Shows
The Writers BlockChap73: Arctic Argonauts with Keith Talbot again! [sci-fi]Our longtime episode artist, Keith Talbot, returns to discuss comic creation, AI art, and joins us in a brand new fully improvised tale about arctic explorers fighting off bears and discovering otherworldly entities buried beneath the ice.Keith's artwork can be found @http://www.Ktalbot.co.ukAnd you can follow him on his Facebook page @https://www.facebook.com/KTArtAndPhotography/Support the showSupport the show on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow us on YouTube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_1YUBI_RgCsA85...2025-04-091h 09
8Sparks Stories"The Window"A woman discovers a window in her apartment bedroom closet. What lies on the other side is something sinister and eerily familiar.Written by Shaun J. NigroNarrated by Danielle MuethingFollow Danielle Muething on her website @http://www.daniellemuething.comOn TikTok @daniellemnarrateshttps://www.tiktok.com/@daniellemnarratesand on Facebook & Instagram @dmnarrateshttps://www.facebook.com/dmnarrateshttps://www.instagram.com/dmnarrates/Follow Shaun J. Nigro on his website @https://www.shaunjnigro.com/on Bluesky @2025-03-3149 min
The Writers BlockChap72: Prison Schemes with Jeff Beesler! [comedy]Author Jeff Beesler joins us in a convo about his many published novels, and a brand new fully improvised tale about a woman with a knack for money-making schemes..and mushrooms.You can find Jeff's work on Amazon @https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09GTYKR5BAudible @ https://www.audible.com/search?searchAuthor=Jeff+BeeslerFacebook @https://www.facebook.com/share/167b17bnSs/and on TikTok @https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffreybeeslerSupport the showSupport the show on o...2025-03-251h 018Sparks Stories"Sendoff"A recently retired man dreads a journey destined for a Mars retirement colony.Originally published in The Seed Volume 2 short story collection and on Audible.Written by Shaun J. NigroNarrated by Todd WaitesCheck out more short stories in Shaun's latest collection, The Seed, Volume 2:https://www.amazon.com/Seed-2-Shaun-J-Nigro-ebook/dp/B0DHV57HJ1/And follow him on his website @https://www.shaunjnigro.com/Follow Todd Waites on Twitter @https://twitter.com/VoiceofTW?fbclid=IwAR1C6aqxZjM69wx0GmQRpqzSHRTXyVTyNYKRWbPvrAQZlPZtEsQCVZsJMmUAnd on...2025-03-1738 min
The Writers BlockChap71: Vulture Golem with Christine Akridge! [horror]Fellow Maine author Christine Akridge joins us in another ridiculous and fully improvised tale, this time about a farmer that encounters a series of otherworldly things...Stick around for a bonus convo at around 51:50!Check out Christine's books @https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Akridge/author/B0BSB8GL5H?And follow her @https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=christine%20akridge%20-%20authorSupport the showSupport the show on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow us on...2025-03-171h 138Sparks Stories"Imposter" [from the Hellscape podcast]A talk show host begrudgingly interviews a robot with more connections to his past than he realizes.A rerelease of "Imposter" by Clarence Carter, originally released by So Gross Productions on the Hellscape podcast.Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/Follow the Hellscape podcast on Spotify@https://open.spotify.com/episode/136RUDJPcemsnmPkx6bojk?si=4cbcd0abacaa434eAnd TikTok @https://www.tiktok.com/@the.hellscape?_t=8qPc5oKxY0k&_r=1Support us on our Patreon @https://www.patreon...2024-10-1015 min
The Hellscape8Sparks Stories Feature: AddictThis episode features a story from our friends at 8Sparks Stories. A washed up author orders a smart device called the SEED to help him with his comeback novel.Written by Shaun J. NigroNarrated by Previously Delicioushttps://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediahttps://www.8sparksmedia.com/ Support them on Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow them on YouTube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_1YUBI_RgCsA85K2UTAPg?sub_confirmation=1 H...2024-10-0826 min
The HellscapeImposterImpostor was written by Clarence Carter of 8Sparks Media and features the voice talents of Jarret Griffis, Conor Lewis, James Hare, Saexy, Dane Petersen, Clarence Carter, Chanell Brown, and Michael Newton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-08-2715 min
The Writers BlockChap69: Bro Band Blood Bath with Danielle Muething! [horror]Narrator, author, and an 8Sparks Stories legend, Danielle Muething, joins us for a conversation and story. Danielle talks about how she got into narrating and the recent release of her first book, a spooky YA story about a sorority of vampires. At around 13:44 Danielle joins us in a fully improvised tale about two sisters trapped in a stadium full of vampiric fangirls, transformed by the sinister sounds of the blood-thirsty boy band, Bro Band.Stick around after the conversation (around 36:04) for a bonus convo where we try to guess each other's...2024-05-1352 min8Sparks Stories"Immersion"In a city where group-think is praised over individuality, an ex con is forced to join a detective in the pursuit of a "Meld" terrorist, a saboteur of the cherished group ritual that stamps out individual passion.Written by Lou J. BergerNarrated by Todd WaitesLou lives in Denver, Colorado with his high-school crush, three kids, a rescued Sheltie dog and a brilliant rescue mutt with a nefarious agenda. A member of SFWA, he has been published in Clarkesworld, Galaxy’s Edge magazine, and a host of anthologies. He is STILL working on hi...2024-05-0448 min
The Writers BlockChap68: Lenny [horror]Fresh off our first big con (as 8Sparks), we discuss the ups and downs of the Maine Comic & Toy Con, shoutout some new friends, and Clarence vents over issues with IngramSparks and Amazon's KDP. At around 33:01 we jump into a brand new fully improvised horror tale, based on an idea Clarence has been carrying around for a few months now. The story follows a prostitute named Chloe who finds herself fighting for her life against a ghoulish creature called Lenny.Support the showSupport the show on our P...2024-04-2958 min
The Writers BlockChap67: Dancing Shoes with Chris Clawson! [adventure]Publisher, author and dancer, Christopher Clawson joins us for a conversation and story in this week's episode of The Writers Block Podcast!At around 32:54, we jump into the story of a family vacation thwarted, and a boy that just wants to dance.Stick around after the story for a bonus convo!Check out all of Chris's work @https://www.christophereclawson.com/#/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christo... / c3christopherclawsoncompany Support the showSupport the show on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMedia2024-04-251h 07
The Writers BlockChap66: Moth to a Flame [horror]KC just wants his prize-winning photograph, until a hurricane brings in a mothman creature that threatens to thwart his photographic pursuits...along with his life! But maybe his new friend, Brad can help...Support the showSupport the show on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow us on YouTube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_1YUBI_RgCsA85K2UTAPg?sub_confirmation=1Brought to you by NerdCore at the Auburn Mallhttps://www.nerdcoremaine.com/And R Card Place, also at the Auburn Mall...2024-04-2324 min
The Writers BlockChap65: Portal Party with Conor Lewis! [sci-fi/adventure]Narrator Conor Lewis joins us for a conversation and a brand new fully improvised tale featuring dinosaurs, megalodons and rowdy pub crawling portal hoppers. STORY STARTS AROUND 15:40. You won't want to miss this one!You can find Conor @https://www.tiktok.com/@conorlewisvohttps://www.instagram.com/conorlewisvo/http://conorlewisvo.carrd.co/Support the showSupport the show on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow us on YouTube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_1YUBI_RgCsA85K2UTAPg?sub_confirmation=1Brought...2024-04-1636 min
The Writers BlockChap64: The Dreamist [fantasy/sci-fi]Clarence talks BookTok, screenwriting, a recent publication (Quiet Desperation in the Bad Spirits anthology), and his upcoming novel, A Girl Named Mishka. Shaun talks TWB trading cards (events/Patreon exclusive), and the Writers have another local event as well as the upcoming Maine Comic & Toy Convention (April 19-21 in Portland, Maine). The Writers also now have a Patreon! Become a patron today for exclusive content and early releases:https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMedia/postsAt around 28:28, the Writers jump into a brand new tale about a dystopian future where nightmares are created by a...2024-04-0856 min
The Writers BlockChap63: Body in the Bayou, Part 3 [crime/suspense]The official 8Sparks Media Patreon is back! Clarence and Shaun discuss the tiers of the new Patreon page, which include shoutouts, TWB characters named after patrons, exclusive and early TWB and 8Sparks Stories episodes, and more to come!In some more serious news, a fellow local writer, Robert Rumery, could really use some help. We're including a link here to his gofundme page to help pay for medical expenses:https://www.gofundme.com/f/robert-rumery-with-medical-and-living-expenses?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebookAt around 34:34, Detective Jade's recent adventures...2024-03-211h 02
The Writers BlockChap62: Body in the Bayou, Part 2 [crime/suspense]Clarence discusses a fundraiser for a fellow writer on Tiktok. Shaun goes into detail about his newest rap review podcast, co-hosted by James Shannon of Blare Radio. And the writers discuss the pitfalls of being a creator in the age of social media, and the constant war with algorithms.At around 42:40, the latest Detective Jade tale continues in Part 2 of "Bodies in the Bayou." The plot thickens in this week's fully improvised tale as Jade and Detective Bailey uncover some more sinister, and perhaps satanic, elements of the murders around downtown New Orleans.2024-03-111h 06
The Writers BlockChap61: Body in the Bayou [crime/suspense]A RIDICULOUS AI SUMMARY: "Imagine walking the storied streets of New Orleans, where every shadow whispers tales of temptation and redemption. This week, we're peeling back the layers of this enigmatic city, following the footsteps of Detective Jade as he teeters on the brink of a life-altering decision. Haunted by the ghost of his past, Jade finds solace in the companionship of a stray pug and the echoes of his former life beckon him towards the badge he once wore with pride. But it’s not just Jade’s story that will pull you into the luminous glow of the n...2024-03-1025 min
The Writers BlockChap60: The Scrog [horror]Clarence gets a story accepted to one of his favorite horror podcasts, and talks about his new children's book, The Pie Eating Contest (out now!) Shaun has a new western rap out and has recently rejoined TikTok!At around 29:35, the writers improvise a brand new horror story featuring the Androscoggin Scrog monster. A young woman preparing for an open mic rescues a man with a blue gem from the Androscoggin river. She soon finds the gem holds powers beyond her wildest dreams, but there may still be others that want it...Brought...2024-02-2951 min
The Writers BlockChap59: Pool Sharks & Magic [suspense/mystery]"Saddle up for a heart-stopping ride into the dark corners of the illegal gambling world with Pearl, our resident pool hustler whose knack for the game lands her in a heap of trouble. When a high-stakes loss leaves her ducking and diving from vindictive pool sharks, salvation comes from a shadowy benefactor with enigmatic motives. This episode stitches together a narrative rife with desperate gambits, supernatural patrons, and the gritty truth that every choice has its price. Exposing the underbelly of a world where debts are settled in more than just currency, we invite you to experience a story...2024-02-2432 min8Sparks Stories"Snowblind"Determined to heal old wounds, a woman revisits a ski resort that haunts her memories.Originally published by Scare StreetWritten by Clarence CarterRead by Danielle MuethingFollow Danielle Muething on her website @http://www.daniellemuething.comOn TikTok @daniellemnarrateshttps://www.tiktok.com/@daniellemnarratesand on Facebook & Instagram @dmnarrateshttps://www.facebook.com/dmnarrateshttps://www.instagram.com/dmnarrates/Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/Support us on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8...2024-02-1725 min
The Writers BlockChap58: Tongue Thing & Steve with Diana Doty & Becky Kilimnik! [sci-fi]Becky Kilimnik returns with cohost of the Homespun Haints podcast, Diana Doty, on this week's episode of The Writers Block! We discuss banjos, nsfw toys, ghost stories (of course), and haunted locations, as well as Diana's experiences learning Chinese, and our impressions of the show Lovecraft Country. At around 25:13 Becky and Diana join the Writers for a new fully improvised tale about a man who finds himself trapped in a room with a giant baby and a creature with an abnormally long tongue.And stay tuned after the story where we'll guess each o...2024-02-151h 068Sparks Stories"Doomscroll"A man stumbles upon an ancient malevolent force while scrolling through clickbait on his newsfeed.Written by Dennis GomezNarrated by Conor LewisCheck out more short stories by Dennis Gomez in his Beyond the Event Horizon universe @https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dennis-Gomez/author/B0C16KQP5R?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1707519530&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueAnd follow him on Instagram @beyondeventhorizonhttps://www.instagram.com/beyondeventhorizon Follow narrator Conor Lewis @https://conorlewisvo.carrd.co https://tiktok.com/@conorlewisvo https://www.ins...2024-02-0921 min
The Writers BlockChap57: Forest Giants with Duane Coffill! [horror/sci-fi]Fellow Maine horror writer, Duane Coffill, joins the Writers this week to talk about his process for writing novels, his passion for cosplay (especially as Pennywise the clown), a con encounter with the Terrifier, and plans for the future with his very own Tucker Falls Publishing.At around 43:30, Duane joins us in a hilarious (and fully improvised) tale about three people visited by giant forest creatures (and aliens!) in their house in the middle of the woods.Stay up to date with Duane Coffill @http://www.horrorwriterduanecoffill.com/https://www.facebook...2024-02-071h 18
The Writers BlockChap56: Of Mechs & Men [sci-fi]Clarence is taking ice baths, Shaun is doing more rap collaborations. The Writers also discuss slasher films and dive into critiques of Clarence's latest short stories.At around 47:30, a brand new fully improvised tale begins, about some friends and an ex scientist that enter their ragtag mech into the Mech Battle League.Brought to you by NerdCore at the Auburn Mallhttps://www.nerdcoremaine.com/And R Card Place, also at the Auburn Mallhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094014247014Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @...2024-02-031h 228Sparks Stories"The Man with the Sunglasses"Two brothers on a road trip take a detour to an abandoned prison, where things quickly begin to take a turn for the worse. Based on the "Road Trip" episode of The Writers Block podcast, created by Shaun J. Nigro and Clarence Carter.Written by Shaun J. NigroReady by Todd WaitesCheck out "Road Trip" on The Writers Block podcast @https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MPLkkcyA9xZh6ilxQBl14?si=68ae0002263644a3Check out more short stories in Shaun's latest collection, The Seed, Volume 1:https://www.amazon.com/Seed-1...2024-01-3121 min8Sparks Stories"Black Hat Society"A woman finds herself trapped in a disturbing replica of her grandparent's house.Follow Danielle Muething on her website @http://www.daniellemuething.comOn TikTok @daniellemnarrateshttps://www.tiktok.com/@daniellemnarratesand on Facebook & Instagram @dmnarrateshttps://www.facebook.com/dmnarrateshttps://www.instagram.com/dmnarrates/Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/Support us on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow us on YouTube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_1YUBI_RgCsA85K2...2024-01-2516 min
The Writers BlockChap55: Doll People [horror]Shaun talks about his latest sprawling story rap, Clarence gives us some updates on upcoming interviews and readings. The writers also discuss the process of adapting stories to audio drama, and writing slasher film scripts.At around 27:07, a tale of horror begins as two friends discover the horrifying secrets hidden within the old abandoned Filch mansion.Brought to you by NerdCore at the Auburn Mallhttps://www.nerdcoremaine.com/Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/And Shaun J. Nigro @http://www.shaunjnigro...2024-01-2357 min8Sparks Stories"Without You"A woman attempts to ward off ominous hallucinations while aboard a train with her son.This story was originally published by Grendel Press*Written by Clarence CarterNarrated by Teralyn DavisFollow Teralyn Davis @https://www.teralyndavis.com/And on TikTok @teralyndavisStay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/Support us on our Patreon @https://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediaFollow us on YouTube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_1YUBI_RgCsA85K2UTAPg?sub_confirmation=1...2024-01-1631 min8Sparks Stories"Cathedral"A man finds himself entranced by the voice of his deceased wife communicating with him through an old Cathedral radio. Written by Clarence CarterNarrated by Todd WaitesStay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/Follow Todd Waites on Twitter @https://twitter.com/VoiceofTW?fbclid=IwAR1C6aqxZjM69wx0GmQRpqzSHRTXyVTyNYKRWbPvrAQZlPZtEsQCVZsJMmUAnd on his website @http://toddwaitesvoice.com/?fbclid=IwAR24RMSh_zOnCY8I_sFpxpSL9NidVmHa07XHxAknICHl-PzIUKCNPlwC9Xshttps://www.patreon.com/8SparksMediahttps://www.8sparksmedia.com/ Support us on our P...2023-12-0341 min
The Writers BlockChap 54: Split-Twin Syndrome [suspense]A woman finds herself framed for a murder she did not commit in this latest fully improvised tale from The Writers Block. Brought to you for the first time by NerdCore at the Auburn Mallhttps://www.nerdcoremaine.com/Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/And Shaun J. Nigro @http://www.shaunjnigro.comFollow The Writers Block on Meta @https://www.facebook.com/thewritersblockofficialFollow our artist, Keith Talbot, on ArtStation @https://www.artstation.com/keithtalbotAnd on Meta @2023-11-1334 min
The Writers BlockChap53: Clyde Blossoms [comedy]Fresh off their second event in two weeks, Clarence and Shaun discuss what's been going on "on the road" along with some new friends (Nerdcore, R Card Place) and updates on upcoming events!At 17:37, the writers jump into a ridiculous new tale of a man and his golden Clyde Blossoms harmonica!Stay up to date with Clarence Carter @https://www.clarencecarterauthor.com/And Shaun J. Nigro @http://www.shaunjnigro.comFollow The Writers Block on Meta @https://www.facebook.com/thewritersblockofficialFollow our artist, Keith...2023-11-1330 min