"The Secret of Ventriloquism" in Lovecraft eZine issue #35

[dr. locrian]

Read it here.

For those who have read or heard "20 Simple Steps to Ventriloquism," this tale may look familiar at first, but the novelette contains unpublished material which supplements 20 Steps and is more than twice as long.

Audio and Kindle versions forthcoming.

The whole issue may be read here. Hope you enjoy.

[ramonoski]

“20 simple steps...” is one of my favourite modern weird tales. This extended version brings out a different perspective to it. 20SS... is a highly impersonal and cerebral story, featuring no characters and little of what may be called a plot; it's almost like having one of the Greater or Ultimate ventriloquists in a direct line with your brain. On the other hand, this extended version has a narrator who is a clear character with a story arc of his own, complete with a supporting cast—we've moved from the abstract to the concrete. But that's not a bad thing at all! This version in fact reminds me greatly of Ligotti's “Notes on the Writing of Horror,” in its mixture of both a—let's say—‘formal’ basis (in this case, an instructive manual) and what Ligotti termed ‘personal confession’ fiction, making for a story that is both thought provoking and personally poignant. So it's a lot more than just an expanded version of a story; it's a different experience.

[matt cardin]

So great. I mean both the story and its publication in Lovecraft eZine. Congrats and kudos, Jon.

I read this yesterday, but I forgot to comment. I thought it was superb.

[dr. locrian]

Thanks so much for the praise, guys. It means a great deal to me.

[Arthur Staaz]

Jon, I want to say that was pretty impressive. But, in fact, what I think or say is a trifle. For now it's all becoming clear. It's Mr. Vox who is speaking through me to offer congratulations to himself through you. The master of Greater Ventriloquism has spoken eloquently through you.

In all seriousness, the backstory did add a whole new dimension to what I was familiar with from "Twenty Steps to Ventriloquism." The creepy factor went up considerably. And, ever since Pseudopod, I hear that static growing stronger in my head as I read the story. Very well done.