March 6, 2021

“Throwing Shade,” by Andrew J. Pond

Posted by in Audio Arts
“Throwing Shade,” by Andrew J. Pond

This week on The Fictional Café we have Throwing Shade by Andrew J. Pond! Chicago, 1934. In a city rife with crime and corruption, a hero emerges. The Shade, who rushes in where fools fear to tread . . . with predictable results. Luckily for Chicago, there’s the Vamp, a female crimefighter replete with all the skill and talent the Shade lacks. Can the Shade save Chicago from crime? Can the Vamp save The Shade from himself? Eclectic Full Contact Theatre presents Throwing Shade, the 1930’s radio satire you’ve been dying for. Mayor Crane’s Secretary, Misty LeBlanc, has been abducted. Can the Shade and the Vamp rescue her? The Shade and the Vamp tangle with the Tallys. Can they prevail? If you enjoy this podcast, you can check out more episodes on their website. Eclectic…

Continue reading →

August 11, 2020

“Pool Boy,” A Short Story by John Beyer

Posted by in Writing
“Pool Boy,” A Short Story by John Beyer

The concept did not come as a lightning bolt out of the sky, striking my cranium instantly. But more like a slow buildup of storm clouds on the horizon. The ones that leave a person wondering if inclement weather was in fact on the way or would fizzle into nothingness. Weather is like that sometimes, much like thoughts, ideas, or dreams. Nothing to do with reality at the moment but perhaps in the future that reality would truly become real.  That was how it was with the epiphany I could make a lot more money if I turned my career into something deeper if not more sinister.  I grew up poor, angry and disillusioned in Forest Park in Detroit. The small neighborhood bordering Wayne State University had high unemployment and those lucky enough to be working had some of…

Continue reading →