My Cloak of Keys by Fran Wilde

Sometimes it is hard to let go, even in death.

My Cloak of Keys by Fran Wilde (2022) — 3,098 words (about 12 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in The Deadlands magazine issue #10, February 2022

Starpoop by Sandra McDonald

On the dangers of making your small child an internet video star.

Starpoop by Sandra McDonald (2023) — 3,244 words (about 13 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Lightspeed magazine, issue #158, July 2023.

This Hugo award winner in 1960 is a bit long but well worth the time invested.

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes — 12,349 words (about 49 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Volume 16, No. 4 (April 1959)

Let’s start the week off with this Hugo award winning short story, a cautionary tale of algorithms and AI.

Better Living Through Algorithms by Naomi Kritzer — 5,610 words (about 22 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Clarkesworld magazine, Issue #200, May 2023

A quick one to take you into the weekend on a more uplifting note.

Every Shade of Healing by Taryn Frazier — 1,000 words (about 4 minutes for the average reader)

From Issue 136 of Apex Magazine originally published 7 March 2023

Today I have a classic you may have read in school at some point, a feminist tale of isolation and depression.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman — 5,815 words (about 23 minutes for the average reader)

First published in 1892 in New England Magazine

Here is a story in the category of “Be careful what you wish for.” Remember, everything has a price.

The Boy Who Will Become Court Magician by Sarah Pinsker (2018) — 3,160 words (about 12 minutes for the average reader)

From Issue 92 of Lightspeed Magazine originally published January 2018

Here is a very short fantasy with something to say about wealth and greed.

From Issue 160 of Lightspeed Magazine originally published September 2023

This one feels particularly timely given the national concern over illegal immigration.

The Long Mural by James Van Pelt (2023) — 7,080 words (about 28 minutes for the average reader)

From Issue 206 of Clarkesworld Magazine originally published November 2023

I started subscribing to Clarkesworld magazine again in January. This was an early favorite. How can a murder be temporary? Read and find out!

The Temporary Murder of Thomas Monroe by Tia Tashiro (2025) — 11,900 words (about 47 minutes for the average reader)