Category: Reflection

Happy Birthday FastFictionPodcasts

Posted on by wotif

Happy Birthday FastFictionPodcasts – 42 Today. 

Just one year ago, on April 1st 2018 we brought out our first podcast – Wheeled Prisons. This was so that we would have it circulating in time for the Australian Anzac Day, April 25th.  For those of you who feel strongly about war and its aftermath, which continues long after the conflicting nations are at peace – we urge you to listen, or even re-listen. A Bad Luck Day followed, and while not mentioned specifically, was also associated to the war by an old man who was once a fighter pilot.  Since then we have brought out over 40 podcasts with the aim to make you laugh or cry – but most of all, to be entertained. Thankyou to our regulars who download each episode – never knowing what they will get, be it crime, romance, intrigue or just a trip down memory lane. Our Podcast on Podcasts is a small  competition piece and acts as an example of the way we have introduced our stories, and intend to do in the future.

Note: Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”

Armistice Day

Posted on by wotif

100 years since the GREAT war.

Today we pay tribute and homage to  the millions who served and lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war. It was the war to end all wars, and possibly the last one where face-to-face combat was the norm. Servicemen suffered two horrors.  That, of being automatically enlisted into war, and expected to kill the enemy. And second, to be prepared to die or be maimed while doing so. A no-win situation.,

100 years later and there are more wars raging around the world than we can name – or even know about. Warfare has changed, in many ways it has become simplified. The enemy doesn’t even have to be in sight. Yet people are still dying, or if fortunate, survive –  and carry the battle scars physically and mentally – for ever.

Our very first podcast was released on Anzac Day, 25th April. This is a day personal to Australia and New Zealand. But the story, Wheeled Prison, brings to light the simple naivety of young men before going into battle, and the sheer reality of it when facing the enemy, or returning home, often broken and bitter.

Ordinary people can do little to stop this, other than vote for politicians who will do everything possible to avoid this carnage and confrontation. But we CAN be aware of the personal sacrifice given by so many, and often forgotten or ignored.

Half Year Half Birthday

Posted on by wotif

We are now at an exact 6 month / half year  mark, with 27 pods, in four genres, available on most formats. This has been a happy journey. We were ready for a learning ladder back on 25th April when our first pod Wheeled Prisons was released, in time for Anzac Day.  And what a beautiful start. One of our team connected his pc to a speaker at Amiens where a group were waiting for the Dawn Service. Thinking of this emotive story being played under such perfect conditions is awesome.

Other stories have not been chosen or released in any particular order, as once again, in these early days it was (and still is) difficult to ascertain what types of stories are preferred.  Do listeners want to laugh or cry? Or are crime stories still the favorite to intrigue?

Now that we can use the wonders of Google Analytics, we thought those questions could be answered. But apparently not. For instance, over the last six months, these three stories have shown to be the most popular.

Wheeled Prison,                   For Sale,                      A Natural Accident 

                    

For those listeners familiar with them, they represent MakesYouThink, LifeInTheSlowLane, and CrimeWithoutGrime series

However, a few surprises have occurred. Namely, the countries where fastfictionpodcasts are most popular. With that in mind we would like to give a big THANKYOU to our listeners in Singapore, Omaha and Birr, who have shown the most support.

                                             

This brings up another surprise. That a few but growing number of listeners have asked for print transcripts so that they may have a fun way to learn English. And, something that will be coming soon, a section for Young Adults. This would be an aid to reading skills. This is a great idea, and we would love your input. So please leave comments or contact us directly at fastfictionpodcasts@gmail.com

And finally. an overwhelming THANKYOU to those organisations who provide free software for production and those folk who provide free sound bites and images.