Keekee Smith > Recent Status Updates

In Your Image by Kia Delmas

An interesting transformation story that leans a bit toward gross-out horror.

The Resurrectionist by Bryan Young

I kept waiting for the scare but suspense and anticipation seemed to be the strongest elements at play. I did enjoy the flow of the short, as well as Young’s writing style.

Within the Naga’s Coils by Rachel Searcey

I was expecting a little more from the title dealing with the naga, but it was overall a good story.

As a person with a uterus, I adore the concept of it floating peacefully in a moonlit pool until I need it or becoming beautiful gems at the bottom of the pool if I don’t. A perfect summary of the way specifically cis-women are often ignorantly reduced to whether or not they can bear a child, their wants or well-being be damned. As John put it, “Without her womb, she is nothing, an empty specter with no purpose.”

World of Angel by Johnathan Heart

A fascinating concept that I feel could be endlessly explored. I failed to see the horror, but it enthralls me nonetheless.

Whole Again by Emma E. Murray

Oof. This one hit deep. Grief is such an insanely personal entity. It’s not a far stretch to say this could happen to any one of us. It’s truly a scary thought.

Intoxication by Lindsey Ragsdale

Despite a moment of soft gore, this story was sweet. I would read a series about Jake and Thalia. I didn’t find anything frightening, but it was a great read.

The Rotten Cradle by Demi-Louise Blackburn

I couldn’t get into the story and didn’t feel the horror. I wonder if it had been a longer piece if that would be remedied.

Run Through the Pain by Taylor Ketterer

Whether by reality or hallucination, I doubt I’d ever have the grit to do what Sam did. It wasn’t horrifying, but it’s definitely a situation you wouldn’t want to find yourself in.

Deeper
By Bridget D. Brave

The horrifying aspect of this short for me is that I could believe someone would do this. The whole time I was reading this I was shaking my head. It’s a mix of disbelief, disgust, and dismay. By the end, I was utterly appalled. I’ll be thinking about this one for longer than I’d like to, that’s for sure.

Braces by Sasha Brown

Admittedly, that’s a good first line. Perhaps it’s partly due to my dentist appointment two days after reading this story, but the imagery evoked a visceral response. My poor gums ached just thinking about it, and I truly hope I never find myself in such a predicament!

Telling Tales by Christopher O'Halloran

It’s difficult to see the horror in this story, though I’d still read a longer version. Allie seems to have hyperacusis, and at its worst, it compels her to make two deadly decisions. The ending begs for more to follow.

Early Adopter by Julie Sevens

Heebie-jeebies-inducing! As more real-world companies compete to make unerring universal translators and tech companies are accomplishing futuristic feats, the potential plausibility of this story (especially with con artist types involved) is enough to make the skin crawl.

An Unspeakable Burden by Mary Rajotte

This short elicits superb imagery. The story pulls you in and garners sympathy and empathy for Amélie and Lisette. A revolting element compelled me to let out an expressive “eww” (you’ll know when you read it!), but the horror still feels lacking, instead presenting tasteful and thrilling suspense. Rajotte has a powerful command over words that effortlessly sweep you away.

A Relationship in Four Haircuts by Ai Jiang

The main character's situation is undoubtedly unfortunate, but personally, it's hardly horrifying. Despite this, I can empathize with how such an ordeal may be psychologically traumatic for the right readers.

My main takeaway is the concept of not changing yourself for the sake of others no matter how lonely you may be. It's rarely worth it and seldom genuine to yourself.

The Head || The Hollow March of Decay by Alex Wolfgang

While the concept of this short is adequately terrifying, I didn't feel connected enough to the characters to conjure emotions. I had some difficulty staying invested in the story as the development seemed forced and rushed. I did enjoy Wolfgang's writing style and conceptualization and am looking forward to reading more of his work.

"The coverage succeeded in obscuring the extreme disproportionality of this one-sided war: one of the most powerful armies on the planet used its full might against a besieged area of one hundred and forty square miles, which is among the world’s most heavily populated enclaves and whose people had no way to escape the rain of fire and steel."