The Alt-Hist File: The Moonlit Road

We're taking a walk down The Moonlit Road in this edition of The Alt-Hist File

Named after the Ambrose Bierce short story of the same name, The Moonlit Road has been going since 1997 and bringing some of the best ghost stories and folk tales from across the American South. It is produced in Stone Mountain, Georgia and is headed by Craig Dominey. Since many of these stories are based on folklore and urban legends chances are that you may have encountered them in one form or another at some point, but that certainly does not take away from how chilling and entertaining they can be. It certainly helps that The Moonlit Road features a wide variety of narrators who know how to bring these stories to life. It’s not about the basic plot, but rather, how well you tell the story that matters. The end of the stories often include links to their history and inspirations.

Next to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series and Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark trilogy, The Moonlit Road was always my go-to place for chills and thrills. Also, if you’re going to checkout their website you might want to make sure you have flash so you can see the site in its full glory. Though I’ve gotten older I, and listeners of all ages, still find so much to enjoy from this podcast. There are also plenty of great text-only stories, but since this is The Alt-Hist File we’ll focus on those with an audio adaptation. Also, because of the short and uncomplicated nature of these stories, expect the reviews for this post to be a tad shorter than usual.

For now, however, let's take a walk down The Moonlit Road...

Sop Doll by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Jim McAmis

This story is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression. It follows an adventurous man named Jack who comes to Abel, Mississippi in search of some temporary work. He soon come to suspect, however, that his new employer's wife might secretly be a witch.

You don't really see that many stories set in the American South during the Great Depression, so this was a nice change of pace. I should probably add at this point that due to the short and uncomplicated nature of these stories, my reviews will likewise be on the shorter side. I thought that Jim did a great job with the narration. Also, if you're wondering what a Sop Doll is...you might be disappointed because we never really get an explanation.

On the whole, however, a very good story that's well worth your time.

Green Eyes by Craig Dominey

Narrated by John Gentile

This story follows a young man from Tennessee driving to see his girlfriend in Georgia. He decided to take a shortcut through the historic Chickamauga Battlefield. Along the way he encounters a creature with piercing green eyes that grants him a vision of the infamous battle.

The Civil War was a major turning point for the United States. It was the first industrialized war and it killed about two percent of the overall population. Even today we still feel the influence of its echoes. This story did a really great job of capturing the emotional impact of the war. Also, apparently the green eyed monster in the story is based on actual sightings that have occurred at Chickamauga. Personally, I don't put much stock in such stories, but there you go.

I do, however, find that John's narration was spot on. A haunting tale about the echoes of history that I happily recommend.

The Sausage Ghost by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Kodac Harrison

This story is set in 19th century New Orleans and follows a German couple who run a sausage shop. After their marriage begins to fall apart the husband murders his wife and grinds her up into sausages, but how long will he get away with it?

This story is based off of a sensational crime that may have actually happened, minus the supernatural bits. To me that almost makes it a tad more horrifying. Most of us don't really think too much about where our food comes from, or what might be lurking inside it. On the other hand, similar stories have popped up in folklore before, so maybe it didn't happen. If nothing else this story might put you off of sausage for a while. I did enjoy that the story featured an immigrant couple; after all, New Orleans is a very cosmopolitan city with a long history of welcoming immigrants from throughout the world.

One thing that's sure not to leave a bad taste in your mouth is Kodac's narration. Another morsel of a story that I recommend.

A Beloved Teacher by Craig Dominey and Curtis Richardson

Narrated by Curtis Richardson

This story is set in the 19th century and follows a schoolteacher from Ohio who moves to Georgia to tutor a wealthy plantation owner's children. Along the way she befriends a slave boy named Joshua. There's a bit more to it than just that, but I can't tell you without giving the story away.

Well this story is really sad, heartwarming and touching. It was also adapted into a short film by the students of Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia. It is an excellent little film and you can find it at the bottom of this story's page on The Moonlit Road's website. Curtis did a good job capturing the emotions of this story.

It's a touching story that you won't want to miss out on.

The Slave Girl of Myrtles Plantation by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Veronica Byrd

This story is allegedly based on something that really happened, though the supernatural bits are up for debate. Then again, so are the non-supernatural parts, as no historical evidence supports them. It tells of a slave girl named Chloe who tried to temporarily poison her master's family in revenge for chopping her ear off. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go as planned. Some even believe that their unhappy spirits still haunt the old plantation.

Like I said, this story is supposedly based on actual event and you can visit the plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana if you're so inclined. If you want my advice, however, you really ought to go for the history rather than for the haunts. If nothing else this was an interesting little ghost story, even if you ought to take it with a few gains of salt. Considering the harshness of slave life, I can't say I blame Chloe for what she did. Veronica Byrd is, without competition, my favorite narrator from The Moonlit Road. She always knows how to bring the stories to life.

A historical haunt that, all things considered, I'll give a recommendation.

One More Room by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Jim McAmis

This story follows a Hollywood location scout named Jack who has come to Atlanta. While looking for a location for an upcoming film set in the 1940s he comes across the Hotel Scofield. Soon, Jack finds himself transported back in time to 1946, but is it all as innocent as it seems?

This story is a variation on the burned building legend. That's the one where the protagonist goes to a building, has a good time, but then returns only to learn that the building actually burned down long ago. Like I said before, it's not how many times the legend has been told, but rather, how you tell it. In this case, the story manages to provide a fresh take on a familiar tale. It it very much helped by Jim's great narration.

A new twist on a familiar tale and one you won't want to miss.

Lorenzo's Curse by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Lanny Gilbert

This story is set in the 19th century and follows a traveling preacher from Connecticut who brings a curse to a small Georgia town. Not much of a summary, but it is on the shorter side.

I found this story had a bit of unintentional humorous irony. We've got a firebrand preacher from New England whose message gets scoffed at by the residents of a small town in the Deep South. Quite the opposite of what you might expect these days. I guess it just goes to show the shift of social mores and attitudes in America. I thought Lanny really captured the feel of a traveling minister with his narration.

Another story that I readily recommend to you.

Hell Hole by Craig Dominey

Narrated by John Gentile

This story follows a Civil War relic hunter from Virginia who has come to New Hope, Georgia. The town is home to a major battlefield from Sherman's March to the Sea, and that should mean plenty of quality artifacts. Let's just say he gets far more than he bargained for.

Yes, this one is similar to Green Eyes, but it really stands on its own merits. Once again, John does an excellent job with the narration. Civil War battlefields and sites dot the South. The war and its impacts have long colored how Southerners approach the world. The shadow of history looms large, and even today Southerners struggle with reconciling that history. Just a little something to muse on.

Another great Civil War themed story that I happily recommend.

Ibo Landing by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Evelyn McCray.

This story follows Oba, the chief of a village of Ibo people. Life is good as Oba and his people receive guidance from their spirits. Then one day the village is captured by slave traders. Can Oba find a way to lead his people to freedom in the strange land of America?

Believe it or not this story is based on a slave uprising that actually happened, though certain details are still debated. The central message to this story is that you must persevere and stay strong even when times are tough. Evelyn not only did an excellent job narrating the story, but she also did a really great job singing an old slave spiritual towards the end.

It's a story about trials and defiance, and one you won't want to miss.

The Maco Light by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey

Narrated by Jim McAmis

This story tells of a 19th century conductor named Joe Baldwin. It is said that he still haunts the rails of where he was tragically killed in a train accident in the town of Maco, North Carolina.

This story dates back to 1867 and is so famous that it was once featured in Life Magazine. Yeah, it's another haunting that's claimed to be true, but if nothing else it makes for a pretty good historical ghost story. As usual, Jim does an excellent job with the narration.  

Another story of a historical haunting that I recommend to you.

The Hall of Wonders by Thomas E. Fuller

Narrated by Thomas E. Fuller

This story takes place in 1867 in Charleston, South Carolina. An apothecary from the North named Dr. Rembrandt Cavanagh has arrived in Charleston to make a quick buck. One day he unveils his latest scheme: a public aquarium. Dr. Cavanagh has captured a mermaid as the aquarium's star attraction, but what are the consequences of his actions?

The audio version of this story was produced as part of a live production for Spoken Word, a radio program in Atlanta, Georgia. Live shows are always a bit hit and miss, but I thought that Thomas, and all the narrators for that matter, did a really great job. 

This story is a fun little creature feature that I think everyone, especially lovers of zoos and aquariums, such as myself, will enjoy. Thomas Fuller was another of those really top notch narrators from The Moonlit Road. I say "was" because he passed away in 2002. He was a beloved narrator who will be dearly missed. Still, let's not feel sad, but take joy in honoring the legacy of stories, such as this one, that he left us with.

It's a fun little creature feature that I very gladly recommend to you.

No Greater Love by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Jim McAmis

This story is set in Kentucky in 1935. It follows a miner named Henry Jacobs who has been trying to deal with his drinking problem. One day he gets lost in the mine while trying to sneak off to buy whiskey, but a gentle white light helps guide him home.

Doesn't sound like much, I know, but I wouldn't want to give the story away. This is another really touching and somewhat heartwarming story. If there's a message to this story it's that forgiveness and love can come even when you least expect them. Once again Jim handled the narration quite well. Not much more to add here.

A story about love and coal mines and one which I recommend.

The Town Without Death by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Lanny Gilbert

This story is set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and follows a widower named Sam who has recently moved to the town of Burning Creek. The townsfolk seem nice enough, and the restaurants serve delicious food, but something about the town troubles Sam. There are no cemeteries in Burning Creek, and there’s something just a tad familiar about the meat they serve for dinner.

Depending on how you look at it, Kentucky is either the Northernmost Southern state or the Southernmost Northern state. In any event, if it’s good enough for The Moonlit Road it’s good enough for me. Small remote little towns are some of the best settings for horror. All sorts of things can go down in the remote wilderness. Also, besides the longpork pies, there are some supernatural elements to this story, but I wouldn’t want to spoil that for you. Though I will say, even with what the meat turns out to be, this story always makes me feel hungry for some reason. Lanny really knows how to bring the story to life with his narration.

A delectable tale that’s sure to leave you hungry for more. Give it a taste. 

Wait Til Jessie Comes by Craig Dominey

Narrated by LaDoris Davis

This story follows a traveling salesman in rural Mississippi who has taken refuge in an old abandoned home during a storm. Each time he wakes up he sees a new cat, each bigger than the last, and they’re all waiting for someone named Jessie to come.

This story has appeared in a few other forms over the years. The one I remember the most is “Wait Til Martin Comes” from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. On the whole I’d say this is a pretty good adaptation of the story. LaDoris does a pretty good job with the narration, but personally I’m still partial to George S. Irving’s narration from the Scary Stories audiobook. That’s just my view, though, if this is your first time with this story you might find you like it better.

A familiar story that I nonetheless recommend.

The Click-Bok Tree by Lester Thomas

Narrated by Lester Thomas

This story follows the children of an African king who have been sold into slavery. Before the king was killed by slavers, he gave his oldest son a seed from a click-bok tree. The click-bok trees are magical and have protected their family in the past, and it will continue to do so in the strange land of Alabama.

This story really felt like it came straight out of folklore. It’s really nice to see a story where slaves get revenge on their masters. The page for this story includes some really cute little drawings to go along with it. This is another story that can be enjoyed by all ages. As for narration, Lester does a really great job bringing the story to life.

A tale about slavery and freedom with a magical twist. I happily recommend it. 

Mississippi Rose by LaDoris Davis and Craig Dominey

Narrated by LaDoris Davis

This story follows a young man named Joshua who has moved to rural Mississippi to help his grandfather on the farm. While driving a load of hay to a neighbor late at night he comes across a pretty girl named Rose. As you may have guessed, there’s more to her than meets the eye.

As you might have figured out, this story is a variant on the Vanishing Hitchhiker legend. Like I’ve said before, it’s not how many times the story has been told, but rather how it’s told. In this case, LaDoris provides a great narration to really make the story memorable. The story also has a slightly more humorous take on the legend than most retellings.

A humorous take on a familiar legend. Well worth your time.

Tsali by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Jim McAmis

This story takes place in North Carolina in 1838. It follows a Cherokee chief named Tsali. The Indian Removal Act has just passed, and he and his people face an uncertain future.

Yeah, not the best description, but a good story nonetheless. This is more of a historical fiction story up until the very end. The American Southeast used to have a fairly large Native American population prior to the Indian Removal Act. You do get to learn a bit about the Cherokee in this story. It is nice to see a story from a people who so often get left out of the storytelling of the American South.

Once again, Jim does a great job with the narration. A different sort of story, but one that I happily recommend. 

Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk by Sam McDonald

Narrated by Otis Jiry 

We'll end the list with a story that hasn't yet had an audio adaptation, but I feel it deserves a spot on the list. In 1840s Shreveport, Louisiana there lives a misfit named Irwin Tarheel. He's never really fit in, but one day when he's out fishing he encounters some fair folks who change his life forever.

Out of all the stories on The Moonlit Road this is my absolute favorite...mostly because I'm the one who wrote it. I can't really review this one objectively, but I can let you in on my thought process. I'd wanted to write a story for The Moonlit Road for a while, so I reviewed some folktales and legends. I noticed how the Japanese legend of Urushima Taro had several parallels to the stories involving the Fair Folk, so I decided adapt it to an American Southern setting. Plus, I'd been wanting to write a story about fairies that were closer to the original mythological versions for a while. Considering that I got published, I'd say it work out pretty well, and I figured it was a pretty good note to end the list and year on.

Do I really need to recommend this one?

Golem of the Gullah by Sam McDonald

Narration N/A

This story follows a rabbi from Charleston, South Carolina named Rabbi Moses. He was mugged by a highwayman and left for dead, but thankfully he is found by a secretive Gullah community. Rabbi Moses makes a golem as thanks for the villagers nursing him back to health. Hopefully it will help with the work around the village. They're going to need the golem more than ever when a band of slave hunters find the village.

Yeah, this is another of my stories, so I can't really review it objectively. This is, obviously, a variation on the legend of the Golem of Prague. It is one of my favorite folktales. It is a story that lends itself quite well to adaptation. In fact, the very first version I ever read was set in the Roman Empire. I've also always been fascinated with the Gullah people, so I suppose it was only natural that they'd factor into the story. I only regret that I didn't catch the typos before I submitted it.

Well, not much more to say on this one. Check it out for yourself.

Conclusion

And so we conclude our walk down The Moonlit Road for now. I've been noticing The Moonlit Road showing up more and more in articles and lists about great horror podcasts, and great podcasts in general. I've notice that this happened after I started writing about how great they are. Did I do that? If so, that's awesome. either way, The Moonlit Road certainly deserves more recognition for all the years of hard work and dedication they've done to bring us the best stories the American South has to offer. Here's to even more great stories to come in the future.

Well, I think that does it for now. I will see you guys next time.  

The Audio File: Christmas Special: Part 2

Welcome back. For those of you just joining the fun, this is part two of The Audio File’s look at speculative fiction stories all about Christmas. Part one can be found over here. This time we’re taking a look at stories from The Moonlit Road, The Journey Into Podcast, The Truth, Earbud Theatre, Pseudopod, StarShipSofa, Dunesteef, Edward French’s Fiction Fantastique, and LibriVox. Well, that’s enough preamble from me. Once more tis story time…

The Moonlit Road

"A Christmas Haunting" by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Thomas Fuller

This story follows a man who is spending Christmas alone for the first time in years. He’s recently become divorced and the death of his parents has left him to care for his old childhood home. He had a rough childhood, though the family dog always tried to show him affection. He’s about to find out the unconditional love can come from many places, even beyond the grave.

Have a box of tissues handy, because this story is a heartwarming tearjerker. This story especially hits close to home if you have a beloved dog, or any beloved pet in your life. There’s not too much more I can add to this, other than that Thomas does an amazing job with the narration.

A Christmas ghost story that sure to put a tear in your eye. I couldn’t recommend it more.

"The Missing Cookies" by Craig Dominey

Narrated by Babs Bagriansky

This story follows a young girl whose family has moved into a new home just south of Nashville, Tennessee. Well, it’s a historical Victorian home, but it’s new to her. Ever year the plate of cookies her family leaves out for Santa disappears, only it doesn’t seem like Santa’s the one eating them. So then who is eating the cookies?

This one’s another heartwarming Christmas haunting story. If you’ve got some family members who you haven’t visited in a while, perhaps take inspiration from this story and give them a visit. I’d tell you a bit more, but I wouldn’t want to give the story away. I can, however, tell you that Babs does a good job with the narration.

Another heartwarming Christmas story that you won’t want to miss out on.

The Journey into Podcast

 "Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry

A Full Cast Production

A Public Domain Story

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard this one before.  It's the one where the man sells his watch to get his wife hairbrushes, and the woman sells her hair to get her husband a chain for his watch. Like I said, a well-known tale, but still worth giving a listen. It isn't too long, and the narrators all do an excellent job. Though, personally, I always though the wife got the better deal. At least her hair will grow back, and it does grow fast. Not like the husband can grow a new watch. Still, the point is that it is the thought that counts.

A well-loved Christmas classic, and on that is still worthy of your time.

"If Dragon's Mass Eve be Cold and Clear" by Ken Scholes

A Full Cast Production

Originally Published on Tor.com

This story follows a half-troll named Mel Farrelly. She's coming to terms with her father's recent death. This is getting harder as Dragon's Mass, a holiday near and dear to them both, draws near. Throughout the story we also hear of the legend of the Santaman. He is a legendary mystical hero who, when times grew dark and hopeless, lead humanity to a new home.

Okay, it didn't sound like much, but I promise that it is good. This one really stuck a cord with me. I lost my maternal grandfather several years ago a few days before Christmas. I was listening to this story not long after I lost my maternal grandmother. I originally listened over on Far-Fetched Fables, where it is narrated by Graeme Dunlop. A great narration, but I always listen to a full cast production whenever I get the chance. I'm certainly glad that I listened to this one. I thought it was interesting how the legend of the Santaman combined the secular and religious aspects of Christmas. Also, in this world, apparently hope is a physical substance than can be mined.

When I was a kid, I found a lot of my family's holiday traditions hokey and contrived. As the years have passed, I wonder if perhaps my grandparents, in their own way, trying to give my siblings and I a way to remember them when they were gone. Throughout her life, Mel fought with her father about whether or not she ought to settle down and start and family. She was always opposed, but after her father's passing, begins to reconsider. I've frequently had those debates myself. I'm not sure I'd be much good as a parent. Yet I also wonder if I might regret not starting a family when I'm older.

It is a very emotional story, and the entire cast delivers it well. A more melancholy Christmas tale, but more than worth your time.

The Truth

"Naughty or Nice" by Jonathan Mitchell and Seth Lind

A Full Cast Production

Featured on NPR's All Things Considered

This story follows an elf named Spark. He works at the Naught and Nice division of Santa's workshop. He and his coworkers sort all children onto either the Naughty or Nice list. Lately, however, more and more children are winding up on the Naughty list for misdemeanors. Something's going on, and Spark is going to get to the bottom of it.

This was a really fun story. Of course, in order to discuss it we're going to have to talk about the twist. Why are so many children getting coal? Santa is in bed with the coal industry, that's why! You'd think he'd be concerned about Global Warming, due to living in the Arctic and all. Maybe he has enough magic where it wouldn't be a problem? In any event, Santa was well-written, and seemed believably nice before the big reveal. I love these stories that give a more technological edge to Santa's workshop and its employees. Also, great sound editing to make the actors playing elves sound convincing.

A fun, slightly satirical tale that I'm sure you'll enjoy. This one is on the nice list.

"Mall Santa" by Louis Kornfeld

A Full Cast Production

This story follows a longtime mall Santa named Al. He's growing increasingly disillusioned with the cheeriness of the holidays. However, he's about to have an encounter with an amateur Santa that just might help him rediscover the magic of Christmas.

It is cliche, but true, that giving is better than receiving. There's is a certain magic that can be found in helping your fellow man. This magic isn't exclusive to the holidays. It can be found any time of the year. I think that's really the take away from this story. You don't have to move mountains to make the world a better place. Spare some time for those who need someone to talk to, and perhaps could use a few kind words.

Not much more to say here, other than that I recommend this one. 

Earbud Theatre

"This Monstrous Life" by Casey Wolfe 

A Full Cast Production 

 

This story is presented as an episode of the radio show This Monstrous Life. It is an NPR-esque radio show aimed at the monster community. This installment focuses on Christmas within the monster community. The first segment heads to the North Pole where Santa has taken on a monster apprentice to act as an Anti-Santa. A Santa for the monster community, if you will. Meanwhile, the second segment interviews the son of Cthulhu himself, who has been having some daddy issues.  

 

This was a really fun episode. They really nailed that detached matter-of-fact narration style so famous to NPR. There's a scene where a pair of swamp monster mention killing humans as casually as if they were a pair of mechanics being interviewed about their job. And I love the little details, like how This Monstrous Life is hosted by Ira Slash rather than Ira Glass.  

 

In its own weird way, this episode managed to combine the sacred and secular aspects of Christmas. The segment with Santa seemed that have the moral that nobody is truly beyond redemption. Santa's logic with giving presents to monsters is that they just need know that someone believes in them. The segment with Cthulhu's son supports this. Turns out, Cthulhu is perfectly aware that he hasn't been a very good father, and he wants to spend more time with his boy. And this episode introduced me to the song "Father Christmas" by The Kinks. I also loved the part where the monster interviewing Santa gets a present, and it's exactly what he wanted. When questioned about this, Santa replies, "Dude, I'm f*ckin Santa Claus." 

 

Another very fun Christmas episode to add to our list.  

 

Pseudopod

“Saint Nicholas’ Helper” by D.K. Thompson

Narrated by Marie Brennan

A Pseudopod Original

This story follows a girl named Greta who wants nothing more than to have her deceased father brought back. She’s gone everywhere, even meeting Saint Nicholas himself, but to no avail. Then her sister Heike gets kidnapped by Krampus. Greta must embark on a quest to get her sister back, but it will be perilous, and not even Saint Nicholas can protect her.

I liked how this story featured the darker side of Krampus. In many ways it almost felt like Krampus could be read as a metaphor for the forces beyond our control. Specifically, those uncontrollable forces that harm our loved ones. This is a horror story, but like the song says, scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmas long, long ago. D.K. Thompson is better known as Dave Thompson, former editor and co-host of PodCastle. Dave is just as much an amazing writer as he is an editor and host. I always look forward to seeing new stories from Dave.

As far as the narration goes, I thought Marie did a great job. It’s another Krampus story that I happily recommend. 

StarShipSofa

"Tis The Season" by China Mieville

Narrated by Charles Marvin

Original Published in The Socialist Review, collected in Looking For Jake

This story is set in a slight dystopian near future in which holidays have become privatized and require special licenses to celebrate. The rich celebrate Christmas while the working class have to settle for cheaper knock-offs. The story follows a man who has finally saved up enough to buy a Christmas license, but he soon finds himself swept up in a revolution to take back Christmas from the bourgeoisie.

As you may have guess, this is a story where Mieville’s Marxist views really shine through. That being said, it doesn’t make this story any less enjoyable. I read it as satire on privatization by taking that concept to its logical extreme. And hey, it’s a story that feature an organization called The Gay Men’s Christmas Liberation Choir, it’s just crazy awesome like that. I especially like the little sound effects that go with the little badges all the characters where to remind them that Christmas is a Yule co trademark, among other intellectual property. The little high-pitched voice sounds really funny.

I don’t know if Charles was the one who did that particular voice, but I do know that he did a great job with the narration. Do I need to say that I recommend this one? 

Dunesteef 

"A Princes of Earth" by Mike Resnick

Narrated by Rish Outfield and Big Anklevich

Originally Published in Asimov's

2005 Hugo Award Finalist

This story follows a an old man whose wife has recently died. One Christmas Eve night he receives a strange visitor. The stranger claims to be none other than John Carter of Mars himself. Is the stranger just blowing smoke, or might he be telling the truth after all?

Not a Christmas story in the traditional sense, but it takes place at Christmas, so I'm counting it. There are times in our life when the world makes us grown cynical, and we lose our sense of wonder. We're so concerned about living in the gutter that we fail to look up and see the stars. As the story itself notes, many of the great innovators, explorers and thinkers were often thought to be fools or insane. Yet they persevered, and the world is better for it. Sometimes you just need to take a crazy chance. As our protagonist learns, there are wonders just waiting for you to discover them.

Once again, Big and Rish do an excellent job with the narration. A story about rediscovering your sense of wonder. I happily recommend it. 

Edward French's Fiction Fantastique 

"The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus" by Ogden Nash

Narrated by Edward E. French

We're changing gears slightly for this one and reviewing a poem. It's about a naughty boy who doesn't believe in Santa Claus. I can't tell you much more, but I can tell you that Santa gets the last laugh in the end. Not really much more to add on this one. I always love a poem with a good rhyme scheme, and with a good narrator. Check it out for yourself. You'll be glad that you did. 

LibriVox

"Christmas Everyday" by William Dean Howells

Narrated by Brain Hostage and Jessica Mells

A Public Domain Story

This story follows a young girl who loves Christmas very much. So much that she wishes for it to be Christmas every day. A fairy decides to grant her wish on a trail basis of one year. However, the girl soon comes to find that her wish might not be such a good thing after all.

This is another story that you might have heard before, but it is still worth going over. As I've said before, any virtue carried to an extreme becomes a vice. That's really the moral of this story. Along the way we do get some darkly comedic moments. There's mass deforestation due to everyone needing Christmas trees, everyone is in the poor house because of spending money on presents, but then get sent home after the poor house exceeds capacity. Also, turkey and cranberries now cost $1000 due to high demand. Keep in mind, this story was written over 100 years ago. Luckily, my family eats ham and finger foods for Christmas, so we'd be good in that regard. There also a particularly funny scene where everyone tries to celebrate the 4th of July, but all the firecrackers and cannons turn into candy and presents. I guess Christmas in July didn't go so well that year.

This is one of those stories that emphasis not getting caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. However, it does so without being preachy or moralizing. Both of a narrators did an excellent job, especially give that this was an amateur production.

A humorous Christmas classic that you won't want to miss out on. 

Conclusion

Well here we are at the true end of the list. These two editions of The Audio File were a long time coming, and I hope they were worth the wait. I think the greatest present of all I getting to write these articles, and to know that you guys love them so much. That’s enough for now. Up the chimney I go, and to my sleigh to fly. With a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye, happy listening to all, and to all a good night. I will see you all next time.

My First Publication with The Moonlit Road

Hello everybody.  I'm happy to report that I have recently published my first story on one of my favorite websites and podcasts, The Moonlit Road.  The story is called Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk and you can read it now.  I think you're really gonna like this one...okay, maybe I'm kind of biased since I wrote it, but you should still check it out, along with all the other great stories from The Moonlit Road.

Now that I'm starting to get seriously published I think I'll follow in the tradition of Aliette de Bodard and Ken Liu and start posting story notes.  These will be short little blog post that hopefully will give you some insights into my thoughts and creative process for when I came up with my stories.  So lets get on with it then.

For Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk it's basically a retelling of the Japanese legend of Urashima Taro set, mostly, in 19th century Shreveport.  I noticed how similar Urashima's story was to that of stories involving the Fair Folk, those from the land of Faerie, and it seems like a pretty natural fit.  That and I'd also wanted to write story about faeries that were more like they are in old myths and legends.  I guess I really killed two birds with one stone here.  As for why I set the story in Shreveport, hey, it seems as good a place as any.  Plus, The Moonlit Road specializes in stories from the American South, and Shreveport, Louisiana is a thoroughly Southern city.        

So there you have it.  I'm very excited to get published by The Moonlit Road, and I feel this is just the start of many more great stories to come.  I'll keep you guys posted on any future developments, and I will see you all next time.