Download or read book The Story Salon Big Book of Stories written by Joseph Dougherty and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2006-07-18 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Praise for Story Salon "Gemstones of narrative. Something new, funny, astonishing." -Los Angeles Daily News "Tales tall, tragic, and tantalizing." -Sunset Magazine "Stories from all walks and talks of life. Tales of yore and ones that make you scream for more-those that will delight with insight while moving an audience from laughter to tears." -Studio City Sun Story Salon is Los Angeles's longest running storytelling venue. What began as an alternative to stand-up clubs and self-conscious performance spaces has been challenging performers and audiences for more than a decade. Created in a North Hollywood coffee house Story Salon now reaches the globe through Podcasting, publishing, and recordings. The rules of the Story Salon haven't changed since it started: Five to seven minutes of original material performed by the author. The result is a unique blend of observation, memoir and comment that makes the Salon one of the most eclectic entertainment experiences available. More than a dozen solo theater works have been developed at Story Salon, as well as a CD of stories, and several books. "Live storytelling is a unique art form," says Story Salon founder, writer/actor/comedian Beverly Mickins. "Words spoken aloud paint pictures capable of evoking laughter and tears, the whole range of emotion. People have been telling each other stories since the first campfires, talking about the whole mix of things, important and trivial, that go into making life. Storytelling is one of the ways we figure out how to be human." Collected here for the first time in Big Book of Stories are more than forty original pieces first performed by their authors at Story Salon. It's an omnibus of memories, rants, affirmations, and shaggy-dog stories that once opened is impossible to shut. Learn more at www.storysalon.com

Download or read book Annie Freeman s Fabulous Traveling Funeral written by Kris Radish and published by Listening Library. This book was released on 2006 with total page 570 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Annie Freeman, left one final request, a traveling funeral, and she wants the most important women in her life as pallbearers. From Sonoma to Manhattan, Katherine, Laura, Rebecca, Jill, and Marie will carry Annie's ashes to the special places in her life. At every stop there's a surprise encounter and a small miracle waiting, and as they whoop it up across the country, attracting interest wherever they go, they share their deepest secrets--tales of broken hearts and second chances, missed opportunities and new beginnings. And as they grieve over what they've lost, they discover how much is still possible if only they can unravel the secret Annie left them.

Download or read book Occupied Earth written by Gary Phillips and published by Polis Books. This book was released on 2015-10-13 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: RESISTANCE IS ALL For years, writers and filmmakers have speculated about the possibility of the Earth being invaded by aliens from another planet. But what if the aliens have been watching us, infiltrating us via human collaborators, or even surgically altering themselves to look human? Occupied Earth is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the idea of what the world would look like years after its conquest. 20 years after a successful invasion by the Makh-Ra, humanity still exists, only it has become subservient to a race of occupiers who govern the devastated planet. But, as much at things continue with some sense of normalcy, something has happened in the Mahk-Ra’s empire. Earth, once considered a strategic beachhead of major importance to the Empire, has been downgraded in its value. Things are starting to degrade. Our planet is the last place any self-respecting Mahk-Ra officer wants to be assigned. Yet, despite everything, life continues. These stories bring us face to face with annihilation — and show how we can pull ourselves back from the brink. Featuring Rachel Howzell Hall, Lisa Morton, Matthew V. Clemens, Howard Hendrix, Nathan Walpow and more, OCCUPIED EARTH is coming. Stay safe. Stay strong. Survive at all costs.

Download or read book The Great Village Bun Fight written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2018-07-31 with total page 103 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: All’s fair in love and war. But not in baking. Do what you do best. So said Henry’s grandad as he handed Henry a small, red-foil-wrapped box that gave a metallic rattle when he shook it. Inside: a large bunch of mismatched keys held together by a ring the size of a bangle. The keys to the bakery. Henry’s bakery. A humorous story about baking and village life (as you might expect). Also includes a rockin’ reverend, cakes and bunting. Part of Seasons of Love Anthology.

Download or read book Distractions written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2020-04-24 with total page 413 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A year has passed since Rob Simpson-Stone received a photo of his nieces enjoying a night out, unaware their photographer was one Anders Folden: a psychopathic hitman Rob helped to put away while working undercover for the Met Police Special Investigations Unit. Only Gray Fisher—Rob's former boss, now his business partner—is taking Rob seriously. The powers-that-be insist Rob and Gray are being paranoid: there’s no proof the photo came from Folden, who’s stayed off the authorities’ radar long enough to have assumed a new identity and fled overseas. It takes a significant threat to Rob’s son’s life for anyone to question that assertion, but police protection is worth nothing when the target has friends in high places to bend and break the law to his will. Folden won’t stop until he’s completed his mission: to fulfil a contract or end a personal vendetta, Rob and Gray are no longer sure which. What they do know is they need to find him before he finds them—with or without help from the authorities. The final instalment in the Gray Fisher trilogy.

Download or read book Dangerous Laughter written by Steven Millhauser and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2008-02-12 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Martin Dressler—hailed by The New Yorker as “a virtuoso of waking dreams”—comes a dazzling collection of darkly comic stories united by their obsession with obsession. "Remarkable ... Not just brilliant but prescient." —The New York Times Book Review In Dangerous Laughter, Steven Millhauser transports us to unknown universes that uncannily resemble our own. The collection is divided into three parts that fit seamlessly together as a whole. It opens with a bang, as “Cat ’n’ Mouse” reimagines the deadly ritual between cartoon rivals in a comedy of dynamite and anvils—a masterly prologue that sets the stage for the alluring, very grown-up twists that follow. Part one, “Vanishing Acts,” features stories of risk and escape: a lonely woman disappears without a trace; a high school boy becomes entangled with his best friend’s troubled sister; and a group of teenagers play a treacherous game that pushes them deep into “the kingdom of forbidden things.” Excess reigns in the vivid, haunting places of Part two’s “Impossible Architectures,” where domes enclose whole cities, and a king’s master miniaturist creates objects so tiny that soon his entire world is invisible. Finally, “Heretical Histories” presents startling alternatives to the remembered past. “A Precursor of the Cinema” proposes a new, enigmatic form of illusion. And in the astonishing “The Wizard of West Orange” a famous inventor sets out to simulate the sense of touch—but success brings disturbing consequences. Sensual, mysterious, Dangerous Laughter is a mesmerizing journey through brilliantly realized labyrinths of mortal pleasures that stretch the boundaries of the ordinary world to their limits—and occasionally beyond.

Download or read book Crying in the Rain written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2024-11-11 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For many years, Ade Simmons has been an outsider, trapped in an abusive relationship, seeking sanctuary in his job as a radio producer and in the checklists he makes in an attempt to regain control of his sorry excuse of a life. Actor Kris Johansson is patient, gentle and passionate – everything Ade’s ex-boyfriend is not. When Kris takes a role in one of Ade’s plays, the attraction is mutual and instant. It is the turning point for Ade. He can either stay on the same path, with Fergus, the bully who has repressed, used and isolated him from his friends and family, or he can look in the other direction, towards Kris, the handsome actor with family and friends who readily accept him. But Fergus will not give up his punchbag so easily. Can Ade finally find the strength to fight back? * * * * * Part of the Hiding Behind The Couch series. This story falls chronologically during the second half of The Harder They Fall (Season Three). The story continues in First Christmas (Novella) and In The Stars Part I (Season Four).

Download or read book Meredith s Dagger written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2019-08-20 with total page 495 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Huddled in a doorway, unseen by the men passing on great horses, Meredith watched from within the hood of her cloak. The pain of the cold, wet morning impaled her, rooting her in place, even as the cat rubbed against her shins with a force that should have felled her. She shooed him away. Go home. But he would not. She wished she had died that night. She wished she had died, for to live like this was not to live at all. * * * When Richie Moorcroft takes a housekeeping position to finance his studies, it means moving back to his childhood home: an ancient, almost-derelict cottage locals claim is haunted. But he never believed those stories; he knows where they came from, and in any case, he has a job to do: keeping nineteen-year-old Julian Denby on the straight and narrow without Julian realising his wealthy parents are paying Richie to do so. Luckily, Julian’s not very astute, although the same can’t be said for their newest housemates: Richie’s bestie, Anneke, and Julian’s older sister, Tamara. Add in George, the cat who appeared from nowhere and is in no hurry to leave, and that makes five…about to uncover the sinister history of their new home.

Download or read book When Skies Have Fallen written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2015-07-08 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the 28th Lambda Literary Award (Gay Romance). For many in war-torn 1944, love blossoms in the dance hall, and airman Arty Clarke is no exception. He's a thinker and a dreamer; however, it's not the beautiful, talented dancer in his arms - his best friend Jean - who inspires his dreams. For when his gaze meets that of Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson, Arty dares to imagine a different dance. Their love is forbidden, by both the armed forces and the law, but with Jean's cunning and support, Arty and Jim try to bridge the distance between them and find true love despite the danger and a life-threatening disaster that could destroy Arty's dreams for good. Can the pair stand strong together, no matter how many skies have fallen? ---- Part of Love is an Open Road (Don't Read in the Closet 2015) MM Romance Group

Download or read book A Midnight Clear written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2014-12-01 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A story from Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology A MIDNIGHT CLEAR by DEBBIE McGOWAN It's a cold, desperate December when a young girl flees home, in search of food, shelter and the real Santa Claus. Stranded in George and Josh's hometown, she discovers that the spirit of Christmas can be found in the most unexpected of places. Includes the story of The Little Match Girl, by Hans Christian Andersen. * * * * * ABOUT BOUGHS OF EVERGREEN Boughs of Evergreen is a two-volume collection of short stories celebrating the holiday season in all its diversity. Penned by authors from the UK, the USA, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, these are tales of the young and the not-so-young from many different walks of life. Themes of family, friendship and romance take readers on a journey through some of the major holidays, both past and present, including Thanksgiving, Advent, St. Lucia Day, Hanukkah, Eid, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice, Yule, Christmas and New Year. In each we find at the very least hope, and often love, peace and happiness. Proceeds from sales of this anthology will be donated to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization [USA] providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

Download or read book Not My Christmas written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2019-12-25 with total page 87 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christmas at the Davenports has never been a relaxing affair, so when the opportunity for a little alone time with a beautiful, available woman comes Charlie Davenport’s way, she takes it, breaking several family traditions and risking the wrath of her siblings. But it’ll be worth it, right? And she can always make it up to them later…or next Christmas. * * * * * For readers of the Hiding Behind The Couch series, Not My Christmas comes several months after Reunions (Season Seven) and immediately after The Advent of Reason.

Download or read book Chain of Secrets written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2023-02-07 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of George and Josh - two little boys who became best friends...two adolescents who stayed best friends...two young adults with secrets that might change their friendship forever. Josh and George have always shared the special bond of friendship. From days in primary school, to holidays spent riding their bikes along the canal, theirs is a promise to remain best friends forever. But can that promise withstand the trials of adolescence, and the changes in their feelings towards each other? NOTE: this is a fully stand-alone story, but it contains significant spoilers for anyone reading the Hiding Behind The Couch series, and should be read after The Harder They Fall (season three).

Download or read book Perfect Tenor written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2021-12-31 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When his music fills your heart, note by note, beat by beat, and your harmonies entwine, effortless, complete. That’s how you’ll know you’ve found the perfect tenor. A cosy festive romance set in the world of Hiding Behind The Couch.

Download or read book The Advent of Reason written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2018-12-20 with total page 173 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A weekend in an ancient castle and a murder-mystery game that becomes all too real. It's safe to say Josh's plans for a romantic anniversary with George are not turning out the way he'd hoped. In spite of his cynicism, and his promise not to embark on any more life-threatening pursuits for answers, when one of the guests turns up dead, Josh can't help but put his talents to use to solve the murder. The Advent of Reason is a (more or less) stand-alone novella-length character special in the Hiding Behind The Couch series.

Download or read book Tabula Rasa written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2018-06-21 with total page 363 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After years of working for the police—both as a beat bobby and undercover—Rob Simpson-Stone is moving on with no regrets. It may be too late to rescue his marriage, but his relationship with his seven-year-old son, Lucas, is back on track. Rob’s grown-up nieces might be a taller order, but he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to prove they no longer need to worry that one day he won’t come home. Fate, however, has different ideas. When Rob fails to arrive at his leaving do, his former boss/new PI business partner Gray Fisher can’t understand why nobody else is worried Rob is MIA, never mind that Gray is pointlessly missing out on a night in with Will. As the reasons behind the night’s events unfold, Gray’s past recklessness threatens to catch up with him, putting those he holds close in danger and forcing both Rob and Gray to forge reluctant alliances.

Download or read book Goth of Christmas Past written by Debbie McGowan and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2018-10-31 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black hair and band hoodies had a lot to answer for. Eleven years ago, when Gothboy mooched into their business studies class for the very first time, Krissi had taken one look at him and thought, What a freak. He’s so cool! Now in their mid-twenties, Krissi Johansson and Jay Meyer are successful businesspeople and still best friends. But while one is moving forward with their life, the other is sliding ever backwards…revisiting the past and wallowing in regret. Between career commitments, unresolved family matters and friends springing unwelcome surprises, Krissi and Jay have more than enough drama to contend with, and not all of their own making. On top of all that, it’s Christmas. Yay. * * * * * This is a stand-alone story—the first in Front of House—featuring ‘the next generation’ of Hiding Behind The Couch characters. For those reading the main series, this story follows (more or less) chronologically from Reunions (Season Seven).

Download or read book Seasons of Love written by Deven Balsam and published by Beaten Track Publishing. This book was released on 2018-07-31 with total page 674 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Love follows no rules. Like sun in winter and rain in summer, love can blossom in the most unexpected places. This richly diverse collection of stories proves that love is as universal and as varied as the seasons. THE STORIES: Tourist Season - Deven Balsam Machete Betty and the Office Sharks - Neptune Flowers Once Around Seven - Ofelia Gränd Winter Blossoms - Paul Iasevoli Year of the Guilty Soul - A.M. Leibowitz The Great Village Bun Fight - Debbie McGowan A Springful of Winters - Dawn Sister Out of Season - Bob Stone Seashell Voices - Alexis Woods Courting Light - A. Zukowski