Kate Sheeran Swed's Blog, page 10

Valentine’s Day in Space & Beyond: SFF Couples We Love (And Ship)

Ah, love. It’s bound to strike when you least expect it. Like while you’re battling to the death in a televised game. Or when you’ve almost just been sacrificed for the sake of breaking a pirate curse. Or…well, you get the idea.

Love may not be the main focus of these science fiction and fantasy favorites–but whether they’re fighting underworld demons or hurtling through space on a rocket built for two, these lovebirds can’t dodge the most dangerous weapon of all: Cupid’s arrow.

Westley & B...

Fun Books for Iron Man Fans

When I went to see the first Iron Man film in the theaters, I was far from sold on the concept. But I was living in New York City, it was a sweltering summer, and movie theaters have air conditioning. Besides, everyone kept saying it was cool. So I figured I might as well check it out.

It won’t shock you to learn that I was pleasantly surprised. It started me on a journey of love with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As such, I’m always looking for books that will feed this obsession–even tang...

Scene-Stealing Sidekicks

How would Frodo get to Mount Doom without Sam? (He wouldn’t.)

Where would Dr. Frankenstein be without Igor to cackle at his side? (If we’re being honest, probably the same place–Igor’s not in the book, after all.)

Who would we hate in Batman without Robin to shout “Holy” everything? (We get it, Robin, but you’re kind of a superhero. Surprising things happen to you. Like every day.)

OK, so maybe some sidekicks are best left out of the equation. But a great many of them rise above their humb...

~Free Story Collection~

Chances are you’re here because you read one of my short stories online and thought it was swell enough to merit a click. If you like my stories, you’re probably just my kind of strange. I’m glad you’re here, weirdo. Let’s be friends.

So go ahead. Sign up. You’ll get your free copy of SPELLS &SPACESHIPS: STORIES, and then we can make ice cream sundaes, debrief on iZombie, and debate humanity’s actual timeline for traveling to Mars. Plus you know I’ll bring up intergenerational space travel...

Read “Ugly Earthling” for Free at Electric Spec!

Happy Friday! I’ve got a humorous story up at Electric Spec today called “Ugly Earthling.” Check it out here!

On Absurdity and Character Journey

I’m over at Electric Spec today talking about absurdity and character journey in short fiction. Check it out!

Plus, you’ll be able to read my incredibly absurd sci fi story, “Ugly Earthling,” in Electric Spec on November 30th!

Reedsy Short Story Contest!

My short story, “The Rest is Silence,” won Reedsy’s weekly contest! It’s a dystopian-ish tale about a corporation that buys the government and offers gold in return for silence. So, fun stuff! You can read it here.

Hurray! Thanks, Reedsy!

Short Story: You Always Had a Thing for Silver Linings

 

When the sky first changed, I thought it was pretty. Champagne gold, like a gift. Like a Bond villain decided on the color. The more I look at it, the more I think it’s actually the vomit of some alien race that decided to use Earth as a trash can.

Could be.

No one expects to be around for the Last Day.

All those apocalyptic movies, they got a few things right. Like the cars jammed onto the freeway, which is where I like to do my picking. All it takes is a jimmy with a coat hanger to get me...

How to Get a Free Short Story Collection

Chances are you’re here because you read one of my short stories online and thought it was swell enough to merit a click. If you like my stories, you’re probably just my kind of strange. I’m glad you’re here, weirdo. Let’s be friends.

I’m putting together a free short story collection for newsletter subscribers only, and it’ll be ready in December!* If the digital goddesses align, you’ll be able to send the darn thing to the e-reader of your choice. (Unless you’re visiting from the future, in...

How to Defeat a (Fictional) Trickster

From Loki to Peter Pan, tricksters trick—it’s what they do. Follow these simple steps, and you will no doubt emerge victorious from your next trickster encounter.

The Roadrunner (Nemesis to one Wile E. Coyote)

Step 1: Build world’s biggest crockpot.

Step 1A: Ensure crockpot is battery-operated. Seriously. I see you contemplating how you’re going to run an extension cord out from that one gas station at the edge of the desert. That is a recipe for disaster casserole, OK? You’ll end up getting...