MARCH 2026 SCIENCE FICTION MICROSTORY CONTEST (Comments & Critiques) > Likes and Comments
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Will move this up when I get back to my computer
So we aren't doing themes anymore but pretty much just writing the same story? We use to have more abstract themes where we would come up with our own premise.
J.F. you bring up a good point. I'm used to writing groups that are much more pinpointed and not so vague, I can update it to be more generalized.
'Seems general enough to me. It's a concept...and a fairly vague one at that... not a story. One can cover a hell of a lot of territory with something like that.
Carrie, Thank you very much! That's exactly like we used to have.
Tom,
It was originally more specific than it is now.
Got mine in before my two road trip back north from West Palm. Happy Spring everyone
Was under the weather this week, so I was unsure I'd get something in, but I made it! :)
You did an excellent job, Chris; good strong flow. 'Hope you're feeling better.
J.F.---pro level and terrifying, powerful story--detailed, overwhelming, and strong as any you've written, which is very strong indeed. (Possibly one more horror image, or an extra twist, or phrasing, at the end could turn the ghastliness up an extra notch, but that's not necessary.)
Thanks, Paula and Tom. The technology I described, using mycelium for signal wiring, is already here, at least in experimental stages. Besides this use, "mycelium" is a great word to use if you are writing a poem about helium.
Just got in under the wire. I've had very busy month, including fighting a stomach bug for the last 5 days. Finally got out from under the brain fog to write one out.
Great story, Tom; although I was disappointed when the end revealed it was just a simulation.
Jot wrote: "Great story, Tom; although I was disappointed when the end revealed it was just a simulation."Thank you, Jot. 'Sorry you were disappointed. I thought the endless repetition of the revenge fantasy illustrated the futility of vengeance and the eternal trap of love vs. revenge.
Greg wrote: "Just got in under the wire. I've had very busy month, including fighting a stomach bug for the last 5 days. Finally got out from under the brain fog to write one out."Thank you for making the effort, Greg. Very well realized and intriguing technological vision. I loved the closing line.
I hope you're recovered.
The message function doesn't seem to be working -My vote is:
"Sweet Irene" by Jot Russell
Tom,You can email your vote to Jot at author.jotrussell@gmail.com.
Thank you -(Wasn't able to locate that address in my out box for some reason)
Votes submitted! What a great group of stories! So creative and so varied!
I received all the votes from the contributors, but will wait until the end of the 25th to see if we have any more member votes.Tom, I was disappointed, because I wanted to see the wife murdering bastard killed.
Chris, Greg, I hope you are each feeling better!
Justin, your Home has such a warm, humane--indeed, human--feel, and you've give him (definitely a *him*) such a clear voice. Beautifully done.
I'll email you my vote, Jot. The message (or whatever it is) function here isn't working now.
J.F. wrote: "Thanks, Paula and Tom. The technology I described, using mycelium for signal wiring, is already here, at least in experimental stages. Besides this use, "mycelium" is a great word to use if you are..."All right, I wasn't gonna do this, but, with flus going 'round---
If one don't feel good, even with mycelium,
try the laughing gas, and not the helium.
Jot wrote: "I received all the votes from the contributors, but will wait until the end of the 25th to see if we have any more member votes.Tom, I was disappointed, because I wanted to see the wife murdering..."
Well, maybe he was, long before. It just wasn't sufficiently satisfying.
I liked your story. A very touching message of hope; humanity surviving and life going on in the aftermath of tragedy.
Paula wrote: "Justin, your Home has such a warm, humane--indeed, human--feel, and you've give him (definitely a *him*) such a clear voice. Beautifully done."Thank you so much Paula! As per usual, the story did not go as I had planned. I wanted the house to be so OCD that the poor MAN would not even be allowed to relax in his own home due to his dirt and grime. The house would be tidying up after him in exasperation: dirt on the floor, dishes in the sink, shower stall destroyed, etc. But, I am happy with it. I appreciate the kind words!
Justin wrote: "Paula wrote: "Justin, your Home has such a warm, humane--indeed, human--feel, and you've give him (definitely a *him*) such a clear voice. Beautifully done."Thank you so much Paula! As per usual,..."
That story, too, sounds really cool (seriously). Still, when stories let us know so emphatically how they want to be (grow, develop), we do well to listen to them. As you did here--superbly.
Congrats to Chris Nance for his sixteenth championship!!!
Congratulations, Chris - a very endearing story.
I'm shocked. There were some terrific stories this month. Thanks everyone!
Rigged! Rigged I tell you!!!! :) Congrats Chris! Really a great story!
Required Item: A cracked mirror