Wardan
The Journey of a Storyist: From Faery Tales to Scary Tales
“Have a seat next to the fire and let W. S. Wischowski tell you stories—stories of rites of passage gone wrong, of crystal balls and paisley tents, of dragons that aren’t dragons but cats.”
About Me
Discover the World of Stories with Wardan
Hi, my name is Wardan and I’m a storyist. That means I tell stories, make stories, study stories, refurbish old stories, and in every way I can, help the world of stories to grow. I started out as a faery tale lover.
I read the complete works of Grimm, Italian faery tales, South American faery tales, and Norwegian faery tales. I eventually tried writing my own tales—faery tales, folk tales, and tall tales. Sometimes, I told new ones I made up. Sometimes I studied the different versions of old faery tales. I always wanted to find the original version, the real version, but I learned that stories grow and change almost like people do and I think that makes them better. I’m not a full-time writer, but I love stories so I think I’m pretty good at telling them. Have you ever told a story?.
Sometimes, I wrote stories that nobody wanted to read. Sometimes, I told stories that were so great that people wanted me to tell them again and again. Sometimes, I improvised stories. That means I made up the story as I told it and then forgot it when it was done.
I can never tell those stories again, but they were funny while they lasted. Then one day, the kids that I told stories to asked me for a scary story. More and more kids. Again and again. I hardly ever read any scary stories before. Just a little bit. But I felt obliged to give the kids scary stories.. It’s like they needed it. And I like to be honest with kids. And I think part of honesty is sharing the darkness that lurks in the world.
I was always afraid of getting in trouble with parents. Not everyone wants their kid to be scared. And scary things are often violent or bad in some way. I don’t blame the parents who don’t want their kids to read scary stories, but I don’t believe in teaching wisdom through ignorance. So I tell the ugly stories and let people choose to read them or not. I love all stories—romantic, funny, historical, and adventurous, but I write scary stories for kids because so few people will. This is my gift to the world. It’s not a big shiny gift. But I hope you like it.
My vision is to contribute to this ever-evolving tapestry of stories, embracing their dynamic nature and helping them flourish. Whether they are romantic, funny, historical, or adventurous, stories have a unique place in our lives, and I want to be a part of their growth and evolution.
My mission is to share the beauty and complexity of stories with the world, especially those that are often overlooked. I write scary stories for kids because so few people will. This is my gift to the world. It’s not a big shiny gift, but I hope you like it. I love all stories.
Testimonial
Words of Appreciation for a Master Storyteller
Wardan’s body of work demonstrates that he is indeed beyond talented. The book feeds into our compulsive need for suspense by capturing the horrific sensation of being both afraid and uneasy at the same time. The title October 31 comes from the book’s abundance of amazing stories, each one distinct and yet all working together to evoke a thrilling sense of anxiety in the reader.
I really enjoyed reading the stories because [Wischowski’s] writing style paints a clear picture of the eerie and unsettling events. The haunting atmosphere lingers long after reading. The narrative voice is engaging, balancing folklore storytelling with moments of gruesome horror.
His writing style is truly fascinating—easily understandable yet sophisticated in his play with words. His stories resemble horror movies without jump scares; rather than relying solely on generic 'scary' elements, he brings out deep-seated fears you didn’t know you had. He is an amazing storyteller, crafting eerie yet emotional plots, and is a uniquely talented author.
I was genuinely moved by [The Test]. It perfectly captures the anxiety and self-doubt that comes with test-taking. Sarah’s determination, despite her struggles, is inspiring and heartwarming. This story reminded me that our worth isn’t measured by tests but by our effort and resilience. I highly recommend this touching tale to anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by academic pressure. You’ll find yourself rooting for Sarah and reflecting on your own experiences.
“Deep End” is a great story about childhood fears and finding the courage to overcome them. It felt so real that it reminded me of my own near-drowning incident from the past. If you like stories that mix a bit of spookiness with emotional depth, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Get your copy of
'October 31' now and experience a spine-chilling journey into the unknown!
Have a seat next to the fire and let W. S. Wischowski tell you stories—stories of rites of passage gone wrong, of crystal balls and paisley tents, of dragons that aren’t dragons but cats. Let Wischowski’s warm, conversational style wrap around you like a friend’s embrace; let his words whisper to you from the forest at the edge of the darkness; and let his stories be the nightmares you’ll have once the fire has died and you’ve fallen asleep. -M. Heath
The descriptions of each scene and landscape makes one immerse in a fantasy world. Wardan S. Wischowski’s storytelling is truly enchanting, capturing the imagination of young readers.