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Overcast 146: C.R.A.P. by Sherry Shahan Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

C.R.A.P. by Sherry Shahan. Narrated by Kate Tierney. Hosted by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword written by Sherry Shahan. #scifi #dystopia #art #music #love

Iris longs to be with others who resist State laws; others who risk punishment to express themselves however they choose; others who believe that what a person dreams is more important than exams devised to test how little you know about history.

She's been searching for a group she heard about during a blackout: C.R.A.P. Supposedly, they live in a crumbling 20th century bomb shelter, playing instruments ripped off from the State Repository: assorted brass and drums, a piano with non-synthetic keys.

Iris dreams of joining them.

AUTHOR

Sherry Shahan writes from a funky beach town in California. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Oxford University Press, ZYZZYVA, Exposition Review, The Writer, and forthcoming in f(r)iction. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and taught a creative writing course for UCLA Extension for 10 years. Find her online at www.SherryShahan.com

NARRATOR

Kate Tierney always had a passion for reading aloud, and the shy kids could breathe a sigh of relief every time she volunteered to do so. After attending the University of Albuquerque, Kate received her BFA in theater, she headed off to Los Angeles where she performed in theater and television. Eventually, she and her husband headed to New York and started a family, and had lived there for the past 20 years. But the Gypsy in her soul knew it was time for a change. She packed her bags and headed the family west to the endless blue skies of her hometown, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is now producing audiobooks.

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Overcast 145: Ferryman by Ethan Jones Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

Ferryman by Ethan Jones. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Episode Hosted by Erik Grove. Featuring an afterword written by Ethan Jones. #Scifi

I lay in the bunk, Gibson's arm around me as he snored in my ear. Outside the porthole, the blackness of space, spinning, empty, endless. Ahead of us, in under a week, Gibson's death by firing squad.

This went sideways…

Ethan Jones is a weird fiction writer currently working on a novel about a werewolf astronaut in love with a cyborg rock star. His story "Resolution" appeared in the anthology On Loss in 2019. After 12 years living in Portland, he and his husband have moved back home to Tulsa, Oklahoma with their 17-year old youngling and three dogs. Find him at http://www.sinisterblog.com/ and on Twitter @sinisterblogger.

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 144: Digital Nomad by Koji A. Dae Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

Digital Nomad by Koji A Dae. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by Koji A. Dae. #scifi

"Maybe?" He doesn't raise his voice, but he stands. He won't look at me. "What are you waiting for, Charlie? Don't you love me?"

I step close to him. "I do. But staying…"

That's when the emotions tumble in. Fear sends my heart racing. Desire dampens the space between my legs. Confusion clenches my throat. He goes blurry from the tears in my eyes.

Snip. Right there. That's a good clip. People love unexpected emotions, and who would expect that mess from a proposal? If I upload this clip, enough people will download it to send me on my way.

Koji A. Dae is an American writer currently living in Bulgaria. She spent parts of her childhood in Portland, Oregon. She has work published in Daily Science Fiction, Short Edition, and several others. When not writing she enjoys dancing the blues. Find out more at https://kojiadae.ink/

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 143: A Touch of Frost by Renee Stern Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

A Touch of Frost by Renee Stern. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by Renee Stern. #scifi #agriculture #farming #tech #family #frost

The frost alarm tumbled Tristao out of his snug bed into the midnight chill of the farmhouse. He knuckled away the dream of a wild liberty weekend in Seattle and dropped into his battered computer chair, bringing up the sensor net before he remembered to silence the alarm and key in lights and coffee.

He blinked against the glare of the overhead light panels before blindly dialing down the brightness to a more comfortable level. The clock digits on the wall in front of him shone a brighter red: 0113. Two hours of sleep.

A coffee bulb slid out of the slot within easy reach of his left hand, just below the interactive map screen of his farm. He popped open the bulb, the spicy steam that curled around him jolting him a fraction more alert, and started a fast diag of essential systems.

Renee Stern's short fiction has appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies and several small-press anthologies, including Human Tales and Looking Landwards. A freelance writer and former newspaper reporter, she now calls the Seattle area home.

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 142: Strix Antiqua by Hamilton Perez Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

Strix Antiqua by Hamilton Perez. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by Hamilton Perez.

I didn't want to go back into those woods. I didn't trust them, and I suppose they didn't trust me either. But deep down, I knew: I had to go. You can't just stay at home, whispering to God on bended knee when your little sister's been taken by a witch.

Police combed through the forest during the day but didn't find anything. They wouldn't of course. A witch takes people when they're alone, not in groups, and then she hides away with her catch, tucked in the shadows of secrets and the heartbeat of mountains. That's where witches live.

Hamilton Perez is an aspiring stay-at-home chef, but is primarily known for his published fiction and editing work. He's mastered a basic omelet, a passable stir fry, and has finally determined that 2 minutes and 22 seconds is the perfect time for microwaving popcorn. You can find more of his stories at hamiltonperez.com, or follow him on Twitter @TheWritingHam.

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 141: Dreams of Mars and Amber by M.V. Melcer Dec 30, 2020

Show notes

Dreams of Mars and Amber by M.V. Melcer. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword written by M.V. Melcer. #scifi #immortality #podcast #fiction

I glare at the signature on the research file as if my scowl could erase its existence.

My own ID code from one hundred and twenty years ago. How could I have forgotten? My brilliant new idea, the breakthrough that could lead to large-scale Martian agriculture--tested and disproved, nearly a century ago. By me.

I lean back, my right hand rubbing the corner of my eye, while the left scrunches the flexi with the research notes. I was going to change the world, lead humanity to Mars and on to the stars. Instead, I'm a fly in a maze, flying in circles, chasing the ghosts of my own thoughts.

MV is a fiction writer and a filmmaker, with primary interest in science fiction. Born in Poland, MV has lived in the USA, the Netherlands and Belgium before settling in the United Kingdom. When not writing, she is working on a degree in astronomy and planetary sciences. You can find her at www.mvmelcer.com.

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 140: Bear Day by Kathryn LePage Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

Bear Day by Kathryn LePage. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by Kathryn LePage. #fantasy #bears #humor #holiday

Bunny grasped her stick apprehensively in one hand and reached for her dye packet with the other. While she'd been readying herself, she hadn't been paying attention to the sounds outside the cave. Suddenly she heard a rhythmic dragging sound come up to the mouth of the cave. There was no way she could afford to look away from a potentially angry bear to see what it was. Then the bear heard it, and looked up, growling.

With the bear looking over her shoulder, and not directly at her, Bunny felt safe enough to risk a glance as well. The boy with the log stood there, staring with an open mouth for a split second while he took in a deep breath. Please don't, Bunny thought desperately. Don't yell.

"Hey, guys! She found a bear! Get over here, she found a bear! Guys! Bear!!"

Kathryn LePage lives in Portland with her two cats. She builds worlds just to see who shows up, and is trying to pioneer a new genre:cozy fantasy. She currently has stories set in two different worlds with varying amounts of magic, and several more stories impatiently waiting to be written. Her work has been published in "Places Like Home". Find her at http://www.kathrynlepage.ink/

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 139: The Crystal Ball That Lied by G.B. Burgess Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

The Crystal Ball That Lied by G.B. Burgess. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by G.B. Burgess. #fantasy #fortune #darkfantasy

A replica of Dancer pirouetted across my surface, her jewels and clothing shimmering with each movement. Dancer sobbed as she looked upon her likeness. Tears fell. They splashed on me and I swallowed them. They were bland compared to blood but were better than dust.

"I knew I'd be famous." Dancer pushed coins across the table and rushed from the cabin.

"Another happy customer." Witch left the table to light more candles, killing the eeriness. She returned to stroke my surface. "Crystal, my love, what dark event did you hide this time? There's always something."

With Dancer's blood still sticky against my souls, I once again reached into the future, snagging the same event I'd shown Dancer, but widened the view. This time I showed her performing in a dirty tavern, surrounded by drunken men. One at a time she stripped garments until she danced naked.

GB Burgess is a writer from Tasmania, Australia. Her work is forthcoming in the Lane Cove Literary Award Anthology, and has appeared in On the Premises, Daily Science Fiction and Fabula Argentea. When not writing, she spoils her rescue kitties, neglects her devoted husband, and extreme doodles (that's drawing without talent). Find out more at gbburgesswrites.wordpress.com.

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 138: Dark Satanic Mills by Fraser Sherman Nov 07, 2020

Show notes

Dark Satanic Mills by Fraser Sherman. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by Fraser Sherman. #fantasy #humor #Satan #entertainment #magazines

"You know, Bryce, I think you're right." My boss smiled sweetly as her conjured shark-demon shot across the conference table and bit down on Bryce Jordan's crotch. "I really am a castrating bitch, aren't I?

"Walker, my coffee?"

"Right here, Ms. DeMarco." Knowing my coworkers would spot any sign of weakness, I tried to look blasé about Bryce sliding to the floor, clutching his groin. Cerise Walker, sophisticated New Yorker, that's me. "Absolutely no fair-trade beans, skim milk, one-and-a-half sugar cubes."

"Do you think I forgot?" She raised one perfectly arched eyebrow as I handed her the porcelain cup. "You think I'm losing it, is that what you're saying?"

"No!" I backed away — not that distance would save me — and plastered my best sucking-up smile onto my face. "Gosh no, you're the best magazine editor —"

"That's right, I am."

Although England-born, Fraser Sherman would still be living in the Florida Panhandle (long story) if he hadn't met his dream woman in 2008. They now live together in Durham, NC with the two most adorable dogs in the world and a semi-stray cat. Fraser has been a reporter for several papers, written articles for Newsweek, Boys' Life and Law Enforcement Technology and had more than two dozen short stories published. He's written five books about movies, starting with Cyborgs, Santa Claus and Satan. Find him online at: https://Frasersherman.com

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

Overcast 137: They Come From the Void by Luke Elliott Oct 25, 2020

Show notes

They Come From the Void by Luke Elliott. Narrated by J.S. Arquin. Featuring an afterword recorded by Luke Elliott.

Orblights rose from beneath black waves, boiling the saltwater into white banks of steam. Seven lighthouses flashed golden as their rotating lenses cut beams from the headland into the rolling sea. The orblights hovered over shoals, between craggy sea stacks, and amid high breaking surf in paths unwavering, though the sea assailed them. They would only alter course to glide up the sheer cliffs into the coastal village of Overmorn Cove, whose people congregated outside their homes to meet them.

Luke Elliott's fiction has appeared in Metaphorosis Magazine, the Buckman Journal, and The Best Vegan Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2018 collection. He has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Florida, an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, and is a graduate of the Viable Paradise writer's workshop. In 2017, he launched the Ink to Film podcast with a filmmaker co-host, where he discusses books and their film adaptations from a writer's point of view in weekly episodes. He writes mostly science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but will go wherever the inspiration takes him. In between writing, podcasting, and occasional gaming, he collects quality whiskies and is always happy to pour a glass for company. Find him at: www.lukeelliottauthor.com, www.inktofilm.com, www.twitter.com/luminousluke.

Please help support The Overcast. Become a Patron Today!

Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify so you never miss an episode. While you're there, don't forget to leave a review!

J.S. Arquin's Crimson Dust Cycle trilogy is complete! Go to www.arquinworlds.com to download your free prequel story.

Are you an author who loves J.S. Arquin's narrations? Ask him to narrate your audiobook at www.arquinaudiobooks.com

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