Science Fiction Microstory Contest discussion
* DECEMBER 2024 SCIENCE FICTION MICROSTORY CONTEST (Comments Only)
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J.F.
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Nov 27, 2024 02:26PM
Theme: a solution to the problem of climate change
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I've written one but am having enormous rounds of trouble with my provider (Verizon) or wifi-windows interface--what's wrong changes each time I or karma/serendipity fixes it--so am not sure when/if I can get this in. If any of you know serious net-connection guru leads (or *good* net provider network), please let me know--thanks. (I think you folks must know someone, if anyone does.)
Paula,Do you have a router and a modem and have you rebooted both?
Thanks, J.F. I rebooted the router and this worked. THANK YOU. (On the other hand, a couple of other things have, recent weeks, worked and then, the next week or so, something else or same thing not worked, so I've no idea whether something more basic wrong ...or not. But again, thank you.
I just went through the same thing. I suddenly lost access around 11 pm. Usually, when it happens on the hour and the lights on the modem look like it's still connected, the router needs a reboot because there's been a change to the DNS server, which resolves domain names to IP addresses.
Mod
I have a story to post. I have to get to my office
Whew! Wasn't sure I was even going to get this one in. I had the idea, but was lacking in motivation. For Christmas I'm now getting a hole in my garage building fixed and, thanks to my son who decided to try backing out without opening the door first, a new garage door.Woo-hoo! I'm so excited! :)
I am very thankful to be part of this group and to read all of your stories each month. They inspire me to keep writing and to try and get better.
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or whatever holiday you celebrate (or not) at this time - and Happy New Year. Best wishes to you all for 2025!
Justin wrote: "Whew! Wasn't sure I was even going to get this one in. I had the idea, but was lacking in motivation. For Christmas I'm now getting a hole in my garage building fixed and, thanks to my son who deci..."We're lucky to have you, Justin.
Good story. Moving, somber small-town imagery and humor, and a great twist at the end.
Very inventive and well-envisioned concept, J.F.
Mod
Full disclosure: I had used the same speculative element as "Super-K" in an earlier story, "The Shameglorious". But different characters in another place later in the kudzu spread. I hadn't intended to but I couldn't think of another climate-change solution I liked more. Usually by the 15th of the month, I'm thinking, "This theme is impossible to work with!" Even when it's me that came up with it.
On a related topic, Popular Science published a tongue-in-check "Invasive Species Cookbook" with memorable quotes like "The State of Louisianna wants you to eat Nutria before the Nutria eats the state of Louisianna." We used posters made from it for a 2012 "End-of-the-world" themed social event for Mensa.By the end of the Kudzu story, I was imagining "Fried Kudzu, Steamed Kudzu, Pickled Kudzu, Kudzu Salad...
Kudzu is actually pretty nutritious and I would guess no plant could overrun the southern states if tasty recipes were available.
Mod
Tom wrote: "Justin wrote: "Whew! Wasn't sure I was even going to get this one in. I had the idea, but was lacking in motivation. For Christmas I'm now getting a hole in my garage building fixed and, thanks to ..."Thank you Tom, I really appreciate it!
Jot wrote: "Yes, we are lucky to have, Justin, as with the others. Did like that twist at the end of the story."Thanks Jot!
Mod
Reindeer ChiliFor years, Santa strained to deliver the goods to a growing population.
Santa quietly kept up with technological innovation,
Ralphie, his Sleigh Master, tried out genetic manipulation.
Raphie explained, “I used CRISPR to make super reindeer:
Rudolph’s nose, Blitzer’s stamina and Dasher’s sense of direction.
We have 250 identical reindeer, tuned to perfection.
Instead of one sled, we can have quite a selection.”
“Now, Ralphie, who will drive all those sleighs on Christmas night?
What if we don’t use reindeer or even a sleigh to make that flight?”
“Forget about using Reindeer Clones,” said Santa,
“I’ll send in my Christmas Drones!”
“So what shall all these reindeer do?” asked Ralphie,
“Would you have me make them into reindeer stew?
Would you have me cook Rudolph on a spit?”
“No, my dear Ralphie,” Santa Replied, I’d never hear the end of it!
Besides, hot chili is much better for a cold winter’s long night.
Let’s cook up those reindeer clones and make the spice just right.”
Greg wrote: "Reindeer ChiliFor years, Santa strained to deliver the goods to a growing population.
Santa quietly kept up with technological innovation,
Ralphie, his Sleigh Master, tried out genetic manipulati..."
Ugh!
And a good New Year to you too, Jot. And to all of you here!
Happy New Year to all of my writing friends!! Best wishes for each of your 2025!
