2024 so far: stories
It’s mid July and this year is a little more than half way over so I thought it’d be a good moment to do a little self-promo recap of the stories I’ve had come out this year, in chronological order, if nothing else for the benefit of recent subscribers. Here goes:
“Some Reflections on the Abstruse Campaign“, Propagule
A couple months ago, I wrote about Cordwainer Smith (a/k/a Paul M.A. Linebarger, the guy who literally wrote the book on psychological warfare) and Linebarger’s influence on this story. In it, a crack team of propagandists are working like hell to promote the Civic Faith and discredit the Abstruse philosophy, but unfortunately they’re…not great at their jobs
“Dorcas“, Short Fiction
A ghost story variously described as “lovely”, “bizarre”, “heart-shredding”. Content warnings for depictions of self-harm and attempted suicide, and and mention of fatal bike accidents.
“Hank Eltz, the Singer“, God’s Cruel Joke
One of the world’s most popular serial killers turns over a a new leaf as a singer. A couple of experiences at an afterparty cause him to reflect on this change. I’ve called it “oddly autobiographical” in previous posts, but not the serial killer part, haha, i’ve never been a serial killer, what are y’all even talking about
“The Skullhole Panic”, Gamut
A fellow with problems in his romantic relationship meets an eccentric psychologist and signs up for a very unorthodox type of therapy. Things go awry!
“Manywhere, Manyone, Manything“, Seize the Press
In which a spacefaring lizard queen is shipwrecked on a foreign planet and falls into the clutches of some fanatical akephaloi (those mythical little no-head guys with their faces in their chest).
All in all, a great year for me so far in terms of publications. Things have been rather, er, “quiet” on the story acceptance front since January but hopefully there’ll be some news in that respect soon.
Thanks for reading
xoxo
~NWW