Comments on: PC031: Colin and Ishmael in the Dark (Corrected) http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/ PodCastle is the world\'s first audio fantasy magazine. Weekly, we broadcast the best in fantasy short stories, running the gammut from heart-pounding sword and sorcery, to strange surrealist tales, to gritty urban fantasy, to the psychological depth of magical realism. Our podcast features authors including Peter Beagle, Benjamin Rosenbaum, Jim C. Hines, and Cat Rambo, among others. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:07:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Alas, a blog » Blog Archive » Help out a small press: good reading for sale at Electric Velocipede http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-2477 Alas, a blog » Blog Archive » Help out a small press: good reading for sale at Electric Velocipede Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:25:44 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-2477 [...] History of the 21st Century”, a chapbook of stories by William Shunn, whose story “Colin and Ishmael in the Dark” we featured on PodCastle this [...] [...] History of the 21st Century”, a chapbook of stories by William Shunn, whose story “Colin and Ishmael in the Dark” we featured on PodCastle this [...]

]]> By: Gia http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-2393 Gia Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:36:40 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-2393 I usually listen to podcast in my room in the dark, so this one got me excited. Somehow, this was creepier than almost anything that I ever heard from Pseudopod. I usually listen to podcast in my room in the dark, so this one got me excited.
Somehow, this was creepier than almost anything that I ever heard from Pseudopod.

]]> By: Dave (aka Nev the Deranged) http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1680 Dave (aka Nev the Deranged) Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:43:18 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1680 Great story, dark and brilliant. I had no problem with the narrator's accent, but he needed to pause a little longer between switching characters so that it was clearer who was speaking at any given moment. Aside from that, well read. Thanks, Pseudopod! Great story, dark and brilliant. I had no problem with the narrator’s accent, but he needed to pause a little longer between switching characters so that it was clearer who was speaking at any given moment. Aside from that, well read. Thanks, Pseudopod!

]]> By: The Fix | From the Podosphere: October 2008 http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1679 The Fix | From the Podosphere: October 2008 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:21:49 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1679 [...] “Colin and Ishmael in the Dark” by William Shunn is a good story with only a hint of fantasy, unfortunately marred by the choice of narrator. We have an extended conversation between a prisoner and his jailer, conducted in formal tones with precise language—indeed one of the story’s themes is the power of storytelling. But MarBelle’s diction exhibits some characteristics (such as dropping the final “g” from words ending in “ing”) that, though perhaps suited to a more colloquial story, only jar here. [...] [...] “Colin and Ishmael in the Dark” by William Shunn is a good story with only a hint of fantasy, unfortunately marred by the choice of narrator. We have an extended conversation between a prisoner and his jailer, conducted in formal tones with precise language—indeed one of the story’s themes is the power of storytelling. But MarBelle’s diction exhibits some characteristics (such as dropping the final “g” from words ending in “ing”) that, though perhaps suited to a more colloquial story, only jar here. [...]

]]> By: Colin and Ishmael in the Dark « Casual Pursuits http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1660 Colin and Ishmael in the Dark « Casual Pursuits Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:12:51 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1660 [...] Episode 31 of Podcastle features a short work, "Colin and Ishmael in the Dark.”  Very good tale, and the first one I picked to listen to from the downloads.  Check it [...] [...] Episode 31 of Podcastle features a short work, "Colin and Ishmael in the Dark.”  Very good tale, and the first one I picked to listen to from the downloads.  Check it [...]

]]> By: Blaine Boy http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1648 Blaine Boy Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:02:11 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1648 To Alina: The fantasy part was the third eye bit that Ishmael was talking about where he could see the rest of the world while stuck in his dark prison. That was an absolutely stunning piece of literature/podcasting/whatever. The reading was superb making Ishmael seem like a creepy, psycho killer kind of like Hannibal Lecter done by Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. He certainly had the intelligence and dominating sort of personality for it, but unlike Lecter he betrays his one "friend". But Ishmael fell prey to the classic downfalls of the villain: overestimating himself, forgetting key details about his enemy, celebrating too early, etc. If anyone should care here are the elements a evil genius character needs: (1) Have a healthy amount of paranoia (i.e. a little before you go insane from it). (2) Never underestimate the enemy. Enough is never enough. (3) Always be thorough and detailed in weakening your enemy. (4) Make your enemy underestimate you. If they overestimate you, you don't have a chance. (5) Make your weaknesses your strengths (like Ishmael adapting to the darkness). And I think that about covers it. So basically, it was awesome frigg'n story. See you in the next fantasy world. Yours faithfully, The Blaine Boy To Alina: The fantasy part was the third eye bit that Ishmael was talking about where he could see the rest of the world while stuck in his dark prison.

That was an absolutely stunning piece of literature/podcasting/whatever. The reading was superb making Ishmael seem like a creepy, psycho killer kind of like Hannibal Lecter done by Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. He certainly had the intelligence and dominating sort of personality for it, but unlike Lecter he betrays his one “friend”. But Ishmael fell prey to the classic downfalls of the villain: overestimating himself, forgetting key details about his enemy, celebrating too early, etc.

If anyone should care here are the elements a evil genius character needs: (1) Have a healthy amount of paranoia (i.e. a little before you go insane from it). (2) Never underestimate the enemy. Enough is never enough. (3) Always be thorough and detailed in weakening your enemy. (4) Make your enemy underestimate you. If they overestimate you, you don’t have a chance. (5) Make your weaknesses your strengths (like Ishmael adapting to the darkness). And I think that about covers it.

So basically, it was awesome frigg’n story.
See you in the next fantasy world.

Yours faithfully,
The Blaine Boy

]]> By: LittleLotus http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1633 LittleLotus Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:32:36 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1633 What a fabulous story. I was listening to it while working and as the story ended I realized I had stopped working and had been completely focused on the story. It was beautifully written and wonderfully told. The characters seemed dull at first but each took on a light of their own. I don't know if I'd call this fantasy, but I loved it none the less. What a fabulous story. I was listening to it while working and as the story ended I realized I had stopped working and had been completely focused on the story. It was beautifully written and wonderfully told. The characters seemed dull at first but each took on a light of their own. I don’t know if I’d call this fantasy, but I loved it none the less.

]]> By: Seraph http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1627 Seraph Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:01:04 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1627 I was totally loving this story ... right till the end. Anti-climax city. It seemed somewhat out of character for Ishmael to 'forget' about the club. A shame - because up until the left-field bludgeoning it was freaking great. And is it just me - or did the phrase 'bloody bastard' seem to be a little over used ? I was totally loving this story … right till the end. Anti-climax city. It seemed somewhat out of character for Ishmael to ‘forget’ about the club.
A shame - because up until the left-field bludgeoning it was freaking great.

And is it just me - or did the phrase ‘bloody bastard’ seem to be a little over used ?

]]> By: Alina http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1610 Alina Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:32:11 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1610 I agree with everyone else. The story was excellent but the ending was short and less the listener wanting. I had to the end twice just to make sure I knew what happened. The only other problem I have with this story is, is this really fantasy? Was there an element to this story I missed that would place it into the fantasy genre? I agree with everyone else. The story was excellent but the ending was short and less the listener wanting. I had to the end twice just to make sure I knew what happened.
The only other problem I have with this story is, is this really fantasy?
Was there an element to this story I missed that would place it into the fantasy genre?

]]> By: Me http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1608 Me Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:39:16 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1608 I'll admit, I listened to this one for a few minutes, then stopped as I just wasn't interested. Then I went back and, properly listening this time, I really got caught up in the story. The twist at the end was good, I think it was a bit too quick, too. maybe it could have happened not <i>quite</i> at the end, giving a bit more sparring between the characters with this new knowledge. I’ll admit, I listened to this one for a few minutes, then stopped as I just wasn’t interested.

Then I went back and, properly listening this time, I really got caught up in the story. The twist at the end was good, I think it was a bit too quick, too.
maybe it could have happened not quite at the end, giving a bit more sparring between the characters with this new knowledge.

]]> By: scatterbrain http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1606 scatterbrain Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:36:34 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1606 Hmmm. It misfired for me in several different directions and the ending seemed too rushed and rather illogical. Hmmm. It misfired for me in several different directions and the ending seemed too rushed and rather illogical.

]]> By: Amaster http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1594 Amaster Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:15:56 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1594 I loved this story, it was almost the quality of an Edgar Allen Poe. It makes me wonder how much of what Ishmael said was actually real and if it was real, how much Colin knew of it. I loved this story, it was almost the quality of an Edgar Allen Poe. It makes me wonder how much of what Ishmael said was actually real and if it was real, how much Colin knew of it.

]]> By: Mari Mitchell http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1588 Mari Mitchell Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:11:03 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1588 I thought this was okay. I thought this was okay.

]]> By: epilonious http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1587 epilonious Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:23:27 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1587 Dark as an oubliette is right. Still, I was riveted the whole time. But part of me keeps thinking "this seems like an analogy for Graduate School". Dark as an oubliette is right.

Still, I was riveted the whole time. But part of me keeps thinking “this seems like an analogy for Graduate School”.

]]> By: Directors Notes | PC031: Colin and Ishmael in the Dark http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1586 Directors Notes | PC031: Colin and Ishmael in the Dark Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:37:48 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1586 [...] in time for Halloween PodCastle have released my reading of William Shunn’s creepy tale Colin And Ishmael In The Dark. I’ve had the opportunity to read for Escape Pod a couple times in the past, which only [...] [...] in time for Halloween PodCastle have released my reading of William Shunn’s creepy tale Colin And Ishmael In The Dark. I’ve had the opportunity to read for Escape Pod a couple times in the past, which only [...]

]]> By: William Shunn http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1585 William Shunn Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:20:06 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1585 Thanks to everyone involved for a great job on this reading. I'd like to acknowledge Scott Edelman also, who originally published this story in the September 1993 issue of <a href="http://www.sfwa.org/News/sfage.htm" rel="nofollow"><i>Science Fiction Age</i></a>. Thanks to everyone involved for a great job on this reading. I’d like to acknowledge Scott Edelman also, who originally published this story in the September 1993 issue of Science Fiction Age.

]]> By: Hyperion http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1584 Hyperion Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:58:03 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1584 I enjoyed the story too. Very well done. "Colin's" voice was perhaps a bit close to the narration voice, but that was a small matter. For a story where very little actually happens, and consists entirely of a conversation, my attention never came close to waning. I have to echo David that the ending could have been a little better. I loved the stomach punch quality of the O'Henry-esque twist, but it all happened so quickly that I was thrown a bit. I'm not sure if that was the story itself, or if even the storyteller sped up a bit, but the end came in a rush. This is a minor complaint. Conversational stories of this nature are very difficult to do, and William Shunn should be greatly applauded. I would give him two thumbs up, but sitting in the dark as I am, how could he ever tell? I enjoyed the story too. Very well done. “Colin’s” voice was perhaps a bit close to the narration voice, but that was a small matter. For a story where very little actually happens, and consists entirely of a conversation, my attention never came close to waning.

I have to echo David that the ending could have been a little better. I loved the stomach punch quality of the O’Henry-esque twist, but it all happened so quickly that I was thrown a bit. I’m not sure if that was the story itself, or if even the storyteller sped up a bit, but the end came in a rush.

This is a minor complaint. Conversational stories of this nature are very difficult to do, and William Shunn should be greatly applauded. I would give him two thumbs up, but sitting in the dark as I am, how could he ever tell?

]]> By: David http://podcastle.org/2008/10/30/pc031-colin-and-ishmael-in-the-dark-corrected/#comment-1582 David Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:51:22 +0000 http://podcastle.org/?p=68#comment-1582 Interesting story, good reading love the interplay between the characters. Though the ending could have been better. Interesting story, good reading love the interplay between the characters. Though the ending could have been better.

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