A holiday story like no other

Great news! I recently had my first story published! The audio production of my holiday short story “That Day in the Manger” was released this past Sunday by The Writing Show podcast and is now available online for free!

I actually read and recorded the story myself, which was an entirely new experience for me. I plan to blog more on the experience of writing the story, submitting it to The Writing Show, reading and recording the story myself, being interviewed for the show, and more.

In the interest of getting this out there while the holidays are still going on, here’s a synopsis that will hopefully pique your interest.

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Well, it ain’t your typical Christmas. Then again, nothing with us ever is. We thought we had seen it all after Aunt Eugenia got hurt in that brawl three Christmases ago. Her complete recovery at age 90 was a testament to the unshakable spirit of our family. But even in a family where anything can and will happen, no one will ever forget that day in the manger.

This story has it all! There are pigs in pits and pecan pie; beer in washing machines, barbecue on plates, and bilingual adventures; large pickup trucks and large relatives driving them; big hair and boob jobs; patriotism, parole, and powder muskets; guns galore and the Great Elmo Heist gone wrong; and, of course, muumuus, Mama, and miracles.

“That Day in the Manger” is a hilarious, roller-coaster ride through the holidays in a small, Southern town, as told by a native-son-turned-outsider. He goes back every year with his wife and son to remember his tangled roots and reconnect with how this town full of crazy characters formed him into the person he is today. He searches for what it all means and finds it in the most unexpected of places.

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After the story, Paula and I have a conversation about it. Hopefully you’ll see it as an added bonus and not the ramblings of a newly-published writer!

The host of The Writing Show, Paula B, is an absolute joy to work with. The Writing Show is a must-have for any serious writer. Her free, weekly podcasts cover an incredible array of topics and genres. You’ll always learn something. I feel honored and privileged that she selected my story and invited me on the show.

This podcast is also featured on the links page of my main site along with a few others I recommend.

My story was one of two she selected. While you’re there, don’t forget to listen to Eric Pliner’s “Santa Baby” as well!