written by David Steffen
The Drabblecast is a weekly (theoretically) podcast of strange stories for strange listeners (such as yourself). It is edited, published, and hosted by Norm Sherman. In 2016-2017 it gradually fell into hiatus for a couple years until a big relaunch plan with a Kickstarter to help keep it going. It’s very exciting that the podcast is going again and I hope it goes well. This list covers the years of 2016-2019, which includes stories both before and after the hiatus.
I don’t consider my own stories for these lists, but I did want to mention that two of my own stories have been published in Drabblecast in that time: “I Will Remain” (narrated by Nick Camm) and “We Do Not Speak of the Not Speaking” (narrated by Norm Sherman).
I do consider stories that I previously published on Diabolical Plots, but add an extra story to the list so that it doesn’t bump one off the list.
Stories eligible for Hugo and Nebula awards for this year are marked with an asterisk (*).
The List
1. “The Best Scarlet Ceremony Ever!” by Shaenon K. Garrity*
An original story commissioned for Lovecraft month, advertised as Sweet Valley High meets Lovecraft.
2. “Giraffe Cyborg Cleans House!” by Matthew Sanborn Smithread
One of the most ungainly household cyborgs really just wants to help however it can, but life isn’t easy for a household giraffe cyborg.
3. “Necessary Cuts” by Bryan Miller*
Another original story for Lovecraft Month, this one about copyediting a Lovecraft style book of madness.
4. “Beauty Tips for the Apocalypse” by Karen Heuler*
An original story for Women and Aliens Month, which is exactly what it sounds like.
5. “Night of the Living POTUS” by Adam-Troy Castro
Whenever a new President is sworn in, on the first night of his Presidency he has to face off against the resurrected vicious versions of every POTUS that preceded them.
6. “The Translator” by Eboni J. Dunbar*
Being a translator for aliens is much more than simply learning a language.
Honorable Mentions
“1977” by Carrie Vaughn
“Loving Armageddon” by Amanda C. Davis