MAY 2023 SCIENCE FICTION MICROSTORY CONTEST (Comments only)

[Tom]

This Months Theme:

Antigravity

Elements:

1) Fragmentation
2) Disassociation

[Jot]

First theme about gravity, or the technology to overcome it. Love it!

[Tom]

And, here's to Sir Isaac Newton.

And, H.G. Wells.

[W. A.]

Hi everyone,

Over the last few years several of you have asked about my sister Carrol. She has not been physically well for quite some time and over the last two or three years she became very reclusive.

Carrol died Friday morning, April 28, in Arlington VA., due to complications of her long-term illnesses.

I just wanted to let you all know that she loved this group and enjoyed your stories up to the last few months. She told me several times, how very good the writing quality had become and looked forward to the day one or more of you were able to make the big "breakthrough".

In line with Carrol's wishes, a small gathering of family will be held to celebrate her life. Your thoughts and/or prayers are all she would ever want.

Thank you all for being her friends.

[Jeremy]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Bill.

Carrol was the first editor that I worked with as a writer, and I learned a vast amount from her. I owe her a great deal.

[Tom]

My sincere condolences on your loss.

I enjoyed very much participating in Carrol's "Visions" anthology series. It was a very inspired concept, and I'm very grateful to you and to Carrol for reaching out to me on that project.

Editors like Carrol helped keep the wonder in science fiction. We could use more like her.

[Paula]

Bill, this is such sad news. My condolences to you on your loss. Carrol's death is an enormous loss for all of us. As you know, she published a novel of mine, through her Lillicat Publishers, for which I was and am very grateful. Her work both as an editor/publisher and as a writer has been so wonderful, and her spirit amazing.
I am so sorry to hear of her death, Bill. I think we'll all remember and admire Carrol for a long time.

[Jot]

I am so sorry, Bill. I was sad that she had withdrawn from the group several years back, but gratified to hear that she actually continued to follow things here. I wished she had chimed in to let us know she was listening. It always brightens my soul to have you all as friends. Actually drove past Arlington last Sunday, and if I knew she lived there, I certainly would have thought about her when I did. Next time I drive south, I'll have to say a prayer for her as I am now. May God guide her passage and those she loved carry forth her memory and legacy. The world was a better place with her presence. Bless you, Carrol Fix!

[Justin]

My condolences Bill on your loss. I had worked with Carrol briefly on trying to do an audiobook version of a book she had published through Lillicat. It didn't work out, but she was a pleasure to work with and I was happy a few of my stories from here were published in one of her anthologies.

[Justin]

Tom, great story! I'm envisioning the SHIELD helicarriers from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Great imagery!

[Justin]

Tom, what do you mean by disassociation? Like at the atomic level, or groups separating - is that the fragmentation? Just looking for a little clarity. Thank you!

[Tom]

Justin wrote: "Tom, great story! I'm envisioning the SHIELD helicarriers from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Great imagery!"

Thank you, Justin. (I was actually reminded of that movie with Jude Law and Angelina Jolie - Also, the Adventures of Luther Arkwright.)

[Tom]

Justin wrote: "Tom, what do you mean by disassociation? Like at the atomic level, or groups separating - is that the fragmentation? Just looking for a little clarity. Thank you!"

It's entirely up to you and the other participants, Justin; I don't want to limit anyone. It can be anything from an atom up to a whole universe...particles, people, nations, planets...anything at all.

It's an open topic, so I'm hoping to see a slew of different angles.

[Thaddeus]

I am sorry to hear about Carrol's passing. I appreciate how she gave so much of her energy to this group through her publishing company.

Please accept my condolences for your loss.

I have been away for a couple of weeks attending to my brother who has been in the hospital, which is why I missed the vote. I will work harder to be present in the future.

[Jot]

Sorry to hear about your brother. Hope he feels better soon. And with me, it's always family first.

[Jeremy]

Hope your brother is ok Thaddeus.

[Paula]

I so much admire your commitment and caring for your family, Thaddeus. Best wishes for your brother's renewed health.

[Tom]

Many of us in the group have been dealing with family health crises and the tragedy of loss, as we all must sooner or later. It's extremely admirable that you all have put family first. I'm sure your loved ones deeply appreciate all you do.

[W. A.]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I have shared your comments with Carrol's daughters and they wanted me to thank you as well.

Thaddeus I completely understand a wish you and your brother well.

Sorry everyone for putting a bit of a damper on this month's comments. Keep up the good work. I check in once in a while and enjoy what you write.

Bill

[Tom]

W. A. wrote: "Thanks everyone for the kind words. I have shared your comments with Carrol's daughters and they wanted me to thank you as well.

Thaddeus I completely understand a wish you and your brother well.
..."

No apology necessary. I appreciate you're taking the time to check in; I'm sure we all do.

[Tom]

Excellent story, Justin! Beautifully detailed imagery and sensory connection. The sense of academic conflict was also very strong and helped make the POV character more potent.

The premise reminded me of Asimov's "Nightfall." The climactic moment was delivered expertly, focusing on a specific detail.

My compliments.

[Justin]

Thank you Tom!! Asimov's "Nightfall" is one of my favorite sci-fi short stories, so this is a small homage to it. I have a book that is volume one of his short stories and I re-read it periodically because the stories are so incredible. "The Last Question" is also one of my most favorite short stories because I feel it is very profound.

Anyway, thank you for the gracious comments!!

[Jeremy McLain]

So sorry to hear of Carrol’s passing. Many condolences.

[Jot]

Back from Montauk and was able to write a post a story. Off to New Paltz for my daughter's graduation tomorrow. Busy times...

[Tom]

Excellent imagery on the flooding of New York, Jot. Very potent.

Congratulations on your daughter's graduation.

[W. A.]

Paula,
can you check your web site. I left you a message.

[Jeremy]

I've created a Kindle version of my anthology. Free until Thursday. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5NQ5WYS

Haven't been able to finish a story this month, unfortunately.

[Tom]

Jeremy wrote: "I've created a Kindle version of my anthology. Free until Thursday. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5NQ5WYS

Haven't been able to finish a story this month, unfortunately."

Lovely book cover.

[Jeremy]

Thanks Tom.

[Jot]

I'll have to get you to sign the hardbound copy I have

[Jeremy]

One of these days.

[Jot]

Oh boy, just got laid-off. Think I'm taking the summer off to work on my coding language/database system.

[Jeremy]

So sorry to hear that, Jot. It's a strange world right now.

[Tom]

Jot wrote: "Oh boy, just got laid-off. Think I'm taking the summer off to work on my coding language/database system."

Best of luck, Jot. And, enjoy the summer.

[Justin]

Jot, the June challenge has been posted!

[Jot]

Thanks

[Marianne]

Sorry to hear about Carol. I did not even realize she lived where I live. Sympathy.