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Micro SF/F

@microsff / microsff.tumblr.com

Bitesize science fiction/ fantasy stories by O. Westin, written when an idea strikes. Collected from my Twitter account, with some longer pieces from MicroSFF.com Also on Mastodon and Facebook. You can support me on Patreon and Ko-Fi.
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"Fairy tales are more than true," the princess read. "Not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."

The dragon considered this. "What of kings?"

"What of them?"

"Do fairy tales say how kings can be beaten?"

"Yes. By dragons..."

(With apologies and thanks to Neil Gaiman and G.K. Chesterton.)

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It's an unspoken rule that you don't discuss the side effects of hyperjumps. In theory it's simple - you leave your universe and appear in another, the only major difference being that your ship is somewhere else.

We don't talk about minor changes.

But I miss my fourth nipple.

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Anonymous asked:

Can I draw your stories if it is possible?

Yes, as long as it's not commercial (or doesn't include my words).

I love seeing illustrations and comics based on my stories, so feel free to tag me if you post them here.

And if one of my stories inspires you to write something longer, feel free to do so too. Same caveat applies - either non-commercial, or without my actual words.

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** I have created a collection, in PDF and epub, of all the stories I wrote in 2023 for the Hugo Award voter packet. I have also made it available to my supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. They also get access to the 2022 collection. **

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** A gentle reminder that you are the algorithm - your reblogs help decide what your followers see, and help them discover the cool things you like.

(I mean like like, not press-like like, which, while appreciated, doesn't have the same impact as a reblog.) **

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"Listen," one guard said, "I know we have only just met-"

"No," the other guard said, "we've worked together for years!"

"-but you can trust me when I say-"

"I can't, you have the curse that's opposite from mine!"

"I don't care for you at all."

"Well, I… oh… I love you too."

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"Do you have any idea," the frog said, "how hard it is to find a princess?"

"No?" said the princess, who had many friends of that persuasion.

"And convince one to kiss you?"

"No?"

"It's the only way to break my curse."

"To turn you back into a prince? Ew!"

"I'm a princess."

"Oh!"

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A spaceship landed in the park. An alien emerged, holding a slate in a tendril.

"Greetings Earthlings," they read. "We have come to learn about this wondrous thing you call l..."

They paused, oculating the slate.

"Love?" a passing dogwalker suggested.

"Libraries! Do they exist?"

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As soon as the demon appeared in the summoning circle, the sorcerer made his demand.

"Teach me how to summon angels!"

"Can't be done," the demon said.

"Why not? I can summon demons!"

"When we rebelled, we lost the Lord's protection. When you call, we must answer."

"Damn!"

"Yes."

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The dragon read the letter, then studied the maid who had brought it.

"The princess you serve asks to be abducted."

"And not eaten."

"You came knowing I might eat you?"

"I'd do anything to free her from her parents and their plans!"

"I care not about her. But I'll do it for you."

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** Very belatedly, my Hugo Awards eligibility post. (Spoiler: it's Best Fan Writer) Regardless of whether you nominate me or not, please do nominate in the fan categories. And if you can nominate and haven't yet, time is almost up! **

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"You are a princess," the queen said. "Anything you desire you must win."

"I know. I learned to fight, armed and unarmed."

"A good start."

"I learned diplomacy and negotiation. What else?"

"Climbing, and lockpicking."

"And then I will get my own tower?"

"You'll be well prepared."

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Despite being the center of attention at many Grand Royal Dances, the prince had not picked anyone to woo.

"That's it!" the king declared. "I'll arrange a tourney, and whoever wins shall be yours forever!"

The prince agreed, enthusiastically.

And immediately signed up to compete.

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reblogged
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microsff

Poem: To my love

I do not care who else has had a taste Of all the pleasures that you offer me; It matters not. Just this, that you have placed Your body in my hands, and mine will be.

My fingers softly touch your naked spine, Caress the curve and feel your supple weight. I breathe your scent, so fragrant and divine. My appetite is vast but you will sate

My hunger. How you eagerly unfold, Invite me to the secrets at your core. You guide me, let me in, you firmly hold My heart, my mind, and all I crave is more.

You gave me what I needed, and I took Such joy in reading you, my favourite book.

This sonnet was written for World Poetry Day 2016.

Rebageling to celebrate the day, and to show it to people who didn't follow me eight years ago.

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microsff

Dear microsff,

Are you the one who wrote the story about the woman and the cat and the key? It went something like:

"The most desirable woman in the land said that she would marry whomever could retrieve the key from around her cat's neck."

"Many tried, but the cat was too clever, too quick for them."

"But you, no, you had a different tactic. You befriended the cat. Stood at a safe distance so the cat could get used to your presence. Then you started leaving food for it. No traps or drugs or baits in the food. Just regular cat food. And little by little, the cat began to trust you."

"Then the woman realises that someone has retrieved the key."

"The woman is a shapeshifter. The woman IS the cat."

Please let me know and I will credit you accordingly. If it wasn't you, then I guess I'll keep looking for whomever wrote this story. Thank you!

lpham2525

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Having read the comment on the comic, I see it is based on another story, which might be the one you're thinking of?