Montana Voice

I was honored when the following short story, “What We Share,” was accepted for publication in the “Jewish Fiction Journal,” which has also published writing by the Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, along with many other literary luminaries. "I have not always been this way, living alone in a small apartment at the top of an old building, but though I have lost nearly everything, I still have words I can share. It's the young woman. The one who moved into the apartment next to mine, she has helped me remember what is important...." Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

A story from 1982 set in Missoula, Montana, during the turmoil of the Cold War. In the 1980s, the US government had a large civil defense strategy called "Crisis Relocation Planning." It was a Cold War program intended to move millions of people out of major cities into rural areas if nuclear war seemed imminent. Montana officials and county sheriffs knew the plan was impossible and was considered suicidal for many reasons. But counties still completed the required maps and capacity tables because FEMA funding depended on it. Crisis relocation planning was officially abandoned by 1990. For the transcript of this story, visit saroff.com/missoula-1982.htm. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

In the 1980s, the US government had a large civil defense strategy called "Crisis Relocation Planning." It was a Cold War program intended to move millions of people out of major cities into rural areas if nuclear war seemed imminent. Montana officials and county sheriffs knew the plan was impossible and was considered suicidal for many reasons. But counties still completed the required maps and capacity tables because FEMA funding depended on it. Crisis relocation planning was officially abandoned by 1990. Here is a story from 1982 set in Missoula, Montana. For the transcript of this story, visit saroff.com/warning.htm. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

I was honored when “Circus” was accepted by The Examined Life Journal, a well-respected literary magazine published by the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. This story is about depression but ends on a hopeful note. Read the transcript of this story here: https://saroff.com/circus.html Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Another 30-second episode. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

After submitting “First Snow,” to Bull, a literary journal which publishes unique stories I often like, I received this, one of the best acceptance letters: "Man, there were so many reasons I wanted to reject this: ... Usually not a big fan of stories about kids--especially not happy kids... not quite the vibe I'm usually looking for... But this is so fucking beautiful and poetic without trying to sound pretty. The imagery feels like a short film that wins an Oscar. And the ending completely nailed it for me. Anyway, after I said all that, if you're still interested, I'd love to publish this here. What do you say? Ben / Bull Lit " Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

A short story, originally published in the literary journal MonkeyBicycle. And some explanation about why it was submitted with Submittable. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Musings about pottery. "Solitude with no goal is no comfort, but aimed at the discovery of the mysterious, with observations of matters great and small, solitude is the cure for even the deepest sorrow. You can go out, then come back and say, 'Look. See what I have found.' The right sort of solitude leads to the best sort of company..." Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

A memory from 1977 in Missoula, Montana. Words and music by Steve Saroff Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

A book that my children, when they were young, delighted in having me read to them. Found yesterday at a 2nd hand sale, and read here. Thank you, Dr. Seuss! Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

A 4-minute memory prompted by a question. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Remembering Greg Bechle, when he lived in Missoula, Montana. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Short readings from a few popular social media posts, as well as sections from the novel Paper Targets, are set to music. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Flute and Didgeridoo, by Steve Saroff and Mandela Van Eeden. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

The second of several short readings, some from the book, The Long Line of Elk, by Steve S. Saroff Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

The first of several short readings, most from the book, The Long Line of Elk, by Steve S. Saroff Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Steve Saroff having a discussion with Peggy Berryhill, the owner of KGUA on January 23rd, 2024, about 'Paper Targets', growing up, life, and coastal waves. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Enzi waits for Mr. 'XX' with a loaded .45 and a bag of potato chips. The conclusion of The Aether and the Lie, a story of greed, art, and murder. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.

Enzi makes a decision and buys a brick from Pascal. The Aether and the Lie is a story of greed, art, and murder. 1911 is a name for a handgun. Visit MontanaVoice.com for more information and to listen to additional episodes.