
Oh Glory to the King in Yellow! My story “The Dedication of the High Priestess” has finally been released! And even better, it’s been released in an audio format, which is always very special!
Now, if you don’t know, “The Dedication of the High Priestess” is a short story I wrote back in late 2021 combining both my love of ballet with the story of the King in Yellow (see this incredible video by The Tale Foundry if you would like to know more about the character before going into the story itself). It follows a young ballerina who finds herself chosen for a special role by the King, and what happens when she becomes exposed to his influence.
I know I say this about a lot of my stories that are published lately, but I do feel this is some of my best work. I really feel that I got to capture the main character, Anastasia Hummel’s, despair and abrupt transition into adulthood very well while also telling a great horror story. Honestly, I haven’t been this excited for you all to read one of my stories in a while, that’s how much I love it and how good I think it is.
Not to mention that it’s being released on the Tales to Terrify podcast. As you can guess from the title, the Tales to Terrify podcast is dedicated to reading aloud terrifying stories submitted by writers like you and me and narrated by professional narrators. And boy, did they do an amazing job with “Dedication!” The narrator, Amy Paonessa (God, I hope I spelled that correctly), brought Anastasia to life perfectly and mirrored her emotions so well. I was impressed and amazed as I listened, unable to stop. And I’m sure you all feel the same way when you hear her narrate the tale.
I hope you take the time to listen to the story and then let me know what you think. Hell, maybe you’ll even spread it around so that other people can hear it and experience it for themselves. I would very much appreciate that, as would the good folks at Tales to Terrify.
Anyway, I’ll leave a link for you all below. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the story. Now, if anyone needs me, I’ll be spreading the word about the story and thinking about how it came out right as lots of ballet companies around the world are putting on their annual Nutcracker productions.* Then I’ll drive out to see some family while also writing the script for the movie version in my head.**
Until next time, good night, pleasant nightmares, and be careful who you punch out during Black Friday sales today. They might come for you and do more than punch you back!
Tales to Terrify – Episode 565 – Rami Ungar
*Coincidence? Probably, but a cool coincidence.
**No, a movie version isn’t planned at this point, but that has never stopped me from dreaming. And I feel “Dedication” would make a great psychological horror film.
Yay! Congrats Rami. I love this story. Looking forward to listening to it! πππ
Thanks Iseult! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
I loved it, Rami! I was creeped out by Mr. Draegon from the beginning. I worried for Annie and Millie. Your descriptions of both illustrative art and the art of dance are wonderful. The ending is dread-filled!
Thanks, Priscilla! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I hope a lot more people listen to it and like it as well!
Loved it! Amy Paonessa did a great job. Itβs such a creepy yet beautiful story. One of my favorites.
Thanks, Iseult. I’m hoping more people discover it and fall in love with it as time goes on. Goodness knows I’ll do what I can to get more people to listen to it.
Iβm posting a review on my blog today, so I hope that will get some listeners too. π
You are? Thank you so much! I can’t wait to read it when I get home!
π
Yay, Rami! I’ll listen tonight.:-)
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I really like the ai work at the beginning.
Is your story in ebook format any where, or just audio?
Just audio. If that changes, I will announce it.
Thanks for letting me know.
You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy the story if you listen to it.
I’m not an audio guy, hence my wondering if it was in ebook. I just can’t focus on them.
Well I am submitting it for a Bram Stoker award. I did send e-copies around. If you send me an email, I can send you a copy.
Perfect!
I’ll shoot you an email after work
I’ll keep an eye out for it.