When Kenna Baynes discovers a strange book in her college library, she finds something in the margins that changes her life forever… Content Advisory: “In the Margins” almost doesn’t merit a content advisory. There are a couple moments of light suspense and mention of college debt. There’s no swearing, but the tale does allude to a word many find offensive. Links mentioned in the intro: * Rick Coste’s Evolution Talk: evolutiontalk.com* Rick Coste’s Audiodramas:...

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I get personal and talk about why a character in “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” has Tourette syndrome…and how I approach writing about people with disorders and disabilities… Episode Transcript >>

Crazy Mike is dead behind the maintenance barn and the quaking bog man is missing. It’s up to detectives Gary Vandiver and Beatrice Mule to figure out what happened in this mystery set in a bog in northern Illinois. Content Advisory: “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” deals with murder, speculation of suicide, divorce (including a custody battle), fraud, theft, tobacco and alcohol use, and Tourette syndrome (I only mention this because, if you’re like me and have Tourette syndrome, one of the...

At 10,308 words, “Gerald’s Grail” is the longest Not About Lumberjacks story to date! (And will likely hold the record, ’cause DANG…that was quite a thing to edit!) I’ll let you in on a little secret: “Gerald’s Grail” could easily be a novel. (And trust me, I’ve given it some thought.) But…it’s not the only Not About Lumberjacks story I’ve considered making longer. In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest tale, I talk about other Not About Lumberjacks stories I could turn...

While knocking around an antique shop with his grandmother, a teenage geek finds something that changes his life in a most curious way… Content Advisory: Bullying, violence (including passing mention of the Cambodian genocide of the 70s), teen tobacco and alcohol use, and — of course — swearing. And if you’re so inclined, be sure to check out the Not About Lumberjacks Patreon. For as little as a dollar a month, all patron content is unlocked. * *...

It’s not uncommon for people to assume stories are a reflection of the author — especially stories in which an author features a writer as a protagonist. “Revisions” is about a writer who was raised by a single mother. Some people who know me mentioned they felt it was heavily influenced by my mother. I discuss where my life is similar to the protagonist in the story and…how our situations and views greatly differ. * * * Episode Transcript (Coming Soon) >>

An author tries to finish construction on her recently-deceased mother’s home while writing her second novel — the follow up to a New York Times Best Seller. Content Advisory: Death of a parent and struggles with self doubt. (For once, no swearing!) And if you’re so inclined to pitch in and help the farm animal sanctuary I mention in the intro, check out The Farm Micro Sanctuary on Patreon, or on their Facebook or Instagram accounts. * * * Credits: Music:...

It was a strange year, but also a productive year for Not About Lumberjacks. As we close out 2021, some thoughts on the year that was…and some hopes for the year ahead… Episode Transcript >>

Four stories, most of which take place during the holiday season...

“In Cypress Slough” includes two gay characters, but it’s not a story about being gay in East Texas. In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about representation, the stories I’d never write (and why), and how I approach writing disenfranchised characters who have experienced lives I can only imagine. * * * Links to some people and things mentioned in this episode: * ScreamQueenz* Writing the Other* Nisi Shawl* Cynthia Ward*...

Two deadhead loggers find something remarkable in the Piney Woods of East Texas, putting them at odds with a large timber company.

While “Milkboy” is based on a true story, it definitely ends up a work of fiction. When I started the story, I had no idea where to take it. Discovering what to do with the story led to a ridiculous and heartfelt tale of friendship that is one of my favorite stories on the site. I talk about that — and much more — in this behind-the-scenes look at the latest episode of Not About Lumberjacks. Episode Transcript >>

When two friends use a bulletin board system to create an online persona to tease their best friend, they get more than they have coming to them for their deception.

Ideas aren't so hard to come by when you know the one simple test I talk about in this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story...

What would you do if you could call back in time and leave a message to your younger self? When Amir discovers a phone booth that seems to magically appear on the corner in his neighborhood, he does everything he can to change the worst thing that ever happened to him and his family… * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – Gabriel Lewis, licensed from Epidemic Sound. Story and Narration: Christopher Gronlund. Episode Transcript >>

“A Deathly Mistake” ended up becoming one of my favorite episodes of Not About Lumberjacks. In this behind-the-scenes look, I discuss how it was a bit of a departure from other stories I’ve written for the show. I also talk about fears faced in recording “A Deathly Mistake”…and close with a request to everyone who listens. Episode Transcript >>

When Death mistakenly harvests the soul of the wrong John Smith, John's life -- and After Life -- are forever changed.

In this long overdue update, I talk about the next Not About Lumberjacks story, a change in the way I look at commercial intent with writing, and mulling over Patreon options… Episode Transcript >>

At 6:45 on this New Year’s Eve, I thought, “Well, Cynthia has shuffled off to bed, and I want to stay up a little longer, so…I should go sit down in front of the microphone and record some thoughts with no idea about what to say…” (Yes, we go to bed early…even on New Year’s Eve.) This is what came out: some reflections on the year that was…and what lies ahead…

This year’s annual Christmas episode was anchored by a story based on real life. But what is “real life” when it comes to stories — even those claiming to be true? I discuss how fiction and truth have a way of coming together to create even greater truths in the process of their mingling. Also, I chat a bit about 2021 plans for Not About Lumberjacks… Episode Transcript >>

Four pieces of micro-fiction and a short Christmas story round out the last Not About Lumberjacks episode of 2020!

In honor of five years of Not About Lumberjacks, I skip the usual behind-the-scenes look at the latest episode and answer listener questions.

When Wayne finds strange items in geocaches, he becomes obsessed with discovering who’s leaving them behind. What he finds changes his life forever…

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest episode, I discuss what was wrong, how I fixed things, and what I realized along the way…

Four strangers come together when they contract a mysterious illness from an old woman in line at a pharmacy. Content Advisory: This story deals with illness, including mentions of COVID-19. It’s also not without moments of anxiety, regret, abandonment, nightmares, and even death. I know that makes it sound like it’s a rough tale, but this is still a story of hope. Oh—and just like almost every episode—there’s some swearing… * * * Credits: Music: Theme –...