A gathering of recent speculative flash & micro fiction, each presenting a tiny-yet-powerful universe. How tiny? About one-thousand words for flash; four-hundred words for micro. The word count isn’t as important as the emotion, the adventure, the sense of wonder. Including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the spaces in between.
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In the space between the seconds
By Jenny Rae Rappaport in Nature Futures * 767 Words
The room around us shrinks as the superstate collapses, and everyone screams “Happy New Year!”, the sound of their voices fading as that universe ends.
Infinite universes and infinite NYE parties are brought into sharp focus through the eyes of a character aware of the many endings, trying to find their beloved in each. Poetic language blends with hard scifi in a poignant and beautiful story.
Plastic-eating fungus caused doomsday[2][3]
By Emma Burnett in Flash Fiction Online * 940 Words
This is the talk page for discussing improvements to the End of Plastic (2029) article, about the Tremella purgare fungus, released into the Gulf of Mexico following the TransAm War Oil Spill, and the knock-on impact of the attempted bioremediation.
A story told through the comments section of a wiki-style web page, this piece brings welcome levity to the serious questions of “how the hell are we going to save this planet?” and “yikes, now what??” Burnett fills in the story with haunting details and distinct characters.
Sleeping Beauty and the Restless Realm
By Lincoln Michel in Lightspeed * 959 Words
Why should the villagers have felt bad for the magically slumbering princess? They themselves never got enough sleep.
Talk about subverting expectations. I did not see those twists coming. Though this piece embraces—well, I don’t want to spoil it. Regardless, the deliciously tragic vibe of a true fairy tale glimmers through.
We Undark Night With Our Tongues
By Claudia Monpere in Uncharted * 711 Words
…decayed spines a mass of sores in our mouths gangrene and rotted jaws they wait in the currents of tomorrow now we’re fireflies glow worms click beetles shining blue-green and the stars they have nothing on us.
This is a gorgeous exploration of form and historical tragedy. I’ve seen other stories of the Radium Girls, but this one feels unique to me not only because of the poetic language, but also the focus on the treachery of greedy/cruel corporate men. These women come alive for the reader, with their dreams and joys claiming space along with their suffering. This piece won the Uncharted Magazine 2024 genre flash prize.
By Julián Martinez in Hex Literary * 953 Words
One of its headlights was out, which may or may not have been a sign from the Pet FBI.
You might want to read this a couple of times to be sure it says what you think it says. You might even say WTAF? This is weird and poignant and delightful. Now I have to search for more stories by this author.
By Anna Quercia-Thomas in Uncharted * 985 Words
He wonders if the bed springs know that they are different things from the springs in his body that clench and unclench throughout the night, instinctive in a helpless attempt to roll himself away from the fire burning in each of his bones.
A mechanic, or a doctor. Someone who repairs both machines and people has to come to terms with a new existence. This is an excruciating look at war and the impossible task of patching up. The lyrical prose and disconnected thoughts mirror the suffering of the protagonist in a wrenching way. One of the winners of the Uncharted Magazine 2024 genre flash prize.
By Ruth EJ Booth in Flash Point Science Fiction * 349 Words
Harry passed away peacefully in Gartnavel General Hospital after a short, unexplained illness on April 14th. He passed away again on April 16th …
No spoilers since this is such a short piece! The author uses a creative and unique approach in this micro, and I loved it. Go read the story!
Customer reviews for Mystery Gadget 1.0, sorted in chronological order
By Alex Shvartsman in Nature Futures * 983 Words
No one knows what this thing does but a huge corporation is selling it for what must surely be below cost. And they want us to plug it in!
A fun story with a sinister lining. The format is perfect for this piece, leading to high believability. Maybe I think this scenario is plausible because I keep having to talk my mother down from buying a Musk space heater that is “guaranteed to change her life.” Humanity might be doomed, but this story will give you an extra smile before the end.
By Whitney Collins-Wilson in 100-Foot Crow * 100 Words
Gingerly sitting on the couch, she held her breath. Waiting.
The focus on a single moment works well in this drabble. I felt the protagonist’s anticipation and hope.
By Benjamin C. Kinney in Small Wonders * 903 Words
Ceres Shipyard had enough emergency shuttles for almost everyone. But because of you, none of that mattered.
A story of greed, and guilt, and responsibility. The chosen format allows the narrator to ask questions and consider motivations and consequences, presenting a path toward a just ending. The ambiguity in the final section elevates the story, leaving a question for the reader to ponder.
By Colin Alexander in Molotov Cocktail * 990 Words
Twinkle cleared phlegm from her throat, spitting onto the icy concrete, adding to the stalagmite tower of elf mucus below the warehouse gutter icicles. “Let’s make Santa proud,” she said hoarsely…
One of my personal reading “rules” is to avoid holiday stories. I took a peek at this one because Molotov generally doesn’t disappoint, and I’m a fan of Alexander’s writing. Glad I took the chance on this one. No cutesy-happy pap here—instead we’re given a sense of dread that builds as the mystery deepens. Solid holiday horror. One of the winning Flash Monster 2024 stories. The whole issue is good; I also recommend “Pink Destruction” by Liz Fyne.
Bonus Stories!
By Robert Shapard in Juked * 1405 Words
I said how are my tats not me? They’re me more than anything. I chose them, whereas everything else about me is a pre-nate gene correction including my straight teeth.
I ran across this story, first published in 2005, while reading the ARC for an upcoming collection by flash/sudden fiction trailblazer Robert Shapard. The world building is deftly done, with a few perfectly-chosen details grounding the reader in time and place. The emotional drama pulses within this almost-now setting. Give this one a read, and keep an eye out for the collection.
By Quinn Green in Uncharted * 1513 Words
They had treated her like an inspirational poster when they could see that hideous and glorious thing stretching her skin. Now she was just ugly and old and a woman.
Another winning story from the Uncharted Magazine 2024 genre flash prize, this mystery/thriller examines betrayal and retribution. The author does a fantastic job building the protag’s emotions. A satisfying read.
And another thing…or two
If you enjoyed Emma Burnett’s fractured cli-fi story, you might also want to check out Liza Olson’s novel-in-flash, Afterglow (Alien Buddha), or Pedro Iniguez’s poem in Hexagon, “Option One.”
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I probably missed a bunch of great stories this month. Please share your own favorites—our community thrives when we take time to lift each other up!
Myna Chang 