It seemed like a good idea at the time. I discovered the blog carnival world through a friends amazing series of posts about incrasing blog traffic. At the time it seemed the natural thing to do. Start a blog. Update the blog. Figure out how to get more people to read the blog.
I now have officially reached the point where I no longer can run The Carnival of the Storytellers the way I think it needs to be run. Sure, I can take the InstaCarnival form and copy/paste the submissions, throw them up on my blog and call it a day…but I cant bring myself to do that. I enjoyed taking the time to read each and every post sent in, boot out the crappy ones, and commentary to the ones I thought were worth reading.
Since I don’t have the time to do that anymore, I shall proclaim it dead.
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
RIP
Monday, June 25, 2007
Goodbye Carnival
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Carnival of The Storytellers 11th Edition
Welcome to the June 11, 2007 edition of carnival of the storytellers.
A few days late this edition. It seems to be the norm for me now. I still enjoy blogging and this carnival as much as I ever did, but the time has gone. Left me. The early morning blog-time now stolen by work. Back to normal I guess.
This week 17 entries…and 10 made the cut. Elvis didn’t make it with his first post, but managed to tell a second story without gratuitous sex and language problems. In his rejected post he really out did himself using every one of the 7 forbidden words. Yikes.
Jack Yoest presents Management Training, Military Recruiting: Too Easy? posted at Reasoned Audacity, saying, "If a task is too easy, men won't do it. A team will pull together and accomplish most any project if it is perceived as a "Peak Experience." But most management training and large organizations may not be challenging enough to develop teams or develop leaders. Naval writer Patrick O'Brien speaks to the challenge that men need. In the age of sail and tall masts, sailors climbing"

Divya gives us another story for children, with an age-old recipe of a princess held hostage and a brave man to save her. Other than the impossibly to prounounce character names, a fairly interesting read for kids. The Mango Maid posted at inkpenny, saying, "A fascinating fantasy story for older children. Adventure, magic and love - it's got it all."
It’s always a pleasure to read a post from Madeleine Begun Kane. Fun, well-written, and rife with husband vs wife humor that almost any couple can identify with. This post is especially endearing to me since a vacation for me without renting a speed boat to take out on the ocean is no vacation at all. It drives my wife nuts. Perhaps the most conflict we have had on a vacation was the day I used every ounce of persuasive skill I had to get her to go out on the ocean in 8 foot swells. Motor Boating Just Isn?t Our Speed (Humor Column) posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog.

International travel beyond the tourist zone. Someday I hope to travel like this, but doing it with a wife and 4 kids is out of the question. Vanalli presents Meeting people in Kanchanaburi posted at The Lost Boy, saying, "A story about a trip to Kanchanaburi in Thailand last year."


*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****

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Monday, May 28, 2007
Carnival of The Storytellers 10th Edition
Welcome to edition number 10 of The Carnival of Storytellers.
This edition was fun to work. A few of the posts brought out strong reactions and made the task this week much more fun.
If you are a regular reader you might be interested to know that Elvis D's latest entry was booted for gratuitous sex and language, and several more were not included due to bouts of stupidity and boringness (is that a word?).
Read on and enjoy the posts that made the cut!
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
I found this post interesting even though I could not understand about 20% of it due to frequent use of a language I cant understand. Sometimes Toe is kind enough to roughly interpret, most other times you just gotta go with the flow and guess what the words mean. She presents Matabungkay, Part 1 (the Journey) posted at kurokuroatbp, saying, "Story of my childhood days when the family would go to the beach on a jeepney."
Here’s a slightly unusual post for a carnival- TherapyDoc presents Courage posted at Everyone Needs Therapy, saying, "Extraordinary Comebacks--I had to review the book. Would it inspire you? More than therapy? Maybe yes, maybe no." So she gets a free book in hopes it will be read and commented on, it does AND lands in a blog carnival, and all she gets is the free book? TherapyDoc- I am a marketing, sales and product development consultant, and it seems to me you’re selling yourself short here. Get the publisher to agree to give you points on sales or something!
In this next post, Alfa King writes eloquently about the dangers “journalists” are facing abroad. While I in NO way want “journalists” to be harmed, I can’t get over the fact that I don’t trust anyone who claims to be a “journalist.” Especially when “journalists” claim to be unbiased and always report things exactly as they happened without any filter or slant. I would attribute that ability to Jesus, but beyond Him, everyone has an angle. He presents Reporters and Journalists, beware posted at Alfa King Memories.
Excellent post! I really enjoyed this, and was transported back many years to those exciting childhood kickball games. They seemed so important then- the whole world revolved around the game. Each recess we SPRINTED to the field in order to maximize the time for the game. travis simpson presents On Kindergarten, Kickball & the Absence of Cynicism posted at Symbolscape.
Very well-written and funny post about the madness of being male. Totally dug it. There was a comment to the post that mentioned the age-old complaint from women that men never put the toilet seat back down. Women think that is being inconsiderate. I ask you, if women are so considerate, why don’t they lift the toilet seat back up for us men? Brent Diggs presents The Ominous Comma » Hormone Poisoning posted at The Ominous Comma, saying, "I carefully concealed story about my wife and I surrounded by a scientifical mocumentary"
Madeleine Begun Kane presents Surmounting Marriage posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog. Two posts in a row that go straight to the heart of the matter: the battle of the sexes. Is there anything more fun to talk about and dive into then the beauty and humor of how women and men are different? To truly appreciate it one must admit to the faults and frailties of one’s own sex and not just claim and cling to the strengths. We are ALL wonderfully designed and made, and need each other to navigate life.
An occasional mild profanity almost kept this out, but it is such fun reading I couldn’t leave it homeless. Rickey Henderson presents posted at Riding with Rickey, saying, "Oh you're gonna love this story... its a doozy."
Samir Bharadwaj presents How to anti-crash a wedding in 5 easy steps - a case study posted at SamirBharadwaj.com. I decided to include this post even thought I couldn’t get through it all. I sort of lost interest about 3 paragraphs in. If you read through it, leave a comment to let us all know if we should too :)
I too have a deep love and respect for those that have worn the suit of armor to protect and serve our great nation. There has never been, and will likely never be another- United States of America. Jack Yoest presents Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery posted at Yoest.com, saying, "Every time we’ve made the left turn onto Eisenhower Drive, and passed through the imposing brick gates of Arlington National Cemetery, I’ve been overwhelmed with emotion. Family members of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery are given a special pass and may drive onto the Hallowed Grounds to visit the grave of their loved one. It’s an enormous honor which makes me feel humbled."
Interesting. One of the benefits of running this carnival is…its mine. I am absolute ruler. I decide what gets in and what doesn’t. I also get to have a somewhat one-sided argument about the posts. Sure, someone can leave a comment, but then again, I can always delete it. So anyway, here is my take on this post. I believe Vera Nadine is either lying or deluded. She is either trying so hard to be important or fit in this world, or she is hearing voices and seeing things that are either imagined or evil. I find it absolutely amazing people believe in this stuff and yet think the concept of one true God, and his Holy Spirit and Son made man to save us is preposterous. It makes my head spin. She presents Medium Adventures: The Geisha Girl posted at Vera Nadine - Discovering true hope through the magic of spirit, saying, "A spirit psychic details her encounter with the spirit of a Geisha Girl."
Awesome! While I in no way celebrate the needless killing of creatures, surely this gent had a right to strike out and end the life of this pesky critter. I know from experience. Last year I had to BB-gun murder a bird that had taken up residence between the stone and wood of my house, clicking and chirping constantly a mere 6 inches from my favorite family room chair. It was a true single shot, and instant death. travis simpson on the other hand needed two shots. He presents Cock Blocking posted at Symbolscape.
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of the storytellers using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Carnival of The Storytellers 9th Edition
I have noticed that The Carnival of the Storytellers is like most blog carnivals- you have good editions, and not-so-good editions.
The difference is simply the balance of posts being compelling and interesting versus just ok. This edition I am placing in the 'better than average' column.
Of the 17 posts submitted for this edition, I only chose 9 to include.
Of those 9, I would say 3 rank as very good.
I have chosen my three- would be interested to know your three favorites as well. Enjoy.
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****





Struggled with how to categorize this post. It's not actually a story, and certainly not a fantasy. It's more of an observation of fantasy and adventure stories and the idea hero and companion/sidekick. A fairly interesting read. I would put this one on the "if I have a bit more time to read another post" list. Vijayendra Mohanty presents The sword and horse package posted at M Y P A J A M A . C O M, saying, "An essay on one of the most done-to-death storybook motifs."
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
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Monday, April 30, 2007
Carnival of The Storytellers 8th Edition
Hey there Storytellers and Storyreaders-
It's time for edition number 8 at the old Carnival of the Storytellers, and this issue is sure to...to...well, it's actually not sure to do anything.
I must admit I was a bit disappointed with the number and content of the submissions. Am I being too negative? I don't think so...just brutally and non-diplomatically honest.
Here we go....
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
From here on out, whenever I have a bad day and think it can’t get worse, I will come back to my blog and read this post by Kara-Leah Masina. Although it ends in a better place than it started, she hasn’t yet reached the happy ending. Check out How to survive near-drowning in an ocean of tears posted at K-L Masina.
Hueina Su presents Life Balance Lessons: 7 Keys to Avoid Burnout posted at Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul, saying, "Burnout could greatly impact a person's physical & emotional health, relationships, work, and everyone related to him/her. When you are burned out, you can't function at your best, and everyone you care about suffer with you. It's not difficult to see that there is much at stake. Here are some proactive steps you can take today to prevent (or overcome) Nurturing Burnout."
Corner Scribe writes about her earliest recollection of writing a story. I remember mine- I was in fourth grade and I started a book called “The Band” about four childhood friends that made it big in a rock band. Coincidentally, about that time I had discovered and fell-in love with The Beatles. Hmm. Read Write about your FIRST TIME posted at cornerscribe.com.
This really should be classified under Humor- very funny. Stephanie bares all about when she bared all for a recent massage. Fortunately for her the massage therapist didn’t gasp or cry out. That would have been a bit embarrassing. Can relaxation and embarrassment coexist? posted at Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood.
I must admit- once on a dare I spent an entire evening at a club in Chicago with my friend Achim sporting a British accent. I was amazed at how I was treated. It probably helped that the people I was talking to were a bit altered by adult beverages. Arun goes WAY further than I did and almost gets sucked in to living a lie. He presents Arun Hangs Out With/Cons the Real World/Road Rules Cast posted at Arun is bringing you...Your Daily Remedy, saying, "My Fun yet deceiving encounter with the cast of MTV's "Road Rules" last weekend!"
I have never been a big Ernest Hemmingway fan. In fact, I’m not even a little Hemmingway fan. I tried to read one of his books years ago in school, and the last thing I remember was poking a hot iron in my eye to get out of having to read it and write a report. Al Nye gives us a work of fiction by Hemmingway I thoroughly enjoyed. A first. He presents Greatest Short Story Ever Written -- Just 6 Words posted at Al Nye The Lawyer Guy.
I really struggled with the introduction to this next submission. I tried hard. Really hard. I want to say something nice here but I just can’t find the words, and Jorge seems like such a nice guy and a dedicated father. But, alas, I must honestly give my opinion. This is the worst children’s story I have ever read in my entire life. It was so bad, it was actually fun to read. Sort of. Sorry Jorge. Cowie the Dog posted at Stories From Papi, saying, "The adventure of losing a dog."
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of the storytellers using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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Monday, April 16, 2007
Carnival of The Storytellers 7th Edition
Welcome to the 7th edition of The Carnival of the Storytellers. I am starting out this morning writing the editorial introductions to these fine posts on a cold spring morning. Global Warming is failing us here in the South. Late frost this year has ruined some of our vegetation, cancelled softball games, and yesterday it was snowing on the way to church. On April 15th! In Nashville!
Dizzy. I figured out that’s what I really feel after reading a post from TherapyDoc. In the past I had said that I couldn’t understand half of what she wrote, and that maybe I was too stupid to get it. I realize now that the problem is that I have lived too long in the south. I used to think and speak fast as a northerner. I have been in Nashville for 12 years now and my mind and tongue have slowed to Nashville speed. TherapyDoc thinks and talks/writes too fast for me. I cant keep up, and after I read a post from her I feel dizzy. Check out When the Little Things Go Wrong posted at Everyone needs therapy? Lessons from a family therapist, saying, "When your kids grow up and leave home, then come back, life can be really challenging. Therapydoc recommends staying relativistic, pardon the pun." See? Even her description of the post she wrote makes me dizzy.
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of the storytellers using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Carnival of The Storytellers 6th Edition
Welcome to the 6th edition of Carnival of the Storytellers.
This edition of the COTS was delayed two days due to an unexpected trip to Los Angeles I had to take first thing Monday morning. I got back Tuesday late in the afternoon, and then headed straight to the softball fields for Ks practice at 6:30PM and then As first game at 7:30PM. Good excuse, huh?
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
There are few things more fun than a walk to, along, or better yet- through- a creek with your kids. You can spend $500 at a Disney park and not have as much fun. Stephanie takes us along on her recent adventure out to the creek in My Amazing Race- posted at Stop the Ride!.
I had an interesting adventure submitted I wish I could share with all of you, but I can't. The author found it necessary to insert a few random profanities making it ineligible for inclusion here. In a nutshell, this young man was separated from his friends at a downtown club, cell phone was dead, and ended up taking a ride home from a strange man at 2:30AM in the morning. He joked that maybe this man might kidnap him (or worse). He was relived to find he didn't. This is why human predators have 'food' to survive on- people do stupid things. I hope he lives to be 30.
I must admit that more than half the time I read a post by TherapyDoc I don't get what she's saying. Maybe its because I'm not smart enough, but I rather suspect it's because I am not experienced with the whole world of depression and therapy. I have a bit too much "lift your self up by your own bootstraps" in me. She presents Chuck Mahoney and a preventable waste posted at Everyone needs therapy? Lessons from a family therapist, saying, "A true story, this one's about a death that shouldn't have happened, that could have been prevented and should have been." I totally got this one. Very well done, very creative, and what I love most about it is her positive attitude- you can make a difference. Don't let obstacles keep you from your goal of helping someone that is trapped in a very bad place.
Well...I guess congratulations are due Elvis D at 365fiction. I think this is his 3rd or 4th submission and only the first time I have included him. Mostly because he tends to write twisted fiction that seems to glorify things that shouldn’t be. In this post, Come Away With Me, he does it again, but this time manages to avoid any graphic language. What I liked most about it is the glimpse it affords into the mind of a psychopathic killer. If you read this and the concept of intuition fascinates you, you should check out Gavin de Becker’s "Protecting The Gift." It’s about how each of us has an amazing ability to sense danger, and why some people miss the clues that in hindsight are so obvious. FYI- he had a second post he submitted right after this that didn't make it. Sick.
A very interesting read...the kind that allow you to slowly stack up the clues to find out what is really happening. It ends up being a nice teaser as well to the book she wrote, and is selling, on her site. Well done. Nancy O. Greene presents Excerpt from Portraits in the Dark: A Collection of Short Stories « The Writers’ Block posted at The Writers' Block.
Alfa King presents What Type of Writer Should You Be? posted at Alfa King Memories. Interestingly it neither is a real post (only 27 words written by the author), nor is it funny (though the author submitted this under the Humor category. I included it simply because I found the link offered to be mildly interesting. A quick survey results in a report on what kind of writer you are.
Hueina Su did a great job of describing her own post. She submitted it under the category of Memories, but it would fit just as well under Real Life or Advice. Great words of wisdom. She presents Take Time for Friendships posted at Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul, saying, "Remember that story of a mom telling her soon-to-be-married daughter to never let go of her girlfriends? In our super-busy society, it's easy to neglect the important relationships in our life. Being a life coach, I'm very familiar with the negative impact of that. As I navigated through school, career, marriage, and motherhood, I became more and more appreciative and grateful for my old friends. No matter how busy you are, I hope you take time to nurture the significant friendships in your life."
LolaLondon presents 1. Tell me a story, Jackanory... posted at L'undone, saying, "Here is a tale of high-weirdness, big love, cyber-crime and the mutual insane obsession of two people that never even met. This blog is the true story of how it happened and how I got through it."
Though not particularly well-written (and I can say this being a person that on more than one occasion has not particularly written very well), this is a fun read that reminds me of one of my worst bosses. There are few people I learned more from. Of course, mostly it was learning how NOT to do things. Alan presents The Worst Boss Ever - Sound familiar? posted at Made to Be Great.
Back to normal. Another post from TherapyDoc where I really don't understand what she's saying. Oh well- I will include it anyway in hopes someone else will. She presents Work ! posted at Everyone needs therapy? Lessons from a family therapist, saying, "real life means work (for most of us), and how DOES one make the real life after work a little more, shall we say, interesting? dial it down, of course."
*****C*A*R*N*I*V*A*L***OF***T*H*E***S*T*O*R*Y*T*E*L*L*E*R*S*****
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of the storytellers using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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