Literary Roadhouse: A Literary Podcast Community.

Every week we have a rowdy old time discussing diverse literary fiction

Literary Roadhouse

Literary Roadhouse

A Literary Podcast Community

The Bottle Neck | Hans Christian Andersen | Literary Roadhouse Ep 125

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Discussion Notes: The Bottle Neck

Find this week’s story here: The Bottle Neck by Hans Christian Andersen

Next week’s story: Defender of the Faith by Philip Roth

Rated: Clean

Michael La Ronn

Michael La Ronn, Author

The Literary Roadhouse hosts welcome back Michael La Ronn, who previously came on our show to disc

uss Life in Stone, Glass, and Plastic by José Pablo Iriarte on Episode 73, and Your Heart is a Muscle The Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa on Bookclub Episode 4.

Michael is the author of over 40 science fiction & fantasy books including the Android X series, Modern Necromancy series, and the Galaxy Mavericks series. He writes from the great plains of Iowa and has perfected the art of balancing writing with a full-time job and family, writing 5-7 books per year. You can find him at www.michaellaronn.com.

For this week, he recommended a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Bottle Neck.” This unusual story follows the adventures of a wine bottle’s neck, and the passions and longing of the bottle and of a young woman who lost her betrothed to the sea days after toasting their engagement with wine from The Bottle Neck. Yes, you read that right. The surprising story didn’t make a fan of all three hosts. Nonetheless, there’s plenty to love about this story.

If you want a host to pick up a story suggestion, drop a line in the comment section, on Twitter @litroadhouse, or in the FB group linked to below.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

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We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


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Psst: Full list of short stories discussed on the podcast >>

Carnival Nine | Caroline M. Yoachim | Literary Roadhouse Ep 124

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Discussion Notes: Carnival Nine

Find this week’s story here: Carnival Nine by Caroline M. Yoachim

Next week’s story: The Bottle Neck by Hans Christian Andersen

Rated: Clean

The Literary Roadhouse hosts discuss the short story finalist for the 2017 Nebula Awards and 2018 Hugo Awards, “Carnival Nine” by Caroline M. Yoachim. Breaking with our recent tendency to agree on stories, the hosts were split with Gerald most enthusiastic about the story, Anais most critical, and Maya conflicted. Science fiction tends to divide out hosts, but typically Anais loves the genre most, and Maya struggles with it. Thus, the hosts take their time in unpacking what they liked and what they didn’t like. By the end of the episode, Anais talks herself into raising her rating by 1.5 points and finds new facets of the story to appreciate.

Stay for a bizarre bonus content in which Gerald and Anais discuss Dreamcatcher by Stephen King.

If you want a host to pick up a story suggestion, drop a line in the comment section, on Twitter @litroadhouse, or in the FB group linked to below.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Support us on Patreon

We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


Support Literary Roadhouse on Patreon


Psst: Full list of short stories discussed on the podcast >>

The Proxy Marriage | Maile Meloy | Literary Roadhouse Ep 123

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Discussion Notes: The Proxy Marriage

Find this week’s story here: The Proxy Marriage by Maile Meloy

Next week’s story: Carnival 9 by Caroline M. Yoachim

Rated: Clean 

Colette Sartor, Author

Colette Sartor, Author

 

On today’s podcast, we welcome Colette Sartor. She is an award-winning short story author and essayist. Her works have appeared in numerous publications, including The Chicago Tribune, Kenyon Review Online, Carve, Slice, and Colorado Review. She teaches at UCLA Extension Writers’ Program as well as privately. In addition to writing and teaching, Colette is an Executive Director of CineStory Foundation, a mentoring organization for screenwriters and TV writers.

For more information, please visit colettesartor.com.

By the way, we discussed two of Colette’s short stories. Listen to our discussions of La Cuesta Encantada and Once Removed.

Interview bonus! To listen to our author interview with Colette on Youtube. She and Anais discuss the CineStory Foundation, and how to write vulnerably.  Colette also shares how she manages loved ones who see pieces of themselves in her fictional characters.

As for today’s story, Colette and the LRH hosts discuss The Proxy Marriage by Maile Meloy, a romantic short story with a rare happy ending. Unable the find any flaws, the podcast quickly becomes a love fest. The hosts and guest fawn over the elegant prose, brilliant pacing, and smart time markers and structure.

Stay for some surprising wedding facts in the game at the end of the show.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

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We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible. Help us cover our expenses and meet our goal of bringing you the best literary discussions of short stories.


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The Drowned Giant | J. G. Ballard | Literary Roadhouse Ep 122

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Discussion Notes: The Drowned Giant

Find this week’s story here: The Drowned Giant by J. G. Ballard

Next week’s story: The Proxy Marriage by Maile Meloy

Rated: Clean

At the behest of longtime listener Todd Williams, the Literary Roadhouse hosts discuss “The Drowned Giant” by J. G. Ballard.  While technically a science fiction story centered around a mysterious giant that washes up on shore, the work felt grounded in a social reality the hosts recognized. Through discussion, they discover new layers of meaning and nuance, and an intellectual chewiness that inspires admiration. They compare the story to “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel García Márquez which was discussed on episode ten. By the end of the episode, all 3 hosts rate the story 5.5 out of 6 across the board. (Our interests are converging. The hivemind will arrive soon.)

If you want a host to pick up a story suggestion, drop a line in the comment section, on Twitter @litroadhouse, or in the FB group linked to below.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Support us on Patreon

We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


Support Literary Roadhouse on Patreon


Psst: Full list of short stories discussed on the podcast >>

And of Clay Are We Created | Isabel Allende | Literary Roadhouse Ep 121

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Discussion Notes: And of Clay Are We Created

Find this week’s story here: And of Clay Are We Created by Isabel Allende

Next week’s story: The Drowned Giant by J. G. Ballard

Rated: Clean

The Literary Roadhouse hosts discuss “And of Clay Are We Created” by Isabel Allende, a short story loosely based on the 1985 eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia. Throughout the discussion, Rammy wrestles with how to feel about a story that super imposes fiction on a highly publicized world event. Meanwhile, Gerald reflects on the heavy themes, while Anais latches an intrigue buried in lines. As is typical on this show, those four lines inspired a tangential conversation that, this time on gender dynamics in relationships. Along the way, Anais gets a new book idea. Overall, the hosts liked the story, but discovered a lack of enthusiasm.   

Oh and Anais finally wins a game to secure a win for long time listener Todd Williams. For months he has been patiently waiting for a discussion of The Drowned Giant. If you want a host to pick up a story suggestion, drop a line in the comment section, on Twitter @litroadhouse, or in the FB group linked to below.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Support us on Patreon

We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


Support Literary Roadhouse on Patreon


Psst: Full list of short stories discussed on the podcast >>

Who Will Greet You at Home | Lesley Nneka Arimah | Literary Roadhouse Ep 120

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Discussion Notes: Who Will Greet You at Home

Find this week’s story here: Who Will Greet You at Home by Lesley Nneka Arimah

Next week’s story: And of Clay Are We Created by Isabel Allende

Rated: Clean

The four Literary Roadhouse hosts discuss the Caine Prize for African Writing runner up “Who Will Greet You at Home” by Nigerian writer Lesley Nneka Arimah. This story polarized our hosts sharply and along gender lines. On the ladies’ side, Maya and Anais had nothing by love and admiration for this sharp portrayal of motherhood, in particular the cycle of longing and shame. The boys weren’t moved by the theme, in large part because of magical realist elements that made the context feel alien. Our hosts debate whether or not gender plays a role in the understanding of this story. What do you think? We’re curious to know if men and women receive this story very differently.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

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Support us on Patreon

We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


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The Kitchen Child | Angela Carter | Literary Roadhouse Ep 119

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Discussion Notes: The Kitchen Child

Find this week’s story here: The Kitchen Child by Angela Carter

Next week’s story: Who Will Greet You at Home by Lesley Nneka Arimah

Rated: Explicit (discussion of sexual content)

Gael Gilliland, founder of The Legacy Recorder

Guest Gael Gilliland, found of The Legacy Recorder

On today’s podcast, we welcome a special guest Gael Gilliland. She is founder of The Legacy Recorder (www.thelegacyrecorder.com) which  helps people preserve their favorite moments and wisdom for generations to come. The Legacy Recorder works with both individuals and assisted living facilities to help preserve individual’s life stories.

 

Patreon bonus! Anais interviewed Gael! Subscribe to hear Gael talk about preserving memories and how young volunteers are helping the elderly put their stories down on paper.

As for today’s story, Maya, Gerald, Anais and Gael discussed The Kitchen Child by Angela Carter. Set in England, this rowdy comedy centers around a boy born to an estate’s cook, and whose father remains a puzzling mystery. Opinions diverged. On the most positive side, Anais and Gael enjoyed the humor and cartoonish aspects of the story. Meanwhile, Gerald took issue  with the mistreatment of the female cook, and Maya struggled with what could be seen as assault dismissed for laughs. Boy, what a debate!

Stay for a culinary quiz and test your continental chops.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Support us on Patreon

We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


Support Literary Roadhouse on Patreon

Wyatt Thurst | Brendan Bowles | Literary Roadhouse Ep 118

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Discussion Notes: Wyatt Thurst

Find this week’s story here: Wyatt Thurst by Brendan Bowles

Next week’s story: The Kitchen Child by Angela Carter

Rated: Explicit (discussion of sexual content)

The Literary Roadhouse hosts, sans Maya (but she’ll be back next week!) discuss “Wyatt Thurst”, a short story by the winner of the Writers Trust of Canada Award, Brendan Bowles. After this story burst the American hosts’ conceit that cowboys and rodeo are presumed to be American, it offered a lovely discussion on character building, subtlety in writing, and meticulously polished prose. All three hosts enjoyed the story, though for slightly different reasons. Rammy said it reminded him of Jack Kerouac, while Gerald loved the rhythm, and Anais marveled over the prose. Listen to the hosts deep dive into the psyche of the main character, Wyatt. And lastly, “canoe dancing” has its first, and possible only, mention on the show. Listen to find out why.

Have thoughts on this story?

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group.

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers FB Group

Support us on Patreon

We’re still a self-funded podcast. We work hard every week to bring you the best content possible.


Support Literary Roadhouse on Patreon

Marry the Sea | Marie-Helene Bertino | Literary Roadhouse Ep 117

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Discussion Notes: Marry the Sea

Find this week’s story here: Marry the Sea by Marie-Helene Bertino

Next week’s story: Wyatt Thurst by Brendan Bowles

Rated: Clean

The Literary Roadhouse hosts discuss a short story recommended by Kristy Lin Biluni, the Sexy Grammarian who appeared on Episode 106. This week’s story “Marry the Sea” by Marie-Helene Bertino was published in Time Out Magazine, and the surreal story left the hosts buzzing, confused, but, for three out of four hosts, happy. The unenthusiastic hold out, Rammy, raised very good points and questions which forced the others to explain why this strange, whimsical, brooding yet light, plot-less story struck the right chord. Even Rammy confesses the story made him feel rebellious, and Gerald and Anais explore the ways in which prose can sometimes resemble modern visual arts.

Stay for a surreal mad lib game at the end of the episode.

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or on our Facebook page.

Also, don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate this story? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail.

Lastly, your reviews on iTunes help us grow. Please search Literary Roadhouse in iTunes and leave reviews for all of our shows.

Laughing and Turning Away | Patrick Holloway | Literary Roadhouse Ep 116

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Discussion Notes: Laughing and Turning Away

Find this week’s story here: Laughing and Turning Away by Patrick Holloway

Next week’s story: Marry the Sea by Marie-Helene Bertino

Rated: Clean

The Literary Roadhouse hosts, sans Maya, discuss the second place winner of Carve Magazine’s Fall 2017 Raymond Carver Contest, “Laughing and Turning Away” by Patrick Holloway. Gerald loved the story, while Rammy led the podcast with the feint praise ‘competently written.’ Anais grappled with the parts of the story she didn’t like, while highlighting commentary on Brazilian and machismo culture that she found insightful. The hosts discuss whether or not the difference between the protagonist and the author led to the distance between the reader and protagonist as well.

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or on our Facebook page.

Also, don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate this story? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail.

Lastly, your reviews on iTunes help us grow. Please search Literary Roadhouse in iTunes and leave reviews for all of our shows.

If you enjoy Literary Roadhouse, consider becoming a patron on Patreon. You decide how much to give, and every bit goes a long way in helping us bring you better content.

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