Wrapping Up Another SeasonWrapping Up Another Season
J Hirtle The Last Storyteller
Jim Hirtle looks back on a busy ninth season that highlighted 74 indie authors and their stories, and outlines plans for a folklore-focused tenth season. The episode blends gratitude, practical advice for authors, and previews of darker urban legends to come.
5:23•19 Aug 2026
Season Nine Wrap-Up: Indie Authors, Urban Legends, and Stories that Bleed
Episode Overview
- Seventy-four indie authors were featured in season nine, sharing their books and writing journeys at no cost.
- Jim stresses that indie authors should seize free opportunities to promote their work, as they are rare.
- Season ten will focus on folklore, fables and urban legends, examining their origins and how they change over time.
- Future episodes will include stories like the Donkey Lady, haunted railroad tracks, and the Bunny Man, with a warning that some content is not for children.
- Due to increased success and audience growth, guest spots will now involve a small fee that includes a book promo package.
“"Don't miss out on those opportunities. They don't come along very often."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This season wrap-up from *J Hirtle The Last Storyteller* gives you a laid-back, honest look at how stories about addiction, faith, and everyday life can bring people together. Jim Hirtle (J Hirtle) reflects on a packed ninth season that featured **74 indie authors** sharing their books and writing journeys.
Season nine was dedicated to giving independent writers space to "brag about their books" and talk openly about their process, with Jim reminding authors, "don't miss out on those opportunities. They don't come along very often." Anyone writing about recovery, faith, or personal struggle will recognise the value of being heard. You’ll hear Jim gently tease the would‑be 75th guest who didn’t show, while using that moment to offer practical advice: if you’re an indie author, showing up matters.
There’s humour, a bit of disappointment, and a lot of gratitude as he thanks every author who "told us about sitting down in a typewriter and just letting the words bleed." The episode also sets the stage for season ten. Instead of focusing solely on books, Jim plans to dig into folklore, fables, and urban legends—stories that often touch on fear, morality, and survival, themes familiar to anyone dealing with addiction or recovery.
He hints at upcoming episodes featuring local tales like **the Donkey Lady**, **haunted railroad tracks**, and a darker legend from Virginia known as **the Bunny Man**, warning, "this story is not for children" and promising it will "scare the bunny crap right out of you." Jim shares that future author appearances will involve a small fee, bundled with promo support for their books, reflecting how much the audience and channel have grown.
It’s a chatty, personable send-off that celebrates storytelling as a lifeline and invites you to think: what stories have carried you through your toughest days?
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