Micro-dosing Fiction I
Mainlining Creativity is a Rush!
If you’re not already “hooked” on , I highly recommend giving his “stuff” a try! Using a simple story-starting word or phrase, the challenge is to craft a tiny narrative that packs a punch without “overdosing” on your word count—measured, of course, in milligrams. As someone who likes to use all the words, it’s been a grand exercise in form and concision!
Inspired by , please enjoy this little round-up from the last couple of months since I started “using.” Let me know your favorites and apologies in advance if you find yourself craving more tiny tales…
50mg of NIGHT MEMORIES
I will forever remember the way your eyes glimmered in the starlight and the breathlessness of seeing your face bathed in moonlight. The twilight was cool, the scent of verdant life filled the air as our mouths engaged in wordless conversation, saying things we could never say out loud.
80mg of FINAL MOMENTS
Does it stir a rising panic or bring a sense of relief to watch the countdown reach zero? Seeing the final gains of sand fall through the hourglass, will you stand proudly or humbled by regret? In the instant before the sun rises, would you cling to the darkness or allow yourself to step into the light? When the calm that precedes it arrives, how have you readied yourself for the storm? Will it be a whimper or a bang?
100mg of THE CHOSEN ONE
We are all alike, despite the separateness of our beings. The same single eye, the two antennae, and green skin. Shoulder to shoulder, we are haphazardly piled atop one another waiting until we hear that magical sound.
When the whirring gears and cogs begin to hum, we look upwards toward the great collector in the sky, our hearts aching with promise, hoping today is the day. That this will be our turn. That we will be the one to transcend and solve the mystery of what lies beyond this place.
Proud and yearning, our voices cry in unison, “The claw.”
70mg of FLOATING
The moment he died, I felt the world shift around me. Barely noticeable to others, the planets kept spinning while my universe was broken. Unmoored, I lost my appetite and didn’t sleep for weeks, only stared numbly at the television. When I began going through the motions of life again, I was hollow; suspended in the murky water of grief.
And in some ways, I still am…even now.
100mg of A WANDERER
The first time I crossed the planetary shield and saw the stars all around me, I knew I would never return home. Xenon-12 is as good a place as any to grow up, but the universe is endless.
Seeing new places, I wonder why anyone would stand still when there’s so much more to see than can ever be seen? Some prefer roots, the trappings of a sedentary life, but me?
All I need is a change of clothes and a glimpse at a new horizon. Strap me into the seat and send me skyward—there’s more infinity to explore!
90mg of A FOOL
What’s so wrong about blind leaps of faith? When did we decide there was greater wisdom in the illusion of security?
The fool stands on a ledge; the precipice of an auspicious new beginning, eyes enamored with the beauty of the rose in his hand. Arms outstretched and a smile on his face, he leans past the tipping point and surrenders himself to the fall.
What some might call crazy is also an act of bravery—let go and play the fool, you never know where you might land.
80 mg of WINE
“It’s a difference of 16 milligrams, Thomas,” Petra said.
“It defies scientific logic,” the skeptic replied. “Prove it.”
“Look at the math. To generate 80 milligrams of wine, it would take 64 milligrams of water, owing to the 20% that’s alcohol and sugar.” Thomas nodded reluctantly. “Using Einstein’s equivalency, it would have required a massive amount of energy. Something like 1.4 times ten to the twelfth power.”
Thomas grimaced, “That’s beyond comprehension.”
“That’s why they call it a miracle, silly.”
100 mg of ATTIC
Specifically set in the world of The Lost & Foundry…
The Haven’s Hollow Historical Society archives were overflowing the cobwebbed space under the eaves of the city’s municipal building. As secretary, Vivian Crenshaw started the day determined to thin out the collection.
Now knee-deep in the ephemera of other people’s lives, she was finding it practically impossible. Surrounded by enough paper to fill a forest and everything from fishing rods to cotton bloomers, she was asking herself what right she had to make these kinds of choices. Everything collected here was once important to someone, each object part of an individual life story.
Who gets to decide which history matters?
80mg of SERVICE
Set in the world of the Algorithm of Life novels…
The goal of every Conglomerate citizen is, of course, to serve their nation. Provided they complete the requisite education, demonstrate the appropriate aptitude, and maintain a record free from transgression, each are eligible for service.
Though allowed to live according to their preference, most citizens exchange days of service for access to premium-tier benefits. While the Conglomerate government provides necessities, additional discretionary income is required for upgrades to premium housing, all-organic food, unlimited mobile service, and on-demand entertainment packages.
Thank you for reading! Wanderlust & Wordplay offers a blend of humorous expat memoir 🌍, serialized mystery fiction ✍️, and dystopian sci-fi 🧬
Are we supposed to pick a favourite? That's a hard task! 👏 👏 👏
I liked them all! I think my favorites were "Attic" and "Wine," but it is difficult to choose. I am happy to see your micros gathered up into one place, and honored to have been an inspiration.