Contingencies

Finally, nearly a month late, I present the fifth instalment of Contingencies to the world.  I won’t describe the events and mishaps that delayed this episode in any great detail.  To do so would be to tell a long story of boring convolutions; I would know, I was there.  Instead I think it is sufficient to say that this is not the story I planned on recording.  In my excitement to unleash something new it took me much longer than it should have to admit that the piece I’ve been working on is not yet ready.  This delay was compounded by the absolute fits I had trying to record and edit the episode that appears here.  There seems to be an inverse relationship in the running time of my final recordings and the time I spend producing them.  If anyone can make sense of that let me know. . .

The Hand that Feeds you is one of my older stories and is based on something that actually happened to me.  It’s a piece of writing that elicited my favourite rejection letter of the many I have received.  Having submitted the story to a certain publication I felt it would be suited for I was surprised to receive a reply a mere 5 weeks later.  As usual the editor regretted turning the story down.  What set this missive apart was the length that editor went to explaining what he liked about the story.  His comments were longer than the story itself.  In the end, he informed me that as much as he liked aspects of the story it could not be published because the central event was impossible and unbelievable.  Apparently the magazine in question only deals in fiction with a strong grounding in the realm of realistic possibility.  His praise was genuine and helpful.  He made some good suggestions for which I am grateful.  Still, every time I reread that editor’s comments I can’t help but laugh.  You see, the unbelievable and impossible central event that formed the basis of his rejection DID actually occur.

I might even have a scar to prove it.

Happy listening,

M

Episode 5 The Hand That Feeds You [ 4:10 | 5.75 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (13)

I’m more of a dog lover than a cat fancier despite the suggestion the two most recent episodes of Contingencies might whisper.  It also occurs to me that of the four episodes available so far, three feature animals.  This was unintentional on my part and comes as something of a surprise.  I’m not creating an animal-centred podcast here.  At least I hope not. . .

Listening and download numbers, though still modest, have been up this month so some of you have clearly been spreading the word about this podcast.  Thanks for doing so and please, keep inflicting my ramshackle readings on others.  I know some other podcasts out there solicit donations to keep their respective websites running and even put a bit of money in the authors’ pockets.  I’m not going to do that.  However, if you do enjoy the podcast I’d ask you to consider donating to Action Medical Research (AMR) on my behalf.  It’s a charity I’ve been raising funds for for a few years now and it does good work.  You can donate here while finding out more about AMR and the good work they fund.  If you find yourself really interested you can follow my exploits in more detail here.  Any generosity will be thankfully received.

That’s about enough from me for now.  Thanks again for listening and whether you worship dogs or find yourself in thrall to some feline overlord  I hope you like what you hear.

M

Episode 4 Nice Kitty [ 11:13 | 15.42 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (29)

I’m back and I’ve brought this month’s overdue instalment of Contingencies with me.

I can only apologise for my tardiness.  Various events conspired to prevent me from finishing this episode in time.  In fact, I’m not only late, but this story is not the one I’d planned on posting this month.  That has been written but in such a way that it is going to require a deal of careful un-writing followed by  a great deal of rewriting before it can be allowed out into the world.  Had I admitted this to myself sooner episode 3 would have appeared at least 48 hours ago.  There’s no need for me to explain the other, mundane reasons for February’s delay beyond the words: I’ve been busy.

My Kind of Fairy Tale is a short instalment.  Like its predecessors it’s based on a completely invented true story.  The narrator is someone I recognise but have never met at all.

As always, please spread the word about this podcast.

I hope you enjoy what you hear,

Max

p.s.

Rather than try to rush out the next episode, I will endeavour to make it appear roughly a month after this one.

Episode 3 My Kind of Fairy Tale [ 4:05 | 5.63 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (29)

Hello everyone,

One calendar month and one day after the inaugural episode of Contingencies appeared the second instalment is ready.  This episode, Trolls, is longer than the first.  Hopefully you listeners will find that to be a good thing.  Listen and download below or on the Episodes page.

Trolls first appeared in issue 8 (March/April 2011) of the print edition of Plectrum-The Cultural Pick magazine (P-TCP).  If you aren’t familiar with P-TCP have a look.  More than just a traditional print magazine P-TCP also appears as a free webzine and in the form of live events.  In all of its forms Plectrum – The Cultural Pick casts its inimitable gaze on the worlds of music, fashion, film, art, books and performance.

Since the first episode went live Contingencies has appeared on i-Tunes (see the link below) and a facebook group has sprung into existence.  Click here to visit the group’s page and to request membership.  Ratings on i-Tunes would be much appreciated.  More importantly, listener feedback is positively encouraged.  What do you like?  Do you have any suggestions for improvements?  Is there anything about these podcasts that makes your toes curl?  Let me know.

I’ve already begun writing episode three.  Though it currently remains untitled the aim is to present it to you a month from now.  In the meantime I’d just like to say “thanks” to all of you who listened to Fall on Your Knees.  As ever, please don’t be shy about sharing Contingencies with friends and family who might enjoy it.  Likewise, don’t hesitate to inflict it upon unsuspecting enemies who will grimace in pain at every word uttered.

Until next time,

Max

Episode 2 Trolls [ 13:49 | 19.01 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (43)

After much gnashing of teeth and crumpling of paper, following hours of computerised confusion, countless cups of tea and the occasional stronger drink the first episode of Contingencies is now up and available for download.  It’s a seasonal tale of foolishness and unintended observation. This first episode is a short one that I hope will whet your appetite for those that will follow. Contingencies won’t be tracing a set pattern or path, but the tales will be (loosely) connected.  Fall on Your Knees provides a telling glimpse of the ambivalent world they are set in.

Great thanks are due to Simon Herring the musician responsible for the theme music.  One day I hope to be able to play with words as well as he creates music with his guitar.

I suspect and expect that this site will be afflicted by some growing pains in the weeks and months to come.  I’m still groping more than half-blind through the technical forest of managing this site and producing a podcast.  Provided this first episode doesn’t cause the site to go into meltdown the next big goal is to get an iTunes feed established.  If you notice anything that’s not working as it should please let me know.

Feedback on this and future episodes will be most welcome.

That’s enough explanation for now.  Please, have a listen.  I hope you enjoy what you hear.

Max

Contingencies 01 Fall On Your Knees [ 6:27 | 8.89 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (82)