The Royal Wedding Cake Gambit – Rough Cut

By Martin L. Shoemaker Exactly as recorded at the Niles Renaissance Faire, May 18, 2025. Look for a cleaned-up version soon. This is the Instant Bard. Yep, happy to have you join me. I’m getting started in about… Read More

A Handsome Thief with a Certain Charm – Rough Cut

By Martin L. Shoemaker Exactly as recorded at the Niles Renaissance Faire, May 17, 2025. Look for a cleaned-up version soon. Men and women fighting for the honor of the Queen and the Niles Renaissance Fair. You’re not… Read More

Jazz Session 2 – Where Do I Sell This Thing?

This was our second Jazz Session. Our subject: Where Do I Sell This Thing?

Proof copy for A Fine and Dangerous Season!

“This SEASON evokes every kind of Bradbury Weather – a worthy celebration of storytellers and the storms they summon.”– James A. Owen, author of The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica As the veil between worlds thins on Samhain, ancient… Read More

Winnifred the Wise Woman

No one alive remembers Winnifred’s youth–not even her! It is said that she’s no older than the mountains. She must be younger than that, they admit, but how much so? No one has an answer. Winnifred has lived… Read More

King Ferdinand of Ferdiland

Ferdinand the First, King of the Principality of Ferdiland, was a good king–as kings go. He was a kind man, to the degree that his responsibilities allowed. He was a fair and just king, or at least that… Read More

Do It For You

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about Barry Longyear. In talking with writers, I shared his lesson that art has to please you first, feed your soul. Other “goals” can lead you to ruin if you put them… Read More

Ray Bradbury: The Patron Saint of Story Jazz

An Evening with Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is the patron saint of Story Jazz. This is funny, inspiring, challenging, and controversial.

Jazz Session 1 – The South Park Secret

This was our first Jazz Session. Our subject: The South Park Secret: Writing Solid Stories.