Showing results by publisher "Spoken Realms" in Anthologies

One of Canada's most cherished writers, British-born Stephen Leacock was probably best known and loved for his works of light humor. First published in 1912, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is one of his most popular and enduring pieces of fiction. This collection of short stories describes the people that comprise a typical but fictional small town in Ontario - Mariposa. The book's appeal lies in the universality of the characters Leacock describes so eloquently, they live out their 'large' lives in the little town.

"The Thing in the Hall", by E.F. Benson, is a rather macabre and strange story - retold by Mike Vendetti - of two friends living in London, one of whom tempts fate by inviting a spirit to visit without limiting what type of spirit he is inviting. As we know, there are "evil" spirits just awaiting a home or a victim.

Francis P. Church was the editor who brought us Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus. As memorable as this editorial was, there is another that fits the same mold and conveys incredible heart and care. This is just such an editorial that bears all the marks of great storytelling. If you’ve never been exposed to Is There a Santa Claus?, this could become a cherished tradition. Performed by Glenn Hascall.

Humorist Mark Twain demonstrates in the form of a short story fable how many individuals can come away from a story with different ideas regarding what a story was about. You might just see yourself in this delightful tale.

One of the earliest creative approaches to feminist literature, this sinister horror story tells of a woman's mental anguish and unconscious struggle with conformity in a society that generally viewed women as weak and hysterical creatures unable to think for themselves. The author, Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935), a prominent American feminist, paved the way for other authors like Sylvia Plath and Alice Walker. She suffered mental illness during her life and ultimately committed suicide.

First Lieutenant George Thurston, the new guy, earns the respect of his fellows by his seeming disregard for his own life. When death takes an unfair advantage and strikes with an unfamiliar weapon, it is even more disquieting to those most familiar with it.

Christmas on Big Rattle is a rugged story of an unlikely gift exchange - even if only one knew that gifts would be exchanged. Archer invited his friend Sacobie into his cabin where the exchange would take place. It was only on Christmas morning that Archer discovered the exchange. Was it robbery or generosity?

We’ve all had songs that we can’t seem to get out of our heads. It’s maddening. Mark Twain faced the same issue, but instead of a song, it was a rhythmic poem. All who came in contact with the poem seemed to be possessed with the same malady. This is where Twain’s trademark humor makes its inevitable appearance. A classic short story from Mark Twain narrated by Glenn Hascall.

This short story might well have been called, "All I Even Needed to Know About Humanity I Learned From Chickens". At times humorous, at times sympathetic, the author reveals the inadequacies of chickens and then points to our own inadequacies. As much as we hate chickens we can despise the things we believe are lacking in our own lives. That’s the philosophy of the story, perhaps it is equally enjoyable as a story about a family that just can’t seem to move far enough away from demented fowl.

John the True is a remarkably faithful fairy-tale hero. He does not win the hand of a maiden. He does not become king. He does not become rich. However, his fame becomes clear in his valiant heart of faithfulness. A little-known but richly developed fable/fairy tale that is a short story of friendship and sacrifice.

Given "The Suitable Surroundings", can a person be scared to death? The answer is yes, according to Ambrose Bierce: Skepticism must occasionally apologize to truth. Once again Ambrose Bierce weaves a tale that, even under present-day conditions, is indeed frightening.

Each of us responds to our world based on what we know. This story shows how when you never see what others view as normal then normal becomes frightening. Follow a three-year-old boy as he lives following a war that ravaged his country. A short story that challenges conventional thought on normalcy. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

There may be more reason to avoid marrying blue beard than the color of his facial hair. There may be more reason to avoid a certain closet than a simple request. There may be more to this man than meets the eye.

"A Son's Rage" is one in a series of horror stories from Visual Audio. In this story, a mother pushes her son to the point of murder.

We’ve all encountered people who lie. Some seem to be able to get away with it while others seem to be transparent in their false words. Mark Twain shares just such a transparent individual. Rogers lied incessantly, but thought he was making a good show of it. What he really gained was the right to be the subject of this short story. You will recognize Rogers in someone you know.

With old age come losses. The body ages and the elderly person is unable to partake of activities that were once normal, and the mind may not be as sharp as it once was. Perhaps worst of all is loss of control of ones affairs. Col. Hampton had been a powerful man. He fought Indians, Moros in the jungles of Mindanao, he had been that rara avis in the American service, a really wealthy professional officer. He had played polo, and served a turn as military attaché at the Paris embassy.

During her time as a writer, A Lady of England (A.L.O.E.) was one of the best-selling authors alive. Our current generation may have little reference point for her work, but her tales are always filled with a combination of great storytelling with an underlying message. This short story helps a young boy recovering from an injury to discover even in difficult circumstances there is always reason to be grateful. Perfect for all ages, but especially for those who may need to revisit the bright side of life.

An intriguing short story by acclaimed writer Bram Stoker focusing on what a patient might experience in the midst of an intense illness. For both the patient and the caregiver the result bears a remarkable look at something that may seem familiar, disturbing, and sometimes humorous. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Ever wonder where a $10.00 or twenty dollar bil lhas been? O. Henry obviously did, because he made up this short story fabulously narrated by Glenn Hascall. This is the story of a $10 bill as it is passed around the Bowery in New York City. It did get around and become so tainted that the church wouldn't take it.

If you’ve ever participated in an "over the hill' party you know they can be a fun way to roast a friend who reaches a mythical milestone. Acclaimed author Ellis Parker Butler wrote a wonderful story about facing life at 50 and his observations may seem different, yet very relatable. Welcome to a world where some lifelong pains become friends, where some of the best work in life begins, and where things that once seemed so important are relegated to the dust bin of vanity.