Connor Reads Books

‘Follow Wendolyn, a first-time author, as she discovers that behind the cosplay, panels, and raven companions, lies something far darker than she ever dreamed. When stories come alive, the fair becomes more than a celebration of fantasy—it becomes a reckoning.’Today we read ‘Welcome to the Fantasy Fair’ written by Marissa Mcnamara, and published by Pink Hydra Press in their August 2024 issue. Marissa gave me permission to read this story on the podcast, and Pink Hydra Press was gracious and gave me their blessing! What results is a captivating story of achievement and dissolution, and a reminder to never meet your...

Howdy Folks, today we talk with Kim Green, Owner of Blank Page Consulting, and Author of Books like Vicissitudes, Hallucination, and Isolation - the last of which is our topic of discussion today. We start by talking about Kim’s writing experience and history, then delve into the raw and political commentary of her book Isolation, a soul-bearing collection of blogs written during the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic that are revisited with poignant postscript in 2023. This is a very political episode due to the nature of the content of Isolation, but I encourage you to listen through our conversation, if...

Howdy Folks today we talk with David Hankins, a prolific award winning author who has been featured in dozens of magazines and anthologies, as well as creating the Grimsworld Series. We talk about David’s inspirations for his works, which tend to be lighthearted fantasy and sci-fi tales. Dive in and discover how the headaches and humor of bureaucratic mismanagement inspired David to write a series. David is also featured in every installment of The Unhelpful Encyclopedia Series and we discuss inspirations for his stories, and how audiobook and artistic interpretations deepen the storytelling experience. Thanks a ton for the In...

Howdy Folks today we talk with Michael La Ronn, a prolific sci-fi and fantasy writer, youtuber, and owner of Author Level Up. We talk about Michael’s experience with the Murderfish Anthology, how he found his writing style, and how he became the writer he is today. We discuss the differences between writing to teach, and writing to entertain. Dive in, and hear how authenticity, passion, spontaneity, and a can-do attitude have been core tenants in Michael’s writing journey. Michael’s Links: Author Level Up - https://authorlevelup.com/www.authorlevelup.com/pantsingSocial Media and YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Author...

Howdy Listeners, we have another author interview for you! Today we talk to Jake Stein, a prolific fiction short story writer who’s had quite a few publications in the past years. We dive into Jake’s inspirations, his approach to writing, and how sometimes the hard hitting stories don’t explode, but burn slowly. Jake’s writing has also been brought to the audio space on a handful of podcasts, including this one! Thanks Jake for coming on the show and sharing your approach to writing, and how to persist in the short story writing space. “Real Food” Episode of CRB - htt...

Howdy Listeners, today we dive into one of Connor’s favorite H.P. Lovecraft Stories - The Rats in the Walls. A story of an older man who’s knowledge of his family’s past is Dubious at best, that is until his son is shipped off to fight the great war, and comes back with knowledge of their ancestral home - Exam Priory. Our protagonist moves to the priory, learning of its troubled past, and is at once haunted by the ghosts of the isolated castle. Content Warnings: Gore, Rats,Violence, Coarse Language, Horrors Beyond ComprehensionVoice Over, Mixing and Master...

Howdy Listeners, we have another author interview for you! Today we talk to Marissa McNamara, a fantasy and sci-fi writer based in Brisbane, Australia. We talk about how she got into writing, her process, her perspective, and her plans for the future! In celebration of the Murderfish kickstarter, we are going to be interviewing some of the authors that have contributed to Anthology. Thanks for being the first Marissa!!Marissa’s Links: https://mmcnamarabooks.com/https://mmcnamarabooks.com/?page_id=34https://www.instagram.com/m_mcnamara_books/Welcome to the Fantasy Fair: https://www.thepinkhydra.com/issues/0102202408/fantasyfair/The Pink Hy...

Get your feet wet with this preview story from "Murderfish," the third installment of the Unhelpful Encyclopedia series, from WonderBird Press. "Real Food," by Jake Stein, is the sci-fi tale of a vegan chef brought to the Earth office of a powerful businessman—with a chilling request.“Murderfish” is still in its kickstarter phase and is looking for more backers! So if you liked this short story, and want to reel in some more great aquatic tales, head over to the kickstarter and help make this book possible.Murderfish Kickstarter Links: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikejackstoumbos/murderfish-a-wonderbird-press-anthologyUnhelpful Encyclopedia Prior Volume...

Connor Reads Books is returning for its 2025 season! Today we are kicking it off with “Fangs Out” , a short story from the book Murderbugs. Fangs Out: Private detective A. Sin, the assassin bug, is hired to investigate disturbances around the Portmanteau, an apartment building on the nice side of the yard. What comes next is an intricate web to untangle, with prominent bugs caught up in the plot. Will our anthropoid sleuth crack the case, or will the portmanteau be his final resting place?Murderbugs is part 2 of the “Unhelpful Encyclopedia” anthology series published by Wonderbird Press. It is a crowdfun...

We are going to close this year out with our conversation with Rebecca E. Treasure, a Prolific Sci-fi Author and Editor at Apex Magazine! We talk about how Rebecca's travels have impacted her writing, the accomplishments she’s made, and the lessons she’s learned in her time as an editor and violin instructor. Join us for this interview and listen to the tips, tricks, and tid bits of advice that Rebecca has for us. Oh - we also talk a little about Lord of the Rings!Rebecca’s Links: https://linktr.ee/rebeccaetreasurehttps://rebeccaetreasure.com/Upcoming Snap Judgment: https://www.yo...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays - or at least they would be if Santa wasn’t on the verge of bankruptcy! With the north pole in dire straits, and receiving an alluring lead that could save the workshop, Santa has no choice but to assemble the finest crew in both of the poles. Their target: one of Scrooge’s tankers filled to the brim with cutting edge technology. Join in on the holiday mischief and mayhem in Connor Reads Books’ 2024 Christmas Special!Content Warnings: Coarse LanguageViolenceNaughty SantaBrutality (brief)“Ocean’s Twleve Days of Christmas”Written by: Connor McGeverly, Isaac Andrews, and Alex Bea...

Howdy Listeners, we have another superb interview for you! In this episode we talk to Mike Jack Stoumbous, a first place winner of the 2021 Writers of the Future Contest, and founder of the publishing company Wonderbird Press. We talk about what got Mike into writing, how he approaches any creative process he engages in, as well as some of the finer details of self publishing and crowd-sourcing funds for books and authors. We unpack some of the thinking and process of creating the Murderbirds and Murderbugs Anthologies. Thanks Mike for the interview, for being a great client, and for supporting...

Howdy folks, we have another great interview for you today! Today we talk to Qualia Reed; a prolific, self-published author who has created immersive sci-fi worlds, compelling characters, and cathartic story arcs all while artfully weaving LGBTQ+ themes throughout. Join us as we talk about Qualia’s inspirations, writing journey, and insights on the world of self publishing. Thanks for coming to interview Qualia! Qualia’s Links: https://www.instagram.com/qualiareed/https://www.facebook.com/p/Qualia-Reed-Author-100087126994657/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22862775.Qualia_Reedhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BDTHJ3RP?ingress=0&visitId=f4b89a39-4ecd...

Howdy Listeners! We have another awesome author interview for you this week where we talk to award winning author Desmond Astaire. We talk about his inspirations writing in the Unhelpful Encyclopedia Series, his writing journey as a whole, and how his time serving in the military has given him some of his strongest strategies for getting stories written. Join us as we discuss the creative works of Desmond Astaire. Desmond’s Links: https://www.desmondastaire.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22428361.Desmond_Astairehttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Desmond-Astaire/author/B09VB54NFM?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueMurder Bi...