What’s that dark spot on the wall?Inked was written by Akis Linardos and first published in Maul Magazine in September 2022. Sadly, Maul Magazine is defunct. Then I bought the story and reprinted it in my Cursed & Creepy anthology.Check out Cursed & CreepyIn a cove of a Greek island, Akis was born a sane infant but has since then grown to enter the chaotic world of adults--a choice he deeply regrets. His stories delve both into epic worlds and ones of extreme darkness. Find him at Apex, Dread Machine, Flame Tree, and numerous anthologies. https://linktr.ee/akislinardosPete Lead is our voice actor, and you can learn more about this incredible start-up genius here. He’s also writes compelling short stories. I bought one from him as well, called Review of Bondi Beach by Henry the Shark.https://petelead.com/Tuck yourself in and turn the lights down for this short horror story…Akis and I at World Fantasy Con..Akis Linardos is one of my short story writing friends and we’ve been tackling the markets together. Self-labeled “Author, Scientist, 33% Human,” he has a unique approach and has attempted some very cool experiments. I finally met him IRL at World Fantasy Con this October and he was just as intriguing as expected. He has managed to get many miles out of his story Ink. Let’s learn a bit more about this growing concern in the spec world.AF: What was your inspiration for InkAL: There is this game called Bendy and the Ink Machine—a horror of cartoon characters coming alive to haunt their creator. Besides that, I had a leaking ceiling in the toilet at the time of writing this in Barcelona. So Ink must have emerged from the thought: “What if it was leaking because my upstairs neighbors were doing something FUCKED?”AF: I bought this story for my Cursed & Creepy anthology, but I wasn’t your first sale. Tell us about your tales many homes.AL: This one was actually my very first “pro-pay” sale. It was bought by Maul Magazine back in 2022, and since then has also been features in Tales to Terrify podcast.AF: When did you first decide that you wanted to become a writer? Describe your journey to this point.AL: It was in 2019 that I first started writing. Before that I had dabbled with drawing, piano, and guitar, but nothing scratched that itch quite like storytelling did so I followed that much more passionately. It was a lot of self-learning with internet resources, then I found editors within the community that helped me understand the industry better (primarily Alex Woodroe, Avra Margariti, and Rebecca Treasure). What put me on the map initially was my Apex sale at 2022, then my writing momentum picked up wildly with an average of 2.3k words daily in 2023 and a wild number of submissions as well. It was a bit of a manic period following months of major depression, so I guess I turned a dark time into a powerful boost for growth!AF: Who are your influences?AL: A lot of the primary influences are actually not writers but mostly manga artists Junji Ito, Kentaro Miura, Hayao Miyazaki, Hajime Isayama, and video game designers such as Hidetaka Miyazaki. I do have some literary works to mention though, especially dystopian novels such as 1984 and Brave New World, and also the Song of Ice and Fire, and Name of the Wind. Finally, there’s the Greek mythology and ancient Greek writers that I was familiar with from a young age. I think you can see my affinity for mythology in a lot of my work, including Ink.AF: You recently released a Cosmic Horror Chapbook. Tell us about it. How did you market it? Have you made many sales?AL: Yes! Crooked Gods! I pitched it around social media and made a teaser trailer about it with royalty-free images! Not many sales at all!Check out Crooked Gods hereAF: You've found incredible success in the short story world. What are your secrets?AL:* I don’t judge my work.* I don’t rewrite after something is done never mind what personal rejection might say. Better use that time and that feedback to inform my writing of the next.* I keep submitting everything, everywhere, all the time. (and all at once but we don’t talk about that)AF Do you have any advice/tips for writers who wish to make sales to pro-speculative markets?AL: Understand the mathematics of the submission system. 100 rejections are not a reflection of your work, but a statistical inevitability. Which in turn means you have to submit like a damn monster.You don’t have to write every day, but it is definitely a good idea to set at least one period (could be 3 or 6 months) where you do write over 1000 every day. This would show you that you have the capacity to do it, it will improve your confidence as a writer.To make the former possible and to also improve your confidence, you must shut down the critical voice of your brain. Once you stop judging what you write at the moment of writing it, you will write much faster and have more fun with it. You will also be taken down unlikely paths and make surprising twists, because you did not judge your creative voice for going down a weird path with a story.AF: Finally, what is the ultimate goal/career for Akis?AL: That seems to be changing all the time, but at this point I’m content to create and be happy through the journey of being both a scientist and writer. I don’t think there is an “ultimate” goal for me because once a goal is achieved, I set another goalpost. It’s who I am. So I can’t tell you my ultimate goal is to be full-time writer, because part of me knows that even if I achieve that, I’ll still want to be engaged in more fields.In terms of something tangible, the major goal now is to finish my 2nd novel, which has been the universe I’ve been aching to write for a while. In terms of success, publication and all that, I will do the work and hope it comes out as a natural byproduct. It’s a savage industry after all. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Episode 48 of Read Me a Nightmare, I’m Angelique Fawns, your host.  Today I’m sharing a creepy tale featuring a Haunted Circus and a bloodthirsty clown.  Peggy’s Hungry Haunted Clown first appeared in It Was All A Dream 2: Another Anthology of Bad Horror Tropes Done Right, released this August by Hungry Shadow Press.  This is a gorgeous anthology with custom art for each story and I share the TOC with some phenomenal writing friends of mine, including Yelena Crane and Amanda Cecelia Lang. Check out the show notes for the link to check out the book.  My inspiration for this story was watching the transport trucks carrying rides trundle into the little town of Sunderland for the annual Maple Syrup Festival.  Kristi Stewart does a fantastic job bringing this Middle-Grade Horror story to life. She’s a professional voice actor and frequent performer for this podcast.  Prepare to meet a clown just as terrifying as Stephen King’s Pennywise as we all head to the circus.   Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

This guy tried to pick up the wrong witch…Body Count was written by myself and recently published in DreamForge’s Dark Visions magazine, its annual Halloween treat. You can read the story for free here:https://bit.ly/Body-Count-A-FawnsBody Count is read by Kelly Pidgeon, one of the best voices in the business. No one does a tough guy character like he does. Kelly is also a member of the band, Boats Against the Current. You can listen to their music here:https://boatsagainstthecurrentmusic.bandcamp.com/Jane Noel created the art piece above, and I absolutely love it.Check your shoes for dead mice, and get ready to grin like a dang Cheshire cat.Scot Noel from DreamForgeHow does an author sell to DreamForge? Firstly, I recommend joining the Dreamcasters. https://dreamforgemagazine.com/dreamcasters/This is one of my favourite writing groups and the monthly meetings have helped me hone my craft immensely. Plus I’ve made some wonderful lifelong friends. (Many of whom I met for the first time this October at World Fantasy Con! Including Jane and Scot Noel.)Here are more hints right from Scot Noel pulled from past interviews I’ve done with him:AF: When looking to buy for your magazine, what is your perfect story? SN: That’s easy, the perfect story generates a powerful emotion in me when I read it, and I either end the tale with a big smile or in tears. Tears not necessarily because it is sad, but because something powerful and resonating happened, like an affirmation that the future is not lost, humans are not doomed, and the Human Adventure is Just Beginning. Oh, and don’t: * Start in Medias Res, especially if that means lots of explosions and chaos- don’t care. * Bore me with expositions and explanations that you think are world-building. * Misuse dialog as a way to make your point or an alternative way to exposit, instead of to reveal the mental state of the speaking character. * Use unusual names, words, or ways or speaking that do not make your story more engaging, but do provide a speed bump or road block to smooth reading. * DO keep the reader with the actions of the protagonist and engage us with their challenges and emotions as they face the problems you’ve set before them. AF: Your website says, “Our tales revolve around those individuals and groups who bring meaning and value to the world, whose actions are of consequence, and whose dreams are the vanguard of things to come. Whether you call that Solarpunk, Hopepunk, or just DreamForge stories, you’ll find them here.” What is "Hopepunk"? SN: We were well into the development of DreamForge when I started looking around to see if anyone else was sharing a more hopeful vision of the future. In that search, I found author Alexandra Rowland, author of A Conspiracy of Truths and A Choir of Lies, and whose novel In the End I was reading at the time. As I learned, Alexandra first coined the term Hopepunk in 2017. In a Den of Geek article, she went on to say: “Hopepunk is a subgenre and a philosophy that says that kindness and softness doesn’t equal weakness, and that in this world of brutal cynicism and nihilism, being kind is a political act. An act of rebellion.” It was catching on, and even as we prepared our first issue of DreamForge, I could see that people were using the term in relation to hopeful fiction.  At DreamForge, we don’t think of ourselves as a Hopepunk publication, but we do believe we’ve published some Hopepunk stories, as well as Solarpunk (where humanity overcomes present day challenges to achieve sustainability). The two terms often seem to show up together, being part of a growing optimistic radicalism. AF: Any advice for writers submitting to DreamForge? SN: The one piece of advice for writers submitting anything to anywhere is to read the publication! That doesn’t mean you have to go spend a lot of money; if you cast your net wide enough and give it a try, there’s usually someone who can loan you a copy, and many of today’s stories can be found free online. I know writers wonder if they are making a nuisance of themselves or are getting a bad reputation with the editor when they submit story after story that gets rejected. The answer is no. As editor of DreamForge, I’ve sent back a lot of stories to authors who tried again and again, yet I just didn’t have a place for those stories or perhaps they just didn’t quite rise above the others I chose. But I enjoyed the stories and respected the authors. When I did get mildly peeved, it was when it was obvious that the writer knew nothing about us, and we were simply on their “making the rounds list.” I don’t mind being the 5th or 25th publication on your list; that’s practical. What I do mind is when you gave no consideration to what we publish and then get upset about it when we send it back. We’re not here for stories about seduction, revenge, and murder, or to read screenplays, children’s books, and novel manuscripts. AF: I’ve submitted a few stories to DreamForge, and you spent some time giving me helpful advice with all my rejections. Why do you offer feedback to writers? SN: Feedback is a thorny matter. I figured people might appreciate a few notes about what we thought when we sent back their story. Not always. Many hopeful writers just want to hear what a good job they did or take anything you say as an attack against their special social or political interest group.  I was looking at it like learning a martial art or a craftsman’s skill, like woodworking. You don’t show up at the doing to get praised; you come to get worked over, beat up and disciplined into becoming a stronger self. You don’t get to pull a misshapen table leg off the lathe and get paid for it before you’ve even built the table. Writing takes a lot of work and has a lot of nuance to it. Some things can be learned quickly and take a lifetime to master, like chess. Fiction writing, on the other hand, can take a lifetime to both learn and master. Yes, there are people who become famous and rich early in their careers, but there are also people who have been hit by lightning multiple times. Famously, a gentleman named Roy Sullivan was hit by bolts from the blue seven times and survived them all. That’s because, all other things being equal, statistically improbable things must happen. So, you can either type and hope for providence or put in the time to learn the craft. One is so unlikely as to be inadvisable, and the other is fun and fulfilling whether or not you are ever published (because probability also says some of the best fiction ever written has never seen the light of day). But I digress. We still do offer feedback, just more carefully these days, starting by asking if any is wanted. Speaking of podcasts…John Goodwin from Writers of the Future interviewed ME! I spill all my secrets on selling to short story markets and discuss my Horrorlite anthologies.LISTEN HEREThis was John’s favourite book.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMM44YPZ Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

A ghost story at an all-girls boarding school just in time for Halloween…The Matron of Hawthorne Hall was written by myself, and inspired by my time working at an exclusive boarding school in the countryside outside of London England.  The story is read by Kristi Stewart, a professional voice actor and frequent performer for this podcast.  The Matron of Hawthorne Hall is published in the current issue of Max Blood’s Mausoleum HERE.Max Blood’s Mausoleum: A Home for the Weird and TerrifyingMax Blood’s Mausoleum launched on March 1st with a new home for horror. The editor, Max Blood, says, “We’ve read it all before and will read it all again, so send us something that will really set us back on our heels. Terrify us. Make us squirm. Send us the best of your worst.”Max Blood’s Mausoleum is a paying market, offering $30 per piece, and has three issues out in the world. He recently published my Halloween ghost story, “The Matron of Hawthorne Hall” and I thought this was a good time to check in with his experiences so far. AF: How has the reception to Max Blood’s Mausoleum been?MB: Reception has been fantastic! I’ve had many great authors submit stories to our publication, and this has been really exciting for me. I worried when I started this that I would have a difficult time discovering enough great stories. That was a pessimistic view of the future. In reality, I had too many great ones. There are a ton of exciting, engaging authors out there whom I’d never heard of, and it excites me every time I discover another great one. The hardest part is choosing which stories to accept and which to pass on. I’ve had to pass on some pretty good ones.On the reader front, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to receive multiple emails from readers praising our stories, and I’ve passed those praises onto the respective authors. It brings me tremendous joy to get to do that.And then there is the continuing success of our authors. Several of the stories we picked up have since been picked up to be republished in other publications. And one story (we can’t reveal which at this time) has been picked up by a production company to be made into a short film! AF: Do you have any numbers as to your downloads and submission stats?MB: Well, we just published our third issue, so we’re still pretty small. That said, our numbers are not bad at all. In September, we had nearly 400 unique visitors to our site, about half of which were authors viewing our submission guidelines. So, it’s a good place for authors, for sure. That said, I’d say it’s a great place for readers. That’s 200 readers for our latest issue. Your story, “The Matron of Hawthorne Hall,” had a fantastic 32 readers get into it. And these are stories that the authors poured their blood into. They have each brought something special to our site. I certainly plan on increasing those numbers as we continue to publish such brilliant horror stories, but this is not a bad start at all.AF: What types of stories are you buying/what kind is most likely to be successful?MB: The ideal story for me is that which I wish I had written. Honestly, it’s that simple. If I read a piece and think, “Why didn’t I think of that?,” that’s a great sign. This often comes in the form of a story that pushes the limits of comfortability. Read “The Blood Horse,” by Kurt Newton, published in Issue 3, and you’ll see what I mean in action. That story even pushed my limits, made me uncomfortable. “Pavement Spatula,” by David Vonderheide, is another great example of this. It is psychologically terrifying. I wish I’d written that!That said, it doesn’t always have to push limits in these ways. I love horror that touches on other genres. Especially Science Fiction. It has to still be definitively Horror, but touching on another genre offers complexity that is often missing in mainstream Horror.AF: What did you like about The Matron of Hawthorne Hall and why did you send me a revise and resubmit?MB: There are times when a piece doesn’t touch on the above, but when it comes to actually reading the piece, I simply enjoy it. It’s difficult to qualify a reason behind it, so let’s just call it Magic. Some stories just have a bit of Magic. A bit of Charm. Your story was just such a story. I seriously enjoyed it. That said, it was initially pretty far from what we publish at Max Blood’s Mausoleum. In many cases, no matter how great a story is, this is a hard pass for me, but when that Magic is particularly strong for me, I will sometimes offer a chance for revision to bring the story at least a little closer to what we are looking for. It’s important to me that the story remains THAT AUTHOR’s story. I don’t want to get rid of what makes the story unique to them. So, I try to structure some remarks around where I think we can meet halfway. Compared to stories like “The Blood Horse” and “Pavement Spatula”, your story was a bit tame (I mean this in the nicest way) for what we publish normally, but this process worked well, and the story retained its Magic. And perhaps most importantly, you were willing to work with us, to work through drafts of your story. One thing I definitely believe in is rewarding hard work.AF: How many stories do you buy “as is” and how many do you send back for another chance at acceptance?MB: This is a tough question, and my answer is closely related to my previous answer. Most stories (let’s say eight out of ten that I am considering), I accept as-is. Those other two stories are the ones that get through on Magic and Charm. I receive hundreds of submissions every month, and I honestly try to give each story its chance. There’s just not a lot of time to go back and forth on revisions, so when I choose to do that, it’s because the story is special to me in some way.AF: You have an anthology in the works, can you tell us about that?MB: I would love to. The anthology is the first part of the Terror Songs series of anthologies I’m planning. This first volume is titled “Songs from the Void.” We ran our call for submissions for it primarily over Spring and Summer this year, and I must say, you’re in for a treat. The volume consists of Horror stories set in space. Not sci-fi with horror elements. Horror with sci-fi elements. Horror first is important to us. If you’ve read “Nightflyers” by George R. R. Martin, or watched the “Alien” movies or “Event Horizon”, you’re in the right zone. Many great stories came in, and many were selected. We have seventeen stories for you thus far and are waiting on two more we intend to accept. We have already commissioned human-made art for the end sheets and the cover, and have actually received the finalized cover artwork.But that is not all. In our current plans for this project, there will be a companion novel to the volume. We are working on something pretty special for it, though we cannot yet give specifics in that area.A lot of this is subject to changes, as nothing is finalized until we get closer to the crowdfunding campaign that will help fund the printing of these books. The campaign will run on Kickstarter in mid-2025. Anyone interested in keeping up to date can sign up for our newsletter at https://maxblood.pub.AF: What’s in the future for Max Blood’s Mausoleum?MB: We intend to continue forward as we have been, though with a slight modification coming at the start of 2025. This year, we experimented with producing quarterly issues. While that has been received well, we believe we can increase exposure for the authors by switching to a weekly format. We will be publishing one new story each week, rather than making readers wait three months between reads. This has another advantage, and this is perhaps the advantage that means the most to us. With a weekly format, we’re not limited to selecting ten stories. This enables us to accept more of the great stories we find. We believe this will be a great opportunity for writers, opening more doors to them, and exposing their terrors to more readers. That is more in line with our vision for the publication in the first place.We are currently closed for submissions as we finalize Issue 4, but will be opening back up closer to the end of the year. I’m looking at November to post a new call for submissions. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

What are those dark shadows in the trees? You may never camp again…PLUS - Building a career with short stories.This episode features a short horror story by Mark Leslie called The Shadow Men, read by himself.Would you love a print version of this tale and other creepy offerings? Mark Leslie is in the last days of a Kickstarter for his updated and illustrated anniversary collection ONE HAND SCREAMING.Don’t miss out! KICKSTARTERMark Leslie has published more than 25 books. He has a comedy horror series featuring a Canadian Werewolf, several standalone thrillers and horror novels, a set of paranormal non-fiction books, and guides that help authors navigate publishing. You can find him at markleslie.ca After the reading, Mark Leslie and I chat about the author life and how to make money with short stories. We Mention:Mark's BooksMark's PodcastThe Canadian MountedCursed & Creepy AudiobookThe Horror Lite AnthologiesFrightmares in The FallsGrab your sleeping bag, a flashlight, and let's go camping. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 44 - Treats and an Interview with Robert StahlSticky Pumpkin Guts and Unlikely Ghouls…Read Me a Nightmare presents “Treats”, written and read by Robert Stahl. Stay tuned after this short horror romp for an interview with the author where we talk about the writing process, life as a horror writer, rescue dogs, and the pros and cons of writing long.Treats was first published in Oct 2019 in Rigor Morbid: Lest Ye Become, and reprinted in Cursed & Creepy in Nov 2023.Learn more about Robert at www.robertestahl.com.Grab some stale Halloween candy, lock your doors, and enjoy this taste of Halloween in August. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Even Scarecrows love a carnival…Our episode today features Christopher Henckel and his short story "Remember the Gallscream."I bought this tale for Book #1 of the HorrorLite Anthologies CURSED AND CREEPY.Born in the backwoods of West Virginia, Christopher Henckel is a country boy down to his molecular structure. He now lives in New Zealand with his lovely partner, Annaliese, and two equally lovely daughters, Avery and Coco. His stories can be found in Galaxy’s Edge magazines and various anthologies. When he’s not writing, Henckel works as a Senior Procurement Specialist for the NZ Government.The Gallscream is a hero or a devil. It all depends what car of the Ferris wheel you’re swinging from… Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Jingle, Jingle. Any time of year is a good time for Christmas Horror.R.J.K. Lee not only reads his own story, "Memo From the Jolly Overlords", but also sticks around for a candid interview. Are you addicted to short stories? Desperately trying to figure out how to make money writing? Yup. Hang out for the chat afterwards.Memo From the Jolly Overlords was first broadcast on the Weird Christmas Podcast in December of 2020 and then published in Book #1 of the HorrorLite Anthologies CURSED AND CREEPY.R.J.K. Lee immigrated to Japan in 2005 from Oregon. He's puttered along train tracks to meet quotas for the overlords ever since, currently as a teacher, proof reader, and voice narrator, while churning out fiction. Ryland and I have shared a few Table of Contents, including DreamForge, Parsec's Triangulation anthology, The Seven Day Weekend, and Space & Time Magazine.Grab a bag of sugar plums. Oh. And make sure to meet your quota... Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

You never know what you might find-- or lose-- in an antique shop.Our episode today features Shannon Fox and her short story "The Garden Party."I bought this tale for Book #1 of the HorrorLite Anthologies CURSED AND CREEPY."The Garden Party" was originally published in September 2019 in the anthology Cursed Collectibles.  If you are interested in learning about a great writing conference and the pros and cons of indie versus trad publishing, you will enjoy the interview after the story.Shannon writes as both Shannon Lynn Fox and S.L. Fox. Her short stories have appeared in DreamForge Anvil, Air & Nothingness Press, and Third Flatiron among others. She also has a short story in the Monsters, Movies, & Mayhem Anthology, alongside Johnathan Maberry, Rick Wilber, and Hailey Piper. Edited by Kevin J. Anderson, it won the 2021 Colorado Book Award for Best Anthology.Shannon is the owner of Minute Marketing, a marketing company based in San Diego, CA, that helps Realtors and other housing industry professionals save time with their marketing. You can check out more about her company here.Karen Shute is our voice actor for this episode. Learn more about her here.Grab your significant other's hand, double-check your life insurance, and let's go shopping... Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

This tomato is spicy!"Minny and the Mutant Tomato" is an original story written by Angelique Fawns for the anthology Cursed and Creepy.Minny Brown wants to win the local fair and she’ll do anything to make sure her tomatoes are the biggest on Pelee Island. Including stealing her dad’s ultra-secret growth serum. The new formula works too well. A mutant tomato pops up and he's not about to fill a bottle of ketchup. Can  Minny stop the tomatopocalypse? Bill Wiesner is our reader for this episode. Bill Wiesner is a Toronto-based technical and creative professional.  He is a promotions and commercial producer/director/writer, post-production editor, and voice actor. Grab your trowel, put on some gardening gloves, and prepare to meet the next generation of killer tomatoes.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Not all snakes are reptiles."A Cold Slither Killing" first appeared in Heavy Metal Nightmares anthology by Phobica Books March, 2023.This story is voiced by Kristi Stewart. She is a regular performer for Read Me A Nightmare.Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. Learn more about the Horror Lite Anthologies here:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMM44YPZPut on your best concert gear, hide your beer in a paper bag, and let’s listen to some heavy metal. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

If you go into the woods today...Beware the Zaggamung.James Hancock is a writer/screenwriter of comedy, thriller, horror, sci-fi and twisted fairy tales.  A few of his short screenplays have been made into films, and he has been published in print magazines, online, and in anthology books. He lives in England, with his wife and two daughters.  And a bunch of pets he insisted his girls could NOT have.Zaggamung is a short atmospheric horror story written byJames Hancock and performed by Karen Shute. In our interview, James Hancock talks about the differences between screen writing and the short story world. We also hit on the importance of writing groups.Here are some links if you want to learn more:https://twitter.com/JimHank13Bring Out the WickedDark Day Collection of Drabbles Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

So you're a shark, and you are looking for the best place to hang.What if there was a Trip Advisor for sea life? On today's episode, Pete Lead, a fellow author and improv actor presents his own story, "A Review of Bondi Beach, written by Henry the Shark."   Pete Lead is a writer, narrator, and facilitator who currently calls New Zealand his home. You can learn more about him at www.petelead.com  Stay tuned after the reading for a conversation about looking at writing as a business and strategies for success. Grab your towel, some sunscreen, a sharp harpoon, and let's dive into this review. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

What is the secret behind the skull of the Peking man?Plus, how does one become the most famous sci-fi writer in Canadian history?Robert J. Sawyer is our guest today and he reads his award-winning story, "Peking Man."Robert J. Sawyer is one of only eight writers — and the only Canadian — to win all three of the world's top Science Fiction awards for best novel of the year: the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. He’s also won more Aurora awards than anyone in history. He recently received the L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement award in April at the 39th Annual Writers of the Future Awards Gala. His varied career includes script writing and television series production, including ABC’s Flash Forward which aired in 2009-2010. You can find his latest print novel, The Oppenheimer Alternative, a science fiction reimagining of history, on Amazon:The-Oppenheimer-AlternativeThe interview that follows the story is full of good advice for authors at any stage of their careers and some cautionary warnings about the advent of AI. Dim your lights, grab your nail file, and let's curl up for the award-winning horror-tinged tale, "Peking Man."   Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Who is the ghost you see everyday?A gothic cautionary tale.This episode features a flash fiction piece by Amanda Cecelia Lang called "The Woman in the Churchyard".  It was first presented by Manawaker Studio’s Flash Fiction Podcast in June 2020.  Our retelling is brought to life by Karen Shute, one of the biggest horror experts I know, and a regular performer on this podcast.  Amanda Cecelia Lang is an author and aspiring recluse from Denver, Colorado. She writes weird novels and short fiction, tales of horror laced with whimsy, magic, and mayhem. When she isn’t plotting her next imaginary murder, she sleeps all day and plays all night—but probably isn’t a vampire since she thinks hickeys are seriously gross. You can learn more about her at https://www.amandacecelialang.com.Grab your warmest shawl and curl up for this creepy ghost story. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

How do you win Writers of the Future? Coordinating Judge Judy Lynn Nye answers a selection of questions put together by the Wulf Pack writing group. ADDED BONUS. Jody Lynn Nye also reads her story "Superstition."Superstition first appeared in Furry Fantastic an anthology featuring otherworldly animals published in October 2006.You can also find this story in her collection Cats Triumphant. Jody Lynn Nye is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction books and short stories, many of them with a humorous bent.Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper at a small publishing house, freelance journalist and photographer, accounting assistant and costume maker.For four years, she was on the technical operations staff of a local Chicago television station, WFBN (WGBO), serving the last year as Technical Operations Manager. In 2016, Jody joined the judging staff of the Writers of the Future contest, the world’s largest science fiction and fantasy writing contest for new authors. She is now its Coordinating Judge.Learn more here:https://jodynye.com/Enter the writing contest here:Writers of the FutureCheck out the latest anthology here:L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Vol. 39Grab your favorite black cat, and let's curl up for a dark story with Jody Lynn Nye. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Beware! If you enter this bookstore... Plus how can you build a career and sustainable income with short stories?This episode features a short horror story by Mark Leslie called Browsers, read by Eric Bryan Moore. Mark Leslie has published more than 25 books. He has a comedy horror series featuring a Canadian Werewolf, several standalone thrillers and horror novels, a set of paranormal non-fiction books, and guides that help authors navigate publishing. You can find him at markleslie.ca After the reading, Mark Leslie talks about how he found a path to a profitable career as a writer. There is INVALUABLE advice in this chat. We Mention:Stark PublishingThe Canadian MountedDraft2DigitalFindaway Voices Public Lending RightsThe Relaxed AuthorGrab your favorite pen, collect your old short stories, and let's enter a mysterious bookstore. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

How do you win Writers of the Future? What are the steps to growing a successful writing career?  PLUS how do you retire from dragon slaying?David Hankins has returned from the Writers of the Future Awards Gala. His story "Death and the Taxman" was a winner and can be found in L. Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future Vol. 39 .For this episode we are presenting another story of his. "The Last Quest of Corbin the Coward"  is written and performed by David Hankins and was originally published on May 31, 2022 by Factor Four Magazine.   David Hankins is an award-winning author who writes from the thriving cornfields of Iowa where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dragons disguised as cats. He devotes his time to writing, traveling, and finding new ways to pay his mortgage. You can find him at davidhankins.com Stay tuned after the episode when we chat about his experience at the gala, military life, and strategies for success. We mention:The DreamCastersWulf MoonDean Wesley SmithGrab a dragon's tooth, sharpen your pencil, and let's learn what it takes to conquer Writers of the Future.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Anita Brown has just met the sexiest man in London.Why has he given her an Iguana?"The Guanche, the Iguana, & the Kidnapping of Anita Brown" was first published by Allegory Ezine in their Spring/Summer 2022 issue. This episode features an interview with Brandon Case, author and erstwhile government cog, who fled reality to live in unsettling worlds of science and magic. He has recent work in Escape Pod, Death Knell Press, and Air and Nothingness Press, among others. You can catch his alpine adventures on Twitter and Instagram @BrandonCase101."The Guanche, the Iguana, & the Kidnapping of Anita Brown" is voiced by Kristi Stewart. She is a regular performer for Read Me A Nightmare.Pack your bags, grab the pet of your choice, and prepare for the end of the world.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

There's nothing quite like a bucket list with a body count.TRIGGER WARNINGS: Profanity, violence, vigilantism. Eda Obey (pen name EH Obey) reads the first two chapters of her novella KILLER RV. Buy From Amazon Baltimore housewife Delilah is thrilled to make friends with her new neighbor Peggy, who has terminal cancer, a vicious little dog, and an RV with a gimp drawer.https://www.lastgirlsclub.comStay tuned after the reading for a candid chat with Eda. This is our third interview on this podcast, and, as always, it goes some interesting places.Ready for a road trip? Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Cosmic Horror lurks in Arizona.Can one ex-military recluse save the world?"Kutulu in the Desert" first appeared in DreamForge Magazine's Halloween edition Dark Visions on October 17th, 2022.This episode features an interview with Jane Noel, the designer who created the art work for this story.  Jane talks about fiction as an inspiration for art, and her journey with DreamForge Magazine.  We get into the weeds with technology and techniques.Jane Noel is the artist and designer at DreamForge whose work as Art Director assured the success of early Dungeons & Dragons computer game titles like Menzoberranzan and Ravenloft: Stone Prophet, along with award-winning original titles like Anvil of Dawn.Learn more about DreamForge: https://dreamforgemagazine.com"Kutulu in the Desert" is voiced by Kristi Stewart. She is a regular performer for Read Me A Nightmare.Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. Tuck a cigarette in your pocket, load your gun, and let’s go for for a ride in the Sonoran Desert. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

How far would you take your wedding vows?"Till Death Do Us Part" was written by James Hancock and first published in the anthology Broken Promises.  He narrates his own story.James Hancock is a writer/screenwriter of comedy, thriller, horror, sci-fi and twisted fairy tales.  A few of his short screenplays have been made into films, and he has been published in print magazines, online, and in anthology books. He lives in England, with his wife and two daughters.  And a bunch of pets he insisted his girls could NOT have.In our interview, James Hancock talks about the differences between screen writing and the short story world. We also hit on the importance of writing groups.Here are some links if you want to learn more:https://twitter.com/JimHank13https://shooterlitmag.com/2022/08/08/greed/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marie-supernatural-deceit-mystery-murder/dp/B096TRSV7Y/https://t.co/EHaGU3ASvfhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/One-About-Sheep-Other-Stories/dp/1739630505/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXa5wiGySYw Grab a blanket, cuddle up with a loved one, and get ready for FOREVER. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Try Floatation Therapy.It will be relaxing. We promise. "MgS04" was written by Angelique Fawns and first broadcast on The Other Stories in March 2020.If this story doesn't scare you, Karen Shute's true life experience in a floatation chamber will 100 % -- stay tuned after her reading to hear a story so unbelievably frightening that I wish I wrote it! Karen Shute is an editor, producer,  voice actor, and all-round horror fan. We also talk about the BEST horror Christmas movies available for your holiday viewing.Included are:Black Christmas 1974Black Christmas 2006Black Christmas 2019GremlinsTrancersViolent NightDie HardChristmas Horror StoryCobraThe ChildrenRare ExportsStrip down to your undies, dim the lights, and prepare to immerse yourself in MgS04.   Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Ogri is an Osset from Oberon.His dream is to be a dancer. But his destiny is in the rodeo ring..."Ogri Trips the Light Fantastic " was written by Angelique Fawns and published November 15, 2022 on dreamofshadows.co.uk.Dream of Shadows is a London based website that features monthly horror and fantasy stories.  Ogri Trips the Light Fantastic is a science fiction flash that features an extraterrestrial creature who finds a way to makes lemonade when he’s given lemons.  Bill Wiesner is our voice actor for this episode. Bill Wiesner is a Toronto based technical and creative professional.  He is a promotions and commercial producer/director/writer, post-production editor and aspiring voice character actor. The artistic impressions of Ogri were created by Devin Towrie.Put on a cowboy hat, grab a feather boa, and let's dance with Ogri. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

How far would you go to live in a crime-free world?And what are you willing to forget?"A Time To Forget" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology Pulp Modern: Tech Noir  by Pulp Modern and publisher Alec Cizak.AN ENSEMBLE CAST PERFORMANCE(in order of appearance)Frank- The CFO - Kelly PidgeonBetty - The Scientist - Karen ShuteHonour - Pleasure Provider - Kristi StewartIsla - Rescue Worker - Brooke St. OngeAngus - Paramedic - Luke FawnsEmily - The Wife - Rachel LuttrellDave - The Husband - Peter RuprechtSamar - Social Worker - Bill WiesnerStay tuned after the interview for a chat with Pulp Modern creator Alec Cizak about his imprint and the world of pulp and noir fiction. Links: Alec Cizak Author PageThe Independent Fiction AlliancePulp Modern Issues Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

In a Solarpunk world, some pay a high price for Utopia.Honour is about to learn a sordid secret...Kristi Stewart reads our tease and introduces us to Honour.Honour first came to life in the pages of Pulp Modern:Tech Noir. The story "A Time To Forget"  as originally presented will be performed by a cast of all Read Me A Nightmare's voice actors in the next episode!Kristi has worked in the communications and media industry most of her professional career. With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She says performing brings her joy and, keeps her young and, she has no plans to stop anytime soon!Turn off the lights, close your eyes, and let's meet our dark heroine, Honour.If you want to learn about the next episode of Honour's reimagined adventures, sign up for my newletter at www.fawns.ca. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Looking for a short story guaranteed to make you laugh? Or snort? Only 6 minutes long!"Why Ride A Broom" was written by Angelique Fawns and can be read free at Dark Dispatch.  This stallion is about to learn some manners.... the hard way.  Sandra Ruttan is the publisher of Dark Dispatch and she chats with us after the reading about success with novel writing, running an e-zine, and her interest in banned books.WARNING: This flash fiction has some salty language.Kelly Pidgeon reads for us today and he is a professional voice actor and musician. Learn more about this band Boats Against The Current.You can listen to them here:SPOTIFY YOUTUBEGrab a whip, slide on some chaps and prepare for a wild ride.For more info visit www.fawns.caInterview with Kelly about his band.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Sharks aren't the most dangerous thing at this Texan beach..."The Trouble At Surfside Beach" was written by Angelique Fawns and can be read free at Pif Magazine, first published in December 2021. PIF MAGAZINE WARNING: This flash fiction deals with the death penalty and may be triggering. Kelly Pidgeon is our guest reader and interview. ** The Interview starts nine minutes in if you want to jump right there and skip the story.He is a professional voice actor, musician, and the voice on the intro of this podcast. After the story we talk about his career, how he takes care of his voice, and his band, Boats Against The Current.You can listen to them here:SPOTIFY YOUTUBEPut on your flip flops, grab your gun, and let's head to the beach...For more info visit www.fawns.caInterview with Kelly about his band. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

It's a post-apocalyptic world where only teenagers have survived.This future world is ruled by battling bands..."The New Mutants" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology Gotta Wear Eclipse Glasses  by Third Flatiron Publishing.This story was a Tangent On-Line Recommended Read for 2020.Kristi Stewart is back by popular demand, and not only reads us this short adventure piece, but sticks around to talk to us about the future of the voice industry. We also answer the question...”If you could give your 20-year-old self some advice about the business, what would you say?" Kristi has worked in the communications and media industry most of her professional career. With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. During that time, she’s had the thrill of being the female National Imaging voice for GLOBAL TV, TLN, PRIME TV and, the Canadian Entrepreneur of the year awards!  In addition to voicing many commercials, narrations and, even a Harlequin romance novel.  She’s also no stranger to on camera acting having been in several productions including; SEE NO EVIL, FEAR THY NEIGHBOR and, HAUNTED HOSPITALs, to name a few….Kristi says performing brings her joy and, keeps her young and, she has no plans to stop anytime soon! Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Sabrina climbs aboard an ancient Ferris wheel.She may have a disability, but that won't slow down the ride of her life."The Last Ride" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology The Corona Book of Ghost Stories. Caterina Papadopoulos is our voice actress and she brings her years of radio and broadcast experience to Read Me A Nightmare. You can find her magazine-style show on CHTO Radio in Toronto.  Stay tuned after the reading for a chat with Cat about her career, advice for the next generation, and future showbiz plans.  If you are over 50 inches tall, step right up and climb aboard! The ride is about to begin....  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

A group of writers join a retreat on a remote island...But the  Zombie Apocalypse has arrived! Who will survive?"The Writing Retreat" was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology Strangely Funny VII by Mystery & Horror L.L.CBack by popular demand, Karen Shute brings her zombie expertise to this comedy horror short. Karen Shute is an editor, producer,  voice actor, and all-round horror fan.  Stay tuned after the reading for a chat about the best zombie movies -like EVER. Included are:The Evil DeadDawn of the DeadShaun of the DeadJuan of the DeadThe Walking DeadTrain to BusanDead SetWorld War ZDead AliveGrab a glass of Pelee Island Merlot, open your zombie apocalypse survival guide, and get ready for some undead entertainment. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

WARNING! This episode goes some very dark places.This episode features a story written by Eda Obey and read by her alter ego Martinne Corbeau. Eda Obey is the human host for the Last Girl’s Club ghost host Martinne. From Eda, "Martinne shares stories of her previous lives throughout history and the liminal spaces through Eda. It’s more symbiotic than parasitic, but like most relationships it can go either way.”In this tasty little story, Martinne is inspired by the true story of celebrated chef Alexandre Etienne Choron. One of his claims to fame is the menu he served during the Siege of Paris by the Prussians which began on September 19th, 1870. (see episode art work) During the siege Parisians were reduced to eating -among other things rats. If you want to learn more about Eda Obey, please visit her website at www.lastgirlsclub.com.You can also buy her children's book at https://amzn.to/32Z0JMn. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

In a small northern town, something is in the woods...Can a newly married couple survive when a dark Cajun legend comes to life?An Arkadian Adventure...The Rougarou was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the anthology The Monsters We Forgot vol 3 by Soteira Press.  Back by popular demand, Kristi Steward voices The Rougarou. Kristi has worked in the communications and media industry most of her professional career.  With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Put on a warm jacket, load your gun with some silver bullets, and get ready for a howling good story. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Seth's life is about to change forever. Arkadia will never be the same when polluted waters unleash a blood thirsty terror."The Metamorphosis" was written by Angelique Fawns and originally published in the anthology "Night Terrors" vol. 9 by Scare Street.Bill Wiesner is our voice actor for this episode. Bill Wiesner is a Toronto based technical and creative professional.  He is a promotions and commercial producer/director/writer, post-production editor and aspiring voice character actor.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Wyatt is having the baddest of all bad days...And when he gets sucked into a magical world,it's about to become wildly worse. Read by Rachel LuttrellThis story is rated "PG"Wyatt  & the Whog was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the Mannison Press anthology, "Little Boy Lost".  Rachel Luttrell is an actor and singer, and my lifelong best friend. She was born in Tanzania but moved to Toronto at the age of five. She's accomplished many wonderful things in her life, including performing the role of kick-ass warrior Teyla Emmagan in Stargate Atlantis.Stay tuned after her reading for a revealing and no-holds chat about the story, podcasting, and  what it's like to reach the milestone of 50 years old.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Mia is dating a married man, alone on Canada Day, and doing her best to cool down in the sweltering heat.Who knew her bedroom fan was possessed?!WARNING: This story includes sex with a nerd, murder, and death metal music.  (Rated R)"Death Metal Fan" first appeared on-line April 21, 2019 on the Hauntedmtl.com website, and was republished in The Story Behind The Stories, 12 Dark Tales and Their Publishers.This episode features an interview with Jim Phoenix, creator of Hauntedmtl.com.Learn how he grew his horror destination website. (Some great tips here.)If you listen to the podcast Undead and Uncut, every download means a donation to a foodbank. https://hauntedmtl.com/series/undead-and-uncut-live/"Death Metal Fan" is voiced by Kristi Stewart. This is her third performance for  Read Me A Nightmare. With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. During that time, she’s had the thrill of being the female National Imaging voice for GLOBAL TV, TLN, PRIME TV and, the Canadian Entrepreneur of the year awards!  In addition to voicing many commercials, narrations and, even a Harlequin romance novel.  She’s also no stranger to on camera acting having been in several productions including; SEE NO EVIL, FEAR THY NEIGHBOR and, HAUNTED HOSPITALs, to name a few….Kristi says performing brings her joy and, keeps her young and, she has no plans to stop anytime soon! Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Pick out your favorite Halloween costume, and clear your brain of evil thoughts, its time for a....!!!PODCAST TAKEOVER!!!Creepy Pod takes over Read Me A Nightmare with their production of "A Deadful Friday the 13th". Originally aired as the bonus story on DAY 18 of Creepy Pod's 31 DAYS OF HORROR 2021 and narrated by Rissa M.Followed by an interview with Jon Grilz, creator and narrator of Creepy Pod. Learn how Grilz grew his horror and creepy pasta podcast to over a million downloads per month.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

It's a hot day, and that swimming hole sure looks enticing....Grab your swimming trunks and get ready for an adventure. The True Nature of Swimming Holes is written by Ronald Linson, and was first published in the Mannison Press anthology Little Girl Lost: Thirteen Tales of Youth Disrupted in 2019.   Based out of New York City, Morgan Schafer (pen name Ronald Linson) began working as an editor offering freelance services as a copyeditor and proofreader. Today, he is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief at the independent publishing houseMannison Press, LLC.Morgan writes primarily science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but hasbeen known to dabble in other genres. Current projects include a shortstory collection set in his Patchwork Lands cosmic horror mythos and afar-future science fiction novel with collaborator Deidre J Owen.Since 2015, Morgan has had stories published in a number ofanthologies (Mannison Press, Eerie River) and e-zines (Lovecraftiana,Bewildering Stories).Bill Wiesner is our voice actor for this episode. Bill Wiesner is a Toronto based technical and creative professional. A promotions and commercial producer/director/writer, post-production editor and aspiring voice character actor. Pours his heart and soul into every project with tenacious attention to detail. Loves working with others that share his passion for bringing the most engaging content to life. Above all else, he’s the father of two amazing teenage boys and husband to the most amazing woman in existence. When offline, he's all about various athletic endeavours like running, hiking, baseball and biking. An active member in his church community. An avid gamer and movie watcher. Addicted to music from various genres. A not-terrible player of drums and acoutsic guitar.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Lucy is standing on the edge of bridge.  Will she jump? A tale of possibilities, cults, and curiosities.Inspired by the Heaven's Gate story.Lucy & the Cosmic Comet Ride  was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in the Fall issue of The Last Girl’s Club, The Gay 90’s. Our voice actress is Karen Shute,  a Toronto based digital video editor and an aspiring voice actor who loves cats, horror movies, and all things spooky. She is also the co-host of the Big Brother Canada Debrief for Global television. Stay tuned after the reading for a very candid chat with Eda Obey the creator and publisher.  We get into weeds about the tropes portrayed by women in media, The Dirty Punk Movement, Amanda Palmer, living life as a Pagan, the Hell art installation, Elvira, the movie Cruella,  to name just a few! Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

 In a futuristic dystopian world with almost no freedom...  Frank & Carol are making a stand.Grab a drink, pull up a bar stool, and prepare to be seduced.Socially Distanced Drinking was written by Angelique Fawns and originally published in Socially Distant: The Quarantales by Impulsive Walrus Press.Bill Wiesner is our voice actor for this episode. Bill Wiesner is a Toronto based technical and creative professional. A promotions and commercial producer/director/writer, post-production editor and aspiring voice character actor. Pours his heart and soul into every project with tenacious attention to detail. Loves working with others that share his passion for bringing the most engaging content to life. Above all else, he’s the father of two amazing teenage boys and husband to the most amazing woman in existence. When offline, he's all about various athletic endeavours like running, hiking, baseball and biking. An active member in his church community. An avid gamer and movie watcher. Addicted to music from various genres. A not-terrible player of drums and acoutsic guitar.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Betty  is determined to find her sister, Elvie.  Nasty biker gangs, a drunk husband, her own unreliable memory... NOTHING is going to stop her."Three Calendars" was first published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine in the Department of First Stories.This episode features an interview with the editor of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Janet Hutchings.  (23 minutes in.) Learn why Janet buys some stories and not others, how the world's leading mystery magazine has evolved, and the best way to write a successful story."Three Calendars" is performed by Karen Shute, Karen is a video editor for Corus Entertainment, the host of The Big Brother Canada Debriefing, and has a beautiful, unique voice.Enter the EQMM Trivia Contest here: https://www.elleryqueenmysterymagazine.com/the-crime-scene/eqmm-trivia-contest/ Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Lily, a tattoo artist, has a crush on the HOTTEST biker. Snake just isn't that into her. That is, until she needles him with some very special ink...Hold on to your Harley Davidson, INKED brings SONS OF ANARCHY fantasies to life, with a twist or two...Voiced by Kristi Stewart, the voice actor that brought you THE GOLDEN FALCON in episode 6,  hang in for an interview after the reading with Kristi Stewart. Learn about her career through the NBC Newsroom in Oklahoma, hanging out with country music stars like Garth Brooks and Charley Pride, and doing national commercial work. Inked was written by Angelique Fawns and first published in Jolly Horror's anthology Accursed. To learn more please visit the show notes at www.fawns.ca/works/podcast. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

These chickens will do ANYTHING to avoid the soup pot. Farmyard Follies is good for the whole family and follows the story of four chickens brought together on a free range egg farm. Magic is in the dust...Read by Brooke St. Onge, couldn't you use a giggle today? Brooke is an auctioneer, actress, and the announcer at Western Speed Shows. Join her as she brings four talented chicken characters to life.To learn more please visit the show notes at www.fawns.ca/works/podcast. Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Temptin' Tammy and Earl are in love and they've finally found the trailer of their dreams. But what happens when that double-wide becomes a double-sized NIGHTMARE?WARNING: This story contains a mullet, shag carpeting, and some scenes where hot hillbillies remove their clothes. (think PG-13)"The Golden Falcon" first appeared in the anthology Coffin Blossoms by Jolly Horror Press, and was republished in The Publishers Behind the Pages: 10 Speculative Short Stories.As a bonus, this episode includes an interview with Jonathan Lambert, Creator and Publisher of Jolly Horror Press. Learn more about the genre of comedy horror and how you can get your story published in their next anthology Executive Dread, open for submissions July 2021. https://www.thejollypress.com/horror/opencall.htmlThe Golden Falcon was voiced by the inimitable Kristi Stewart, one of the best voice actors I have ever worked with.  Kristi has worked in the communications and media industry most of her professional career. With a love of theatre and performing, she first stepped on stage at the tender age of 14, in the role of Little Mary in the longest running melodrama production “The Drunkard” -in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her career has taken her from the newsroom, as an associate producer, a promotions director in country radio as well as a public relations manager for a not for profit, and, sponsorship manager for Rogers TV Toronto… all the while keeping her fingers in the entertainment field. She found a second love, as a voice actor. During that time, she’s had the thrill of being the female National Imaging voice for GLOBAL TV, TLN, PRIME TV and, the Canadian Entrepreneur of the year awards!  In addition to voicing many commercials, narrations and, even a Harlequin romance novel.  She’s also no stranger to on camera acting having been in several productions including; SEE NO EVIL, FEAR THY NEIGHBOR and, HAUNTED HOSPITALs, to name a few….Kristi says performing brings her joy and, keeps her young and, she has no plans to stop anytime soon! Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Cass isn't your average country girl. She's going to be a film producer. But when her father's murdered, the rain won't stop, and strange bugs appear everywhere, she'll be lucky to even stay alive... As a bonus, this episode includes an interview with Scot Noel, Editor in chief of DreamForge Anvil (where Invasive Species was first published). Scot talks about what differentiations a story he buys, how writers can improve their chances of acceptance, and his personal career break. Invasive Species is read by Grant Maverick, a professional voice actor, and all around amazing guy.You can learn more about this episode, DreamForge Anvil, Scot Noel, and Grant Maverick in the show notes at https://www.fawns.ca/works/podcast/.  Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe

Not only is Sam a non-binary high school student, but her best friend is a succubus. What happens when dark secrets come between friends?"Personal Demons" is a short horror story originally published in Strange Girls Women in Horror Anthology and reprinted in The Story Behind the Stories: 12 Dark Tales and their Publishers.  Written by Angelique Fawns and read for you by Lauren Silver.The show notes are available at https://www.fawns.ca/works/podcast/ Get full access to Angelique’s Substack at angeliquemfawns.substack.com/subscribe