Stories of Stories

Michael Chin's novel, My Grandfather's an Immigrant and So is Yours, is available September 14, 2021 from Cowboy Jamboree Press.As part of the So Is Yours interview series, here's a chat Chin conducted with Ann McBee, author of How Rabbit Went Down and Other Mishaps. (Apologies for a few instances of audio cutting out due to technical issues.)

REWIND is a short-run podcast of 90s nostalgia. In this, the last of our four episodes, Mike Chin and Mike Scalise discuss Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and Big Daddy, with a look at Adam Sandler’s influence, legacy, and noteworthy cast mates.

REWIND is a short-run podcast of 90s nostalgia. In this second of four episodes, Mike Chin and Mike Scalise discuss 1990s professional wrestling, ranging from the original Hulkamania run, to the New World Order, to the Attitude Era, plus many points in between and beyond.

REWIND is a short-run podcast of 90s nostalgia. In this second of four episodes, Mike Chin and Mike Scalise discuss the films American Pie 1 & 2, including iconic moments, noteworthy cast members, influence, and what these movies might have to say as a culmination of 1990s comedy and teen culture.

REWIND is a short-run podcast of 90s nostalgia. In this first of four episodes, Mike Chin and Mike Scalise discuss topics ranging from the iconic Chicago Bulls, to our favorite New York Knicks, to trading cards, to the NBA Jam video game, plus many points in between and beyond.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This tenth and final episode focuses on Delete or Decay, an off-beat match produced by Matt Hardy for Impact Wrestling, that encompassed a number of cinematic elements that have recently come back into style in the era of COVID-19. The episode then shares "Ghost," a flash piece from the new book, originally published in PASSAGES NORTH. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This ninth episode focuses on The Shield vs. Evolution from WWE Extreme Rules 2014. The episode then shares an excerpt from "Finishers," a short story from the new book, originally published in the WORKING STIFF anthology from Gimmick Press. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This eighth episode focuses on what was probably the greatest match I've been present to watch live: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels from WrestleMania 25. The episode then shares "How It Starts,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in TUCK MAGAZINE. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This seventh episode focuses on Mr. Perfect vs. Ric Flair from the January 25, 1993 episode of WWF Monday Night Raw. The episode then shares "The Dream,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in YOUR ONE PHONE CALL. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This sixth episode focuses on Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch from NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable in 2015. The episode then shares "Getting Ready,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in COWBOY JAMBOREE MAGAZINE. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This fifth episode focuses on Cactus Jack vs. Big Van Vader from WCW Halloween Havoc 1993. The episode then shares "Texas Death,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in METONYM. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This fourth episode focuses on the main event of WWE’s Canadian Stampede 1997 show, a huge ten-man tag match that pitted Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, The British Bulldog, and Jim Neidhart against Stone Cold Steve Austin, Goldust, Ken Shamrock, and the Legion of Doom. The episode then shares "Conversations with Ghosts,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in BIRCH GANG REVIEW. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This third episode focuses on Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa from NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, and then shares "Lessons LEarned,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in RATHALLA REVIEW. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This first episode focuses on Bret Hart vs. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith from SummerSlam 1992, and then shares "Training,” a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in PASSAGES NORTH, and that also appeared in my chapbook AUTOPSY AND EVERYTHING AFTER. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

My new book, THE LONG WAY HOME is here! In celebration, I'm releasing a short-run podcast known as THE SHORT WAY HOME. This first episode focuses on Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania 3, and then shares "My Father was Andre the Giant," a piece of flash fiction from the new book, originally published in GRAVEL. Thanks to Adam Van Winkle for the art for the book cover and podcast. Learn more about Cowboy Jamboree Press at cowboyjamboreemagazine.com.

After nearly four years, in this final and particularly meta-episode, Mike chin discusses the making of this very podcast.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses the MFA in creative writing--what it entails, whether it's worth it, and related musings.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his first chapbook, The Leo Burke Finish, published by Gimmick Press in 2017 as part of the Three-Way Dance project.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses the process of writing and publishing literary book reviews.

In this edisode, Mike Chin discusses his shot story "Take Me Home," inspired by the work of Shirley Jackson, and originally published with Non-Binary Review.

In this episode, MikeChin discuses his X-Files-themed short story, "Aliens and Ghosts," published with The Tusk in early 2017.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Yelling," published with Blue River Review in early 2018.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses a series of poems about his grandmother, including work originally published in Hawai'i Pacific Review, Algebra of Owls, Bitterzoet Magazine, and The Blue Nib.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses his short story "Bedtime Stories," originally published with Better Than Starbucks in 2017.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Moonshine," originally published in the Saints and Sinners Anthology from Bold Strokes Books.

In this episode, Mike Chin his prose poem, "The Red Thread," originally published with Bellevue Literary Review in 2016.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses the Oregon State MFA and MA programs founding the international literary journal 45th Parallel.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "The Straw Man," originally published with Icarus Down Review in 2016.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Better," originally published with Extract(s) in 2015.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his prose poem, "Sea Monster," originally published with Yes Poetry in January 2017.

This episode captures a live lecture and reading in which Mike Chin shares his thoughts on pro wrestling and how it has inspired his creative work, plus readings from both published pieces and works in progress.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his short story "Prophecy," originally published with Iron Horse Literary Review in 2017.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses "Princess," a short story originally published with Profane Journal in 2016. Full text available here: http://www.profanejournal.com/michael-chin.html

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses the very first piece of wrestling lit he ever published, a short story called "Going Home," which first appeared in Stymie Magazine's Autumn & Winter 2011 issue, available free online here: https://issuu.com/stymiemag/docs/stymiemagaw11_final

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his prose poem "Bucket," published in early 2017 with Gyroscope Review.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses "The End of the World," a short story originally published in Front Porch in late 2016.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Answer Woman," originally published with The Normal School, fall 2016.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses his flash fiction meditation on time travel and cats, "Crackers, Guide Us All." This story was published in Sick Lit Magazine and you can read the full text online at https://sicklitmagazine.com/2016/07/20/crackers-guide-us-all-by-michael-chin/.

In this edition of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses "Finishers," a short story about friendship, masculinity, and pro wrestling fanship originally published in Gimmick Press's Working Stiff anthology.

In this episode, Mike Chin discusses "[All Campus] Zombies vs Humans" an epistolary flash fiction piece originally published by Spectator & Spooks. You can read the piece free online here: http://spectatorlitmag.com/

In this edition of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses his BuzzFeed feature ranking all of the Counting Crows studio tracks at the time (2014, in advance of the Somewhere Under Wonderland album). Check out the full write-up here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/miketchin/ranking-all-69-counting-crows-songs-ipcp

In this edition of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses a pair of flash fiction pieces Commemoration and Wedding Day, which capture the wife and husband's sides, respectively, of the same courthouse wedding. Read Commemoration at Stepping Stones Magazine: http://ssmalmia.com/commemoration/ and Wedding Day at Queen Mob's Teahouse: http://queenmobs.com/2016/06/18737/.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discuses The Joke, a prose poem recalling a childhood memory. The poem was published in The Chiron Review in 2016.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses Chirps, a short story about a smoke detector that wants to be a bird with some undertones about what it means to be an artist. The story was published in The Pacific Review in 2015.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses Three Words That Became Hard To Say, his twice-monthly blog of personal stories, musings, and potpourri.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses After We Finished Playing, a short story about a no-longer young couple stuck in traffic when one of them has to pee very badly. The story was published in Cahaba River Literary Journal in 2015.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses Clown Faces, an off-beat short story two young women at clown college. The story is part of the anthology, Things You Can Create available for purchase here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/273281

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses "Preston Burns: Life Unlimited," a fictional blog that featured ongoing and interlocking story lines, for which he posted a new entry 828 straight days in the mid-to-late 2000s. Read the blog here: http://www.prestonburns.com.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses Ripples, a horror-ish short story about a man on a road trip with his daughter, hunting monsters. Read the full story here: http://thisdarkmatter.com/black-friday-fiction/black-friday-fiction-2/

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses "Dockerty's Daughter," a short story about a little girl who may or may not travel through time and the father who disappears chasing after her.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses "Watching The Dogs," a piece of flash fiction published in The Kentucky Review in the summer of 2015 (full text available online here: http://www.kentuckyreview.org/index.php/issues2/2015/flash-fiction-2015/item/572-chin2015bio).

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses The Cool 100--a countdown on The A Cappella Blog that led to a lot of controversy, site traffic, and lessons learned.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses Free Throw, a YA novel he wrote during his teenage years, including a discussion of novel-writing process, being a young writer, and what self-publishing does and does not accomplish.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Truth or Dare," full text available free online in CaKe: A Journal of Poetry and Art here: http://haveasliceofcakepoetry.blogspot.com/2011/11/truth-or-dare-by-michael-chin.html

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses creative writing MFA programs with a focus on the application process, and additional conversation about whether the MFA is necessary and his personal experiences in a community of writers.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Waiting for Flight," full text available free online in The Rappahannock Review here: http://www.rappahannockreview.com/chin-michael/

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "The Rules We Follow," full text available from Siren Zine here: https://sirenzine.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/michael-chin/

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses his short story, "Benny Ran Away From Nerding Camp," available in print in the Spring 2012 issue of The New Sound.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses the crafting and process of his pro wrestling column, The Magnificent Seven, featured weekly on 411mania.com.

In this episode of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin discusses the history and evolution of The A Cappella Blog, including behind the scenes insights into how the site works and where it is headed.

In the first edition of Stories of Stories, Mike Chin breaks down the creative process behind "Practical Men," a short story that won the 2014 James Knudsen Prize in Fiction from the University of New Orleans and appears in the Spring 2015 issue of Bayou Magazine.