#shortstories — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #shortstories, aggregated by home.social.
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Babette’s Feast and Other Stories, by Isak Dinesen [Karen Blixen]
I have a great fondness for Isak Dinesen's strange and Scandinavian short stories. Five years ago I described her Seven Gothic Tales (1934) as 'Rather long, but astoundingly inventive, and ought to be well known in fantasy circles since they predate most modern fantasy writing'. I found this Penguin Modern Classics edition of Babette's Feast and Other Stories in the charity bookshop my husband works in, and I gobbled it in two nights. Like PMC edition of Seven Gothic Tales this is a […]https://katemacdonald.net/2026/09/06/babettes-feast-and-other-stories-by-isak-dinesen-karen-blixen/
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Behind the Scenes: Part 3
Behind the Scenes with Our Latest Sketch Every page of a picture book starts with simple lines on paper. Before we worry about color, lighting, or final details, we use these initial drafts to figure out how a scene feels.I wanted to share this rough drawing from another scene we are working on. In our house, my kids like to spot the tiny details in these early sketches that sometimes change by the time the final book is printed. Rough Sketch from Sharing Kindness Wherever I Go Drafting […]https://heathercongrove.com/2026/09/05/behind-the-scenes-part-3/
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Behind the Scenes: Part 3
Behind the Scenes with Our Latest Sketch Every page of a picture book starts with simple lines on paper. Before we worry about color, lighting, or final details, we use these initial drafts to figure out how a scene feels.I wanted to share this rough drawing from another scene we are working on. In our house, my kids like to spot the tiny details in these early sketches that sometimes change by the time the final book is printed. Rough Sketch from Sharing Kindness Wherever I Go Drafting […]https://heathercongrove.com/2026/09/05/behind-the-scenes-part-3/
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Behind the Scenes: Part 3
Behind the Scenes with Our Latest Sketch Every page of a picture book starts with simple lines on paper. Before we worry about color, lighting, or final details, we use these initial drafts to figure out how a scene feels.I wanted to share this rough drawing from another scene we are working on. In our house, my kids like to spot the tiny details in these early sketches that sometimes change by the time the final book is printed. Rough Sketch from Sharing Kindness Wherever I Go Drafting […]https://heathercongrove.com/2026/09/05/behind-the-scenes-part-3/
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Behind the Scenes: Part 3
Behind the Scenes with Our Latest Sketch Every page of a picture book starts with simple lines on paper. Before we worry about color, lighting, or final details, we use these initial drafts to figure out how a scene feels.I wanted to share this rough drawing from another scene we are working on. In our house, my kids like to spot the tiny details in these early sketches that sometimes change by the time the final book is printed. Rough Sketch from Sharing Kindness Wherever I Go Drafting […]https://heathercongrove.com/2026/09/05/behind-the-scenes-part-3/
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Behind the Scenes: Part 3
Behind the Scenes with Our Latest Sketch Every page of a picture book starts with simple lines on paper. Before we worry about color, lighting, or final details, we use these initial drafts to figure out how a scene feels.I wanted to share this rough drawing from another scene we are working on. In our house, my kids like to spot the tiny details in these early sketches that sometimes change by the time the final book is printed. Rough Sketch from Sharing Kindness Wherever I Go Drafting […]https://heathercongrove.com/2026/09/05/behind-the-scenes-part-3/
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #8
August 19, 2026 23rd Lore Fragment Clamores Corallii MortiferiClamores Corallii Mortiferi, better known as the "Deadly Coral Cries," is an event in which the seaside village of Corallvik experienced a large increase in activity from the merfolk within the surrounding region.These creatures would emerge at night along the shoreline, singing for hours at a time. The village, which was located not far from the site of the event, experienced a disturbing number of residents waking from their […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/04/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-8/
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #8
August 19, 2026 23rd Lore Fragment Clamores Corallii MortiferiClamores Corallii Mortiferi, better known as the "Deadly Coral Cries," is an event in which the seaside village of Corallvik experienced a large increase in activity from the merfolk within the surrounding region.These creatures would emerge at night along the shoreline, singing for hours at a time. The village, which was located not far from the site of the event, experienced a disturbing number of residents waking from their […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/04/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-8/
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #8
August 19, 2026 23rd Lore Fragment Clamores Corallii MortiferiClamores Corallii Mortiferi, better known as the "Deadly Coral Cries," is an event in which the seaside village of Corallvik experienced a large increase in activity from the merfolk within the surrounding region.These creatures would emerge at night along the shoreline, singing for hours at a time. The village, which was located not far from the site of the event, experienced a disturbing number of residents waking from their […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/04/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-8/
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #8
August 19, 2026 23rd Lore Fragment Clamores Corallii MortiferiClamores Corallii Mortiferi, better known as the "Deadly Coral Cries," is an event in which the seaside village of Corallvik experienced a large increase in activity from the merfolk within the surrounding region.These creatures would emerge at night along the shoreline, singing for hours at a time. The village, which was located not far from the site of the event, experienced a disturbing number of residents waking from their […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/04/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-8/
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #8
August 19, 2026 23rd Lore Fragment Clamores Corallii MortiferiClamores Corallii Mortiferi, better known as the "Deadly Coral Cries," is an event in which the seaside village of Corallvik experienced a large increase in activity from the merfolk within the surrounding region.These creatures would emerge at night along the shoreline, singing for hours at a time. The village, which was located not far from the site of the event, experienced a disturbing number of residents waking from their […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/04/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-8/
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #7
July 19, 2026 18th Lore Fragment Petroabyssus OceanThe Petroabyssus Ocean, also referenced as the Oil Abyss, is notably extremely frigid and is known for the large ice sheets that stretch throughout the northern areas of the ocean.Due to the start of the Cycle Anomaly, an oil spill that occurred during the original cycle appears to be growing worse with each loop, resulting in the deaths of large populations of local wildlife. The spill has continued to spread and contaminate portions of […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/03/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-7/
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This Story Hour, Redfern Barrett and Deborah L. Davitt left our heads spinning with the vast potential of SFF! These four tales are all completely different, comparable only in their excellence. You can still watch! #Bookstodon #StoryHour2020 #ShortStories #ShortFiction #AuthorReading #FantasyFiction #ScienceFiction #SFF #DeborahLDavitt #RedfernBarrett https://youtu.be/6TIbLV927Yc
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The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #6
June 19, 2026 25th Lore Fragment Bloom PhaseInformation on the Bloom Phase is limited. However, the (REDACTED) has compiled a chart detailing the Cycle Phases and what each phase entails.The Bloom Phase begins during the first month of the cycle and ends halfway through the third month, at which point it transitions into the Pulse Phase. The Bloom Phase marks the point when the world once more begins to stir with life. Interestingly enough, the Cycle Anomaly also restarts during this […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/03/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-6/
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A Dragon’s Power (Part One): Mattia’s Gift, Mattia’s Embrace
A tired man limps across the narrow pathway, the only safe path on a floor of lava
wearing a ragged orange poncho with crisscross patterns,
and tattered trousers wracked by his tumultuous life.
the heat nearly sears his skin,
his wits are barely clinging on, and the path seems endless,
yet he still walks,
he still takes steps forward.There was loneliness on this road,
a vast fiery sea within this underground expanse, with only a single narrow path,
no signs of life but hearing the occasional chittering of fire wyrms,
eventually, his steps slowed to a halt
he couldn’t continue onward, despite what he felt in his heart
‘keep going,’ it urged, but his body said, ‘no.’On his knees, he begged aloud for the grace of Mattia
he begged and begged, incessantly, hands clasped together,
and after a while,
after the heat nearly burned his feet,
the ceiling ahead caved in and a light shone from abovethat light was Mattia himself, descending upon the forsaken man,
gracefully flying behind him and encasing the man in his gentle embrace
Mattia softly guided the man’s head to his chest,
enveloping the dejected man in a quiet, motherly comfort,
his gentle heartbeat sending healing vibrations.Mattia’s voice was like a soothing, soft blanket for the man’s shaken nerves, “O, forsaken soul, thy hast cometh to mine lands seeking help. I shall grant you safe passage.”
He took this human away,
to a place where all of his worshippers gathered,
carefully taken care of and tended to in his care~ ~ ~
“I will… do anything for him… my god.”
The man knelt before the radiant prince,
taking his hand with the softness of a lover,
and laying a kiss upon itMattia seemed indifferent,
his eyes staring blankly
no smile present upon his delicate featuresThe man looks up,
soaking in the sight of that solemn face
a reflection of beauty—of Ashuton Karrucci
and all who came after him
but Ashuton was the one his heart remembers mostDuring the war when dragons reclaimed earth,
his family had always been devout followers of Ashuton
hanging portraits of him above their fireplace
alongside photos of their family
photos of smiling little girls and boys surrounded by bigger people
of smiling aunts and uncles in professional portraits
colorful, with a bevy of hairstyles from different generations
mohawks, fluffed permed hair, bed-tousled straight hair, afros adorned with accessories
a blended memorial to time—and to the dragon kings
portraits of Ashuton remain in the middle
like as if he was one of them
that worship still continues today, through this man
the last of his family.He took this pilgrimage to beg forgiveness from the Karrucci line
but to be accepted… like this?
it was unheard of
his ancestors could only dream this, in their ageless coffins long forgotten by the constant dirt“I give my heart to you,” he said gently
Mattia nods.
“I recognize you, human.”Human.
not even on a last name basis.
he accepts it, lucky enough to get this far
being lumped in with the other humans is fine.~ ~ ~
In the garden, he watered the flowers
it was his job, assigned to him by a tall biped yellow dragon with crinkled wings
the wyvern had bowed to him upon first meeting
when he spoke, his voice had the same gentle warmth as Mattia’s silken tones
“your place is in the garden, where your weary soul may rest among the flowers, but you must tend to them,” he said.The man nodded, “I am ever-grateful to be allowed rest.”
The wyvern mimics his action, eyes closed, “yes, yes, but it cannot last.”
The man’s eyebrows creased, his head tilting as confusion reigned his thoughts, “what do you mean?”
hm, concern was starting to dig itself inThe wyvern replied, “when you have recovered physically, and your mind has rested enough, The Prince will have need for your company.”
That didn’t sound ominous at all…
Rate this:
#Anime #books #creativeWriting #Dragons #Fantasy #Fiction #literature #ShortStories #shortStory #Writing -
The Dreamers of the Fading Bloom – Newsletter #5
May 19, 2026 16th Lore Fragment Pelagus ShelfThe Pelagus Shelf is an under-documented landmark within the Pelagafos Ocean, extending toward the Nebelgammel Continent. In recent cycles, the region has experienced a significant increase in volcanic activity, resulting in the formation of several new volcanic islands throughout the surrounding waters.Our researchers have noted that the area is heavily populated by various types of merfolk, many of which take on unusual and inconsistent forms. […]https://veilofentheos.com/2026/09/02/the-dreamers-of-the-fading-bloom-newsletter-5/
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It’s Book Birthday for WANDERING STAR AND OTHER STORIES!
These are stories about:
🌸Singing to make flowers grow
🧜♀️Falling in love with a mermaid
🌖Watching the moon crash
😭Crying a literal river
🐙Tangling with a guard octopus
🐌Escaping from giant snails#fantasy #shortstories #newbooks
https://www.world-weaver-press.com/store/p24/wandering-star.html
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This week, two SFF authors make their Story Hour debuts! Redfern Barrett and Deborah L. Davitt will transport us to their realms of fiction. Join us Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. PDT! #Bookstodon #StoryHour2020 #ShortStories #ShortFiction #AuthorReading #FantasyFiction #ScienceFiction #SFF #DeborahLDavitt #RedfernBarrett @redfern https://www.storyhour2020.com/
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Behind the Scenes: Part 2
A Quick Look at Our Early Concept Art Before a new scene ever makes it to full color, it starts as a simple pencil sketch. I love keeping these early drafts because they capture the exact moment a story idea begins to take shape. My kids always enjoy looking over these rough drawings during our school day and trying to guess what the characters are doing. I thought it would be fun to share this sneak peek from our latest project with you! Rough Sketch from Sharing Kindness Wherever I Go […]https://heathercongrove.com/2026/09/01/behind-the-scenes-part-2/
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Some of Violet Jacob’s works are available to download as free ebooks via @gutenberg_org
4 novels: Flemington, The Sheep-Stealers, Irresolute Catherine, & The Interloper;
2 poetry collections: Bonnie Joann, and Other Poems, & Songs of Angus and More Songs of Angus;
The Golden Heart, & Other Fairy Stories8/8
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/7709
#Scottish #literature #Scots #Scotslanguage #19thCentury #20thcentury #WomenWriters #VioletJacob #novels #poetry #shortstories #shortfiction #fairytales
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I have a new story out, "The Road from Windy to Dragonroot," about postconflict pain and the start of healing--a human insurgent and a mountain spirit working together, in this case. It's in @lunastation no. 67). #amwriting #ShortStories
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And yes, that means our time is fast approaching.
The place: Zoom.
The time: FOUR DAYS from now.
Get your ticket to ride >> writingtheoccult.carrd.co
#writers #writing #artist #filmmaker #film #books #tv #fiction #shortstories #novel #novella #sciencefiction #timetravel #horror #gothic #fantasy #darkfantasy #writingevents #writingtheoccult #occult #fortean #weirdfiction #weird
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Writing Inspiration: Help, don’t help
#Medium #novel #novelist #amwriting #writingcommunity #shortstories @writersdigest inventingrealityediting.com/2...
Writing Inspiration: Help, Don... -
Book Review: Before Eden by Arthur C. Clarke
Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. This week, I’m sharing my review of Before Eden by Arthur C. Clarke.
Click the image to find the book!Before Eden was originally published in 1961 in the science fiction magazine ‘Amazing Stories’, and it is 37 pages long. It was also collected in one of Clarke’s short story collections, Tales of Ten Worlds, published in 1962.
The Plot
The story follows a small scientific team stationed on Venus, studying its geology and extreme environment.Unbeknownst to the explorers, their presence contaminates the environment. When they depart, believing they’vewitnessed a triumph for science, their leftover trash introduces Earth microbes that infect and ultimately destroy the native Venusian life.
Characters
Jerry Garfield
Garfield is the practical engineer and navigator. He is the one piloting the scout car and thinking in terms of routes, obstacles, and logistics. He’s also the one who voices the classic Clarke sentiment: wherever life can exist, it probably will.Graham Hutchins
Hutchins is the biologist and, in some ways, the emotional core of the story. Hutchins is “the happiest biologist in the Solar System” when he realises they’ve found an alien organism; his excitement embodies the scientific joy of discovery. But it’s a restrained joy – this is Clarke, after all, not pulp melodrama.George Coleman
George is a more cautious scientist, often playing the foil to Hutchins’ enthusiasm. He’s the one raising doubts about whether life could survive in boiling rain and extreme conditions, and through him, Clarke gets to stage the “could anything really live here?” debate.Writing Style
Clarke’s writing here is precise, cool, and deliberate. He prioritises scientific plausibility over melodrama, though the Venus he depicts reflects early-1960s assumptions about the planet—steamy, swamp-like, volcanic—before later probes revealed its true nature. Still, within that framework, Clarke’s speculative world-building feels full and immersive.The prose is lean. Clarke avoids flowery language, instead building tension through detail: atmospheric pressure readings, geological descriptions, and the slow realisation of what has been found—and perhaps destroyed. There’s a quiet, almost clinical tone that amplifies the ethical impact. When the emotional beat lands, it lands without fanfare.
However, readers who prefer character-driven storytelling may find the piece somewhat distant; there’s no backstory, no inner lives beyond their immediate reactions. The crew function more as intellectual lenses than as fully realised personalities. The story’s strength lies in its concept and implication rather than in interpersonal drama.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Before Eden is thoughtful and unsettling, but also restrained to a fault. It raises a powerful ethical idea about humanity’s impact on alien ecosystems—yet it stops just short of full emotional immersion. As a piece of classic science fiction, it’s intellectually engaging and historically interesting—particularly in its pre-space-probe depiction of Venus—but it may feel slight compared to Clarke’s larger, more ambitious works.I’m giving Before Eden a 5/10.
Have you read this short? What did you think?
As ever, thanks for stopping by and reading my review!
Until next time,
George
© 2026 GLT
#AlienLife #ArthurCClarke #bookReview #review #scienceFiction #shortStories #venus -
A few years ago, I named as many movie recommendations as I could that would amount to roughly three hundred characters when listed together. Hoping that constraint would make my list practical enough for folks to actually use.
Now, limiting myself again to about three hundred characters, I'll name my highest-recommended #GraphicNovels, #ShortStories, and #TV shows (in alphabetical order, as before)...
A SMALL KILLING by Moore and Zarate
COSMOS—A SPACETIME ODYSSEY by Druyan et al.
COSMOS—POSSIBLE WORLDS by Druyan et al.
"Earth's Holocaust" by Hawthorne
FROM HELL by Moore and Campbell
PROMETHEA by Moore et al.
"The Artist of the Beautiful" by Hawthorne
"The Birthmark" by Hawthorne
UNDERSTANDING COMICS by McCloud
I've been developing this new recommendation list ever since I posted its predecessor, believe it or not. Investigating hundreds of titles, among the three types of media. Comparing and contrasting. Scrutinizing the close calls and trade-offs.
Making such a short list for books/novels or their equivalents (not counting graphic novels) might be too hard for me, though. It seems there are too many outstanding choices, in that medium, to pare down to only three hundred characters. Still, I'll at least think about that for the future.
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Tales From The Territory: A Cosy ARC Book Review
Tales from the Territory is exactly what you’d expect from a compendium of short stories from the Legends & Lattes world. They are fun, cosy, and filled to the brim with wholesome and heart warming interactions, lovely character experiences, and overcoming difficulties.https://collectingandreading.co.uk/2026/05/28/tales-from-the-territory-a-cosy-arc-book-review/
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Anton & Glenn
What a pair of characters! Glenn was just a pretty weird guy in general, clever . He lived on the second floor of my building. Anton, in the wheelchair is a book all by himself. His leg. That is just one story and here is how it happened. Anton is an alcoholic, what he did before he lost the leg for a living I don’t know, but when first saw him, he was on the corner by the robots begging. He would make enough money and then off to the Bottle Store. He did have a room to sleep in. I got […] -
Rand Clinic 1986/7
The Rand Clinic 1986/7 Rolled a car, upside down and flipped over type of jol. Car totalled, boss unhappy, but it was not my fault that time! Anyway. My face had a few cuts as did my arms, and my left hand had a broken knuckle. I did not like doctors then already, as they were still trying to kill my mom with their drugs. They got it right about a years later…. Anyway, patched myself up, no problem. Or so I thought. My Pinkie knuckle healed wrong and the finger could not bend. Ok. […]https://waynebisset.wordpress.com/2026/04/04/rand-clinic-1986-7/
