David Markson, Kazuo Ishiguro, Proust, Rock Springs, Pop. 1280, Jim Thompson, Bob le flambeur, La Femme Nikita, and H.V. Chao
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
What happens when two powerhouse indie creators team up? First came Forever, a moody, noir short published in David Lloyd’s Aces Weekly. Now, Alex Sheikman and Hal Turner are reuniting for Star Breach — an epic, Dune-style space opera graphic novel trilogy centered on a scoundrel navigating collapsing empires and ancient forces.
In this episode of NoNaMe Storyteller, hosts Al, Aki, and Joshua are joined by guest host Mark Smylie (Artesia, Archaia) to explore the creative chemistry behind this exciting collaboration. We dive into Alex's past work on his creator-owned sushi samurai steampunk western series Robotika and his illustration work for Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal graphic novels. Along the way, we trace the deep well of artistic influences — from EC Comics to French legends like Moebius, and from American illustrators to classic sci-fi and fantasy — that shape their work.
This conversation is a celebration of visual storytelling, genre blending, and the kind of creator-driven collaboration that sparks entire universes.
🔍 Keywords:
Star Breach comic, Hal Turner writer, Alex Sheikman artist, Forever comic Aces Weekly, David Lloyd Aces Weekly, sci-fi graphic novel trilogy, indie comic collaboration, creator-owned comics, space opera comic, scoundrel in space, Robotika comic, Dark Crystal graphic novels, Archaia Studios Press, sushi samurai steampunk, Timothy Green II, French comic artists, Moebius, Heavy Metal Magazine, EC Comics, Creepy, Eerie, Warren Publishing, James Warren, Alan Moore, David Lloyd, V for Vendetta, Mike Mignola, Walt Simonson, Sergio Toppi, Lin Decker, Franklin Booth, Jim Starlin, Michael Golden, Arthur Adams, Frank Frazetta, Andrew Loomis, Walter Foster, Mort Drucker, Bernie Wrightson, Renee Turner, Resurrection Man, Butch Guice, Zap Comics #1, Robert Crumb, Bob Sidebottom’s Comics Collector Shop, Nexus comic Steve Rude, John Sable Mike Grell, Lizzie John comic artist, Comic and Fantasy Art Amateur Press Association, Brian Froud, Alan Lee, Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, Fairies art book, Robert E. Howard, Conan, J.R.R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert Dune, George R.R. Martin, Star Wars, Robert Adams Horseclans, S.M. Stirling Dies the Fire, Ross MacDonald, John D. MacDonald, Scott Sigler, Mark Smylie Artesia, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
This week on the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, host Aki and guest co-host Anto sit down with the multitalented Charlie Brown—no, not the Charles Schulz one, but the publisher, editor, professor, arts journalist, film reviewer, and genre fiction author behind Dirty Magick Magazine.
We dive deep into his vampire noir series, starting with Vamp City, Quarter Moon, and a first look at the upcoming third installment, Midnight Brew. We also discuss his first (now out-of-print) novel Looking Back on Sodom, his short film A Couple on the Side, his long-form narrative Angels Die Slowly, and his music documentary Never A Dull Moment: 20 Years of the Rebirth Brass Band.
Along the way, we explore off-the-beaten-path ‘80s and ‘90s sci-fi and fantasy gems like Krull and Sword and Sorcery, the pulp brilliance of Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, the haunting works of Carol Joyce Oates, and Terry Mixon’s Empire of Bone. We also nerd out on Dungeons & Dragons, talk about Charlie’s Dirty Lens Substack, and shout out podcast peers like Dead Robots’ Society and voice actor Veronica Giguere. From vampires to vintage genre cinema, this episode is a deep cut celebration of storytelling across media.
Keywords: Charlie Brown Dirty Magick Magazine, Vamp City book, Quarter Moon novel, Midnight Brew vampire book, Looking Back on Sodom novel, Angels Die Slowly film, A Couple on the Side short film, Never A Dull Moment Rebirth Brass Band documentary, Dirty Lens Substack, Dungeons and Dragons, Dead Robots’ Society podcast, Veronica Giguere, indie vampire fiction, cult sci-fi movies, Krull movie, Sword and Sorcery 80s fantasy, Fritz Leiber Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Carol Joyce Oates stories, Empire of Bone Terry Mixon, speculative fiction podcast, genre-bending storytelling, arts journalism, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Bestselling author K Arsenault Rivera returns to the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast for a vibrant conversation packed with laughter, insight, and a love of storytelling across genres. Arsenault Rivera is joined by hosts Aki, Al, and Celeste, and discusses everything from epic fantasy and sapphic romance to supernatural noir and licensed IP.
We dive into her expansive body of work: the fan-favorite Ascendent series (The Tiger’s Daughter, The Phoenix Empress, The Warrior Moon), her ongoing Oath of Fire romance series (she won’t tell us the next title — we tried!), and the noir thriller The Shadowfiles of Morgan Knox, co-written with a writers' group and adapted into a full-cast audio drama on Spotify. Arsenault Rivera shares how writing specifically for audio shaped the story, pushing her to think deeply about how every word would sound to the listener.
She reflects on the writing process — including her thoughts on “show, don’t tell”, how it gets misused, and its surprising connection to a classic CIA psyop. For one of her latest projects, she discusses adopting Saxon-rooted language à la Tolkien, and how deliberate word choices affect tone and resonance. Her love of the editing process becomes a dialogue with her past self — full of surprises, challenges, and insights.
We also talk about her writing setup, complete with a Moonlander keyboard, and the routines that help her stay creative and productive.
Arsenault Rivera also shares the reality of the long road to publication — from her first rejection at 16 to over 70 agent rejections before her breakthrough. Her advice to writers? You just need one “yes.”
🎧 Tune in for a genre-spanning conversation full of laughter, hard-won wisdom, spicy narration moments, and the joy (and chaos) of the writing life.
Keywords: sapphic fantasy author, K Arsenault Rivera podcast, noir fiction writing, The Shadowfiles of Morgan Knox, writing for audio drama, Spotify audio fiction, writing romance scenes, audio narration, CIA psyop show don’t tell, editing as dialogue with self, Saxon vs Latinate language, Tolkien style prose, writing in a group, storytelling podcast, queer fantasy books, rejection stories, cross-genre writing, speculative fiction, LGBTQ+ authors, fantasy worldbuilding, Brooke Bolander, Gabino Iglesias, Sunny Moraine, Martin Cahill, Catherynne M. Valente, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, iambic pentameter, Etrigan, Japanese crime fiction, creative writing process, Moonlander keyboard, writing setup.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Summary: In this episode of The NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast, we welcome back acclaimed author Craig DiLouie—this time to dive into the world of World War II fiction. Known for his gripping storytelling across genres, Craig shares his approach to writing compelling historical narratives, balancing accuracy with emotional impact, and what draws him to stories set during wartime.
We also explore the realities of being a mid-list author, what it means to be a “big fish in a puddle,” and how Craig continues to build a successful writing career on his own terms. Plus, he opens up about the surprising success he’s found in the audiobook market—and how that unexpected path has helped expand his reach and readership.
Whether you're a history buff, aspiring writer, or just love a great war story, this episode is full of insight, candor, and inspiration.
Keywords: Craig DiLouie, WW2 fiction, historical fiction writing, audiobook success, mid-list author, World War II novels, war stories, writing career, publishing insights, author journey, Crash Dive, Strike, Hell's Eden, Castles in the Sky, My Ex-The Anti-Christ, Armor, NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
On this episode of NoNaMe Storyteller, Celeste and Aki sit down with Phil Bryce, a seasoned NYC actor with an unforgettable journey. From making 25 appearances as a background extra on Law & Order—mastering the art of hiding his face—to landing roles in numerous soap operas during the golden era of daytime TV in NYC, Phil shares his deep love for storytelling. He takes us through his early days in theater, his surprising pivot to law school and legal practice, and his eventual return to acting. While his legal background didn’t land him a job on Law & Order, it certainly gave him a leg up in corporate spokesperson work—allowing him to deliver complex legalese with confidence and clarity.
Phil and Celeste dive into the craft of acting, exploring techniques like Meisner, Kristin Linklater’s voice work, Chuck Jones’s physicality, and the Viewpoints method made famous by Anne Bogart. They discuss how these approaches shape performance, deepen storytelling, and bring characters to life on stage and screen. We also touch on Phil’s work with Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, MA, his hiatus from performing, and his plans to step back into the industry. If you love stories of reinvention, the grind of the acting world, and the intersection of performance and law, this episode is for you.
🎧 Keywords: NYC actor, Law & Order extra, soap operas, daytime TV, background acting, Shakespeare & Co., corporate spokesperson, legalese, theater and law, career reinvention, Meisner technique, Kristin Linklater, Chuck Jones, Anne Bogart, Viewpoints method, acting techniques, storytelling, NoNaMe Storyteller podcast.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Aki’s battling a cold, but that doesn’t stop the crew—Al, Celeste, and Joshua—from taking a trip down memory lane. Special guest Sean P. makes a special appearance to share his latest creative project as the team finalizes the name NoNaMe Storytellers and officially dubs the fans “NoNamers.” Along the way, they confess their deep dislike of their own voices, reflect on what they’re getting out of the podcast—being surrounded by creatives, finding inspiration, and learning from fun guests—and go on plenty of tangents.
From A Knight’s Tale (hello, Heath Ledger and Rufus Sewell) to Paradise the series, Michael Crichton, and AI artist Refik Anadol, the discussion twists and turns through storytelling, culture, and creativity. They dive into Japanese society, the Oscar-nominated documentary Black Box Diaries, and a difficult but meaningful conversation on patriotism and ritual suicide in Japan (content warning for sensitive listeners). And because no episode is complete without surprises, they also chat about Dame Judi Dench’s new book The Man Who Pays the Rent, artist Keith Haring, and past guests like Halo’s Jeff Steitzer and speculative sci-fi writer John Maly.
It’s a whirlwind of insights, inspiration, and absolute chaos—just the way the NoNamers like it!
Key Words: NoNaMe Storytellers, NoNamers, podcast origins, creative inspiration, hating our voices, A Knight’s Tale, Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Brian Helgeland, Paradise TV series, Michael Crichton, Black Box Diaries, Japanese culture, Refik Anadol, Judi Dench, The Man Who Pays the Rent, Keith Haring, Jeff Steitzer, John Maly, speculative fiction, storytelling community, film and art, behind the scenes, podcast evolution, special guest, Sean P., creative project.
Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100241
Artist: http://incompetech.com/