Brutal Interlude

by Wayne Wightman

When a popular reality TV program, ICU!, selects a timid tea shop owner to be its next victim, their programming does not go as planned. Walter Roscoe, owner of Walter's Used Pets, watches the world change as the woman of his dreams becomes larger than life. Much larger than life. 12,000 words What Others Have Said About Wayne Wightman's Writing John Brunner, the legend “Wayne Wightman is agreeable company, both in person and via the printed page. As to the former, I’m afraid you will have to wait the chance to make his acquaintance…. As to the latter, however, now’s your chance.” Orson Scott Card, Hugo and Nebula “[Wayne Wightman is] …one of the names I[‘ve] learned to look for…. He…is a romantic whose stories confess his belief that individuals can be larger than life, that their decisions can change the world around them.” Richard Paul Russo, Philip K. Dick Award “One of Wightman’s great strengths is his willingness to go to the edge. He pulls no punches, whether the story is serious or violent or manic. You can count on him to take you places other writers shy away from.” Lewis Shiner, writer par excellence and “Wayne Wightman… has produced an impressive series of connected stories… full of manic energy, rich in colors and emotions.” Ed Ferman, editor of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science “He writes top quality sf and fantasy, humor and horror, and he never forgets to tell a compelling tale.”

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2020

Reviews

[Marc Loranger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird transformation of a person

This short story is well written and engaging. It seem like it could be true today. The transformation of the main character is well done. The use of technology seems quite real and a bit scary.