Writers Corner Podcast: Recent Episodes
WLRH Public Radio
New Sundial contributor Anilee Gayle brings us poetry that she hopes will raise awareness of autism in women.
Alex Moore's childhood baseball glove brings back memories of afternoons spent on the field.
George Hamilton offers up the history and journey of his family's cannon. Yes, they owned their own artillery piece!
E Reid brings us poetry reflecting her life and surroundings, along with a wish for her Coweeta Poet sisters and all creators.
When Allen Berry sees the arrival of wildflowers in the spring, he is reminded of a musical composition from his high school band days!
Donna Geise has written a satirical story about a party of pretty judge-y women—see if you recognize anyone you know!
On this week's Sundial episode, poet Leonard Adams' poem asks us to open our hearts to love.
Sundial Writer Sam Gravel fondly remembers his sister Gerry, who lovingly took care of their Mom when she developed Alzheimer's disease.
New Sundial contributor Beth Ann Hill is reminded of her Grandma whenever she eats cucumbers.
Debra Qualls was a chatty little girl! But she eventually learned her lesson, as you'll hear in this story Silence is Golden.
Sundial contributor Chris Ferguson wonders why we humans feel the need to measure all kinds of things.
On Part 2 of this Solstice Radio Special, sixteen Sundial Writers present their thoughts on the space, the time, the emotion "Between Light and Dark".
On this Solstice Radio Special, seven Sundial Writers present their thoughts on the space, the time, the emotion "Between Light and Dark".
New contributor Jim Parker has written a poem that pretty much describes himself perfectly. It's called A Man Like Me.
New Sundial contributor Rena Lott introduces us to Lucy Harris, a pioneer of women's basketball here in the States.
Rose Battle returns to center stage with a story of her "Uncle Lobe", who experienced his first "moving picture" with her family at the drive in movie!
New contributor Cindy Baier shares her history of writing poetry to work through life's challenges.
New contributor Will Seamus recalls an occurrence in the middle of a busy and noisy workday at an electronics warehouse. His story is called "Receiving".
Sundial contributor Donna Geise has written a sestina in loving memory of her Great Aunt Erma, a beautiful, free spirit.
Today's Sundial Writers Corner episode features a school days story from Debra Quarles. She remembers it well, and turns out, so does her teacher 50 years later!
Today's poets Alan Burkett and Shama Patel share their observations of the objects and personal feelings.
New contributor Brenda Wilkerson brings us a heartwarming story from her elementary school bus route that she drives every day.
Michael Guillebeau pays tribute to the courage of writers in his essay called "Beautiful Magic Done Dirt Cheap"
Huntsville author Rebecca Moore returns to Sundial with a loving tribute to her teacher, Phil.
New Sundial contributor Davis Blackwelder brings us a story about his legendary Uncle Bill.
Young prose writers Abigail Wilson and Ella Esslinger read excerpts from their prize winning short stories in this special Sundial edition produced by Isabelle Berube.
HLA Young Writers Abigail Wilson and Ella Esslinger read their entire prose submissions in this special extended edition of the Sundial Writers Corner.
Inayah Sohel, Zayna Killedar and Laurel Howard each took top honors in their categories of the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers Contest in 2024. Today we present their prize winning poems in an episode produced by Isabelle Berube.
Today we return to our treasure trove of stories from master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham, a true Alabama gem!
Poet Susan Luther brings us her paean to that magical sound of the organ's Zimbelstern.
New Sundial contributor George Hamilton recounts a meeting that didn't go as he intended.
Sundial contributor Sarah Belanger has had it with folks who keep asking "so, when are you two going to have kids?"
Sundial contributor Pat Graves returns to share his story of paratrooper training back in 1964.
Cindy Small takes us along on a treasure hunt at an estate sale—where the stakes are high!
A radio special featuring 7 Sundial Writers reflecting on moments when technology made a difference in their lives.
Regular Sundial contributor Beth Thames relates her story entitled "My Mother and the Burning Cake". You know you want to listen!
In a follow up to an earlier episode, treasured war letters are returned to the family of a sailor killed in World War II.
New contributor Hannah Kanfer shares a personal story about compassion in her essay "The Meaning of a Haircut".
Huntsville poet Ginny Gilbert offers a look at the future if we're not mindful of our actions now.
English teacher Amy Dobbs has compiled her Calhoun students' thoughts on what makes life worth living into a poem.
Sundial contributor Jackie Williams recalls a blustery day spent in a hospital waiting room with a frightening man.
Sundial contributor Kate Watts brings a story about her investigations into her ancestry that have no connection to coffee.
Sundial contributor and snowbird Cindy Small gives us an inside look at life around the pool in her senior community in Florida.
Sundial contributor Pat Graves remembers one of the soldiers whose interment he witnessed between his tours to Vietnam.
Andrew Gonzales returns with his tribute to airports, which, believe it or not, he enjoys visiting!
Sundial contributor Rose Battle recalls her first experience with employment and the lessons she took with her throughout life.
Sundial contributor Ron Warren shares a personal story of a close family member with dementia.
Joyce Billingsley looks back on her life and appreciates that she has always been able to adapt.
Sundial contributor Hethalyn Godwin shares a personal story about gifts given—and received.
Sundial contributor Michael Brown uses metaphor to explain the controversy over the Crimson Tide's ranking this season—and show that it's nothing new!
Melissa Ford Thornton remembers her anxiety at having to produce a perfect holiday meal for her extended family.
Sundial contributor John Tate recalls a dangerous turn in his family's holiday journey.
Sundial contributor Donna Geise reads her prize winning poem "There Was Nothing Memorable or Special".
For our Labor Day edition of the Sundial Writers Corner, Alex Moore brings us his recollection of his college summer job spent working in the steel industry of Birmingham.
Sundial contributor Rebecca Moore shares her journey in this essay called "Modern Brides".
Three young poets read their prize winning poetry from the HSV Literary Association's Young Writers Contest.
Joe Zullo brought the fire and passion of the Tango to his description of Yellowstone National Park in this poem.
Jane Patten has been pondering human nature lately in a piece called "The Unfriend Zone".
Author Neal Wooten pays tribute to the special teacher that helped him overcome his impoverished childhood in Northeast Alabama.
In a special Independence Day edition, storyteller Sara McDaris reminds us how lucky we are to live in this country.
Sundial contributor Madeline Rathz recalls the magical thinking that pervaded much of her childhood in a piece called "Barbie World".
10 Sundial writers reflect on the summer solstice with their prose and poems based on "The Brightest Day."
Sundial contributor shares stories from his Dad's life, and encourages us to listen to our loved ones every chance we get!
Sundial Writers read their reflections on "The Brightest Day" in a special hour long feature.
New contributor Hameed El-Amin reflects on the origins of the water bubbling up out of the ground in downtown Huntsville.
In honor of Memorial Day, we bring you Sam Gravel's account of his military service in Vietnam.
Dr Allen Berry brings us a poem that pays homage to his fellow college students who hoped for immortality through graffiti.
WLRH treasure and master storyteller, the late Kathryn Tucker Windham brings us another down home portrait of her family.
Sundial contributor Ambrosia Patterson has been thinking about opportunities and obstacles that we face.
Martena Koken helps us commemorate Earth Day with her essay entitled "Give Thanks to Earth".
Sundial contributor Cindy Small takes us on a zany unexpected journey through her neighborhood in New Orleans.
Sundial contributor Anna Lee describes her life with WLRH music as its musical background.
Susan Guthrie has written a poem illustrating our connection to the world around us and ages past.
New contributor Alan Burkett passes along some life lessons he's learned from his dog, Jeeves.
Sundial contributor Doreen Fulcher paints us a picture of her Mom—as she tried to assimilate to life in the South after World War II.
New Sundial contributor Amy Dobbs shares a song that has comforted her through some tough times.
Margaret J Vann brings us two poems that highlight her observational powers and take us from Winter into the promise of Spring.
New Sundial contributor Debra Quarles brings us a story for Valentine's Day called "From the Heart".
Andrew V Gonzales calls himself a "work in progress". Here he lays out some of his own rules for talking-
Poet Allen Berry kicks off our new year of Sundial episodes with four short poems--one of which contains advice for aspiring writers!
Pat Graves remembers his Radio Telephone Operator in the 101st Airborne-- the "Screaming Eagles" in his essay "The Worst and Best of the Army in Vietnam".
The Public Radio Hour teams up with the Sundial Writers Corner to present a hour of holiday stories with A Sundial Christmas! Featuring Monita Soni. Sara McDaris, Sara Belanger, Doreen Fulcher, Rosemary McMahan, Judy Cameron, Michael Guillebeau, Melissa Ford Thornton and two never-before-broadcast stories from Kathryn Tucker Windham.
New Sundial contributor Delores Price wrote this to honor the "First Lady of AAMU", who began a scholarship program to benefit worthy students AND our community! Delores has published two books of meditations--you can reach her at deloresaprice@gmail.com if you would like more information.
Alex Moore recounts the story his friend and mentor Dr Donald Hayhurst shared of his experiences during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
Sundial contributor Sara Leibold explains how she manages to get through a grueling hike in the Great Smoky Mountains.
New Orleans native Cindy Small describes the events following the demise of Cha Cha, Queen of Barkus.
New Sundial contributor Chris Gorman recounts a creepy experience he had during his college years...
New Sundial contributor John Tate learned a hard lesson early in his life--and shares his memories of the incident that has stuck with him ever since.
This week we hear from poet Aubrey Fannin, for whom beauty and pain intermingle in the recesses of his Southern experience.
Master storyteller Sara McDaris takes us up into the sky for an adventure--with an unexpected ending.
Sundial contributor Andrew V Gonzales reflects on the physical and spiritual significance of his first tattoo.
Sundial contributor Cathie Mayne laments the art she didn't purchase that "got away", and life's larger lessons. She's holding a cherished piece that she got on layaway!
New Sundial contributor Margaret Anne Goldsmith passes along a tale her grandfather used to tell about the origin of the "Paint Rock Agates", beautiful geodes found along the banks of the ri
Curtis Lindsay has some thoughts on the death of Queen Elizabeth, and ponders what she's meant to him--and to the world.
Dr Virginia Gilbert heard a composition at the last performance of TwickenhamFest and was moved to write about the war in Ukraine.
As we witness the burial of Queen Elizabeth II, we present a special edition of Sundial by Joyce Billingsley, who clearly remembers Princess Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.
Sundial contributor Anna Lee looks back on all the lovely little girls that have been a part of her life.
Rebecca Moore finds a way to move on by setting a habit and sticking with it in her essay titled "The Magic of Monday Pants".
Athens author John Davis describes his visit to the "Wall of Fear", otherwise known as the Iron Curtain--in chilling detail.
Monita Soni takes us across time and space to a family picnic along the river Jhelum in the Nanda Devi National Park of India.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused poetry to spill from Huntsville's Rosemary McMahan.
New Market poet Aubrey Fannin weaves a fabric of sensations to describe the chores and aromas of the seasons.
Today we feature another winner of the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers contest. Here's Jillian Naylor with her poem called Atlas.
Today we spotlight the poetry of two winners of the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers Contest: Claire Uptagraft and Laurel Howard.
Today we spotlight the poetry of two winners of the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers Contest: Claire Uptagraft and Laurel Howard.
Christopher Ferguson ponders the source of his family--and wonders, what does family really mean?
Huntsville newcomer Brigette Pellerin has fallen in love with this community and its people.
Sundial contributor Jamie Dodson recalls his time spent in Sarajevo following the Bosnian war.
New Sundial contributor Carol Hoch reminisces about a summer vacation at her Grandmother's house--where she was outnumbered by her boy cousins and brothers.
Storyteller Rose Battle details her first job--maybe the best one she ever had! Here's her story called "Front Porch Offerings".
This week's Sundial contributor, Philip Nalls Johnson, wonders why his imagination soared so easily when he was young!
Carissa Lovvorn has written a poem to illustrate the way their family chose to honor essential workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
This week's episode has new Sundial contributor Larry Halterman skillfully combining one of his favorite mondegreens (misheard lyrics) with a poem about our fair city.
Sam Gravel is still haunted by memories of his time spent in Vietnam more than 50 years ago.
Poet Susan Hazen Guthrie thinks about plants, life, and the long arc of justice in her two poems The Jade Plant and Red Tomato.
New Sundial contributor Ambrosia Patterson has been fascinated by stories of transformation brought about by the pandemic. Here's her tale.
New Sundial contributor Pam Dempsey chronicles her journey that winds up in Huntsville, and the stories she discovered here.
Sundial contributor Anna Lee recounts a visit to see her friend's pet pig. Can a pig be apprehensive?
In this special Public Radio Hour edition of Sundial, poet Richard Mackay hopes for a better future after the war in Ukraine.His poem is called "Eulogy of Ecology of the Human Spirit".
New Sundial contributor Rebekah Lorton brings us a poem about love--and her late Grandmother. She says it's ironic that she's talking on the radio--she use to cry when her Mom played NPR!
Cindy Small brings us another tale from her zany childhood in the Big Easy. Her housekeeper had the urge to clean but decided it was a false alarm.
Samuel Knight started writing in middle school, published his first book in high school, and hasn't stopped writing since! Here he recalls his childhood in the Northwest.
On this Valentine's Day, as our thoughts turn to love, we feature a poem written by Michael Guillebeau for his wife, Pat.
This week's episode features poet Aubrey Fannin, who brings us two poems written from his personal experiences.
This week's Sundial episode features two poems of Margaret Vann--both deal with journeys and destinations.
New Sundial contributor Jason Cole imagines what happens as we pass from this life in his poem called "Hollow Chest".
In her story called "Forty Days and Forty Nights", Sundial contributor Jane Patten recalls a childhood memory of 1961's Hurricane Esther when it hit the Delaware coast and the subsequent flooding that occurred at her house.
On this week's episode, Sundial poet Allen Berry takes us on a journey out past our solar system.
This week the Sundial Writers Corner revisits a treasured holiday tradition: master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham and her red scooter.
Cathie Mayne tries to keep the focus on important things during the holiday season by remembering her role in the Christmas pageant years ago-
In this special edition of Sundial, Rosemary McMahan shares warm memories that her Christmas tree evokes.
Brad Posey brings us a poem that recalls his youthful and exuberant existence hanging out with his buddies at his grandparents' home in Hazel Green AL.
Longtime Sundial contributor Patricia Sammon ponders the magic of scientific discovery.
Sundial Writer Sri Bhooshanan brings a slice of jungle life from his backyard as he shares an encounter that teaches him some life lessons.
New Sundial contributor Sam Mitchell tells a story about friendship called Misconceptions and the High Waisted Mermaid.
Storyteller Rose Battle recounts her skill in negotiation following a really bad hair day.
Sundial Writers Kem Roper shares her story of encouragement for all of us on an uphill climb.
Sundial writer Sara McDaris wonders. "what's going on?" Will her keen powers of observation help her figure it out?
Jackie Williams remembers communicating with folks before there were rotary phones in her home town in an essay called "Going Dial".
Cindy Small says different, unique and quirky childhoods can produce wonderful experiences even if you do spend time with New Orleans mobsters! The food is great, music is fabulous, and you just might end up becoming the best dancer in the room. There is literary fodder to be had from friendships with madames, jazz and mafia dealings.
On this week's episode, Rebecca Moore takes us along on her poignant journey to a new life.
Huntsville poet Rosemary McMahon shares two companion pieces that concern the beauty (and loss) of our Alabama wilderness.
Chris Ferguson wonders who he will change as we humans venture out in to the solar system--and he vows to be ready!
What do YOU do with all those old photographs? Andrew V Gonzales takes us along on his analog overhaul.
Sundial contributor Beth Thames remembers the time she spied the Beatles on the street in Chicago--and had a conversation with Sir Paul McCartney.
Madison author Michael Guillebeau brings a trilogy of poems that traces the arc of his craft.
Sundial contributor Joyce Billingsley recalls a mysterious malady she suffered as a child.
Lynne Berry Vallely gazes upon a painting depicting Venice, and in her mind, takes a fabulous trip to the city of canals.
New Sundial contributor Pashka Konstantinow ponders what tethers her soul and physical being to existence.
This week Melissa Ford Thornton recalls her introduction to true responsibility while "Raising Kids".
WLRH is pleased to present another winner of the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers Contest: Amelia Rathz won the Junior Short Story division with her entry: Future Nova.
Sundial contributor Rose Battle leaves us in stitches with her tale "She Don't Do Nothing".
Matthew Wilson details the evolution of his "work from home" space. Have we all been through this?
Today we re-visit the archive of stories by the late Kathryn Tucker Windham--one in which she takes us on a tour of her summer garden.
Sundial presents another winner of the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers Contest: we feature an excerpt from Madeline Rathz' short story called "Skywatching".
Sundial is proud to present three poetry winners from the Huntsville Literary Association's Young Writers Contest. We'll hear Zayna Killedar, Jon Macri and Bryan McNeal read their prize winning poems.
New contributor Erin Konstantinow shares a poem she wrote in memory of her brother, who perished in the south World Trade Center tower on Sept 11, 2001.
On this Monday following Mother's Day, Michael Guillebeau wants to talk to you about mothers and sons.
Andrew V Gonzales takes us along with him on his yearly pilgrimage to the beach--is it sweeter for having been delayed by the pandemic?
Sundial contributor Jackie Williams recalls the lessons big and small she learned from her typing teacher.
New Sundial Writer Sarah Belanger reflects on lessons she learned from her most memorable teacher, the eccentric Mrs. Coleman.
During Women's History month, Monita Soni pays homage to all women who make the world a better place to live!
Sundial Jimmy Robinson has been thinking lately about the ashes imposed on the foreheads of the faithful at Ash Wednesday services.
Sundial Writer Rebecca Brothers recalls the feelings brought on by a seemingly innocent game.