It’s been a very busy few months, you just need to look at my events page to see what I mean. Guess what? Every time I’ve set aside some time to sit down and write a few words about my experiences something else crops up and the chance slip by.
Although it’s a bit late, here’s a very short reflection on my ongoing collaboration with King’s College London and the Human Brain Project. It’s called ‘Transforming Future Science through Science Fiction.’ Continue reading
Every now and again I submit something to one of the online magazines that publish very short pieces. It’s partly the challenge of condensing down to so few words, and they’re often a lot of fun too.
Recently, I submitted on the theme of Unicorns. I wasn’t surprised when they turned down the piece as I did stretch the intention behind the theme, quite a bit. But, from their feedback, I’m not sure they got the humour.
Oh well, here it is for your enjoyment…
Transgenic
Reg throws another rock. One rock that joins the many pelting the deniers’ citadel.
Angry mob or legitimate protest; choose your side.
The Unicorn exists and it’s far too dangerous to be kept secret.
We, the protesters, protest and the rocks hail down.
Why was it brought into existence? It’s incomprehensible.
‘No GM. No GM,’ we chant.
A man steps from the glass fortress and is struck on the head by several rocks. The blood is disgusting. And, so is he.
Releasing Unicorn, the genetically modified corn designed to wipe out all other corn is unforgivable.
Reg throws another rock.
photo credit: Madame Licorne photos officielles via photopin (license)
It’s a well-known saying among writers that you have to read to write. I imagine that’s the same for any craft – the more you see of other people’s work the better your own becomes.
I’m in the fortunate position at the moment of being the lead-curator for a series of science fiction events themed around the near-future (links to them are on my future events page). This means that not only do I get to read all the submitted stories and choose the best with my co-curator, I also get to hear the authors read their stories on the night.
And, it may sound like a cliché, but it really is a privilege.
Talking of which, it’s also incredibly pleasing that Vector, the critical journal of the British Science Fiction Association, has published an article on the thinking behind these Near-Future Fiction events.