These are great! The ending of The Devil’s Blue is haunting and strange, while the ending of The Woods almost felt more like a beginning to me. They both had that dreamy meandering feeling that comes not necessarily from stream of consciousness but from writing from the unconscious.
I think The Farm was my favorite. It never gives any reason other than brief pushback and implication to doubt the main character which makes more impactful. I like the idea of an evil cowgirl. I’ve tried it a few times but not to my satisfaction yet.
The last story is well done too. Lots of parallels in American history but twisted in a way that fits 2026. Its hard to read but it works so well because this is stuff that was by and large done in a doctors office in the most banal and indifferent way possible.
Thanks so much for reading and giving such thoughtful feedback. I was happiest with The Devil’s Blue for how strange and emotional it is, and with Merits for the ties with current events and the historical “one drop rule” and forced sterilization.
I liked woods, I’m not too big on onomatopoeia but I liked most of it in woods. I was drawn in from the jump, and hope you write more on it.
Saw an excerpt from Merits, it was what drew me. There is a matter of fact, banality to Merits that makes the absurdity of it stand out starkly. I like when such societal horrors are polite in a way, it refuses you the dignity of expressing your fear and shock. That stifling feeling is great at causing dread.
Thanks for the read. Yes, the politeness is key here. Just business as usual, no hard feelings, just what needs to be done! It's science after all, right??
My two guesses for the plotted ones are "The Devil's Blue" and "The Farm," just going off the story beats and the dialogue within. I loved all four of these, and wanted to comment on how terrifying "Merits," is as someone aware of this country's sordid history with forced medical sterilization of Indigenous and Black people.
I was holding my breath all through the last one. What a cool and horrifying idea for a story!
Thanks, Kayla!
The daredevil of microfiction strikes again
Pew pew!
What an apt moniker.
The Devil's Blue was my favorite, but the community garden one had such an interesting premise!
Thank you! It's funny that people thought Maribel in the farm one was the villain instead of the women in the car. She's supposed to be the hero.
Great collection of stories, love Merits the most.
Oh yeah I'm really proud of that one. Came from a very sarcastic conversation with my partner one day. Thanks for reading.
These are great! The ending of The Devil’s Blue is haunting and strange, while the ending of The Woods almost felt more like a beginning to me. They both had that dreamy meandering feeling that comes not necessarily from stream of consciousness but from writing from the unconscious.
I think The Farm was my favorite. It never gives any reason other than brief pushback and implication to doubt the main character which makes more impactful. I like the idea of an evil cowgirl. I’ve tried it a few times but not to my satisfaction yet.
The last story is well done too. Lots of parallels in American history but twisted in a way that fits 2026. Its hard to read but it works so well because this is stuff that was by and large done in a doctors office in the most banal and indifferent way possible.
Thanks so much for reading and giving such thoughtful feedback. I was happiest with The Devil’s Blue for how strange and emotional it is, and with Merits for the ties with current events and the historical “one drop rule” and forced sterilization.
I appreciate it!!
The last one is too close to reality for comfort.
I agree. Thanks for reading 🤍
Amazing RM.. such vivid stories. I really want more from each of them as I was sucked in straight away.
My guess is 1 and 4 had the plan in your head as they were so conceptually strong and direct with the ideas and themes 🤔
1 and 2 had no plotting!
Thanks :) maybe one of them will make it to the next round some day.
Damn. That last one.
agree. thanks for reading.
Loved these so much! 😍 you're inspiring me to try some micros!
Yes!!!🤍
I see you kept the most haunting for last. Also, the most non-fiction.
I liked woods, I’m not too big on onomatopoeia but I liked most of it in woods. I was drawn in from the jump, and hope you write more on it.
Saw an excerpt from Merits, it was what drew me. There is a matter of fact, banality to Merits that makes the absurdity of it stand out starkly. I like when such societal horrors are polite in a way, it refuses you the dignity of expressing your fear and shock. That stifling feeling is great at causing dread.
Thanks for the read. Yes, the politeness is key here. Just business as usual, no hard feelings, just what needs to be done! It's science after all, right??
All great and wow the last one is incredible
Thank you!!
Excellent work. I loved the blue paint. The last one—horrifying, yet so clear and concise.
Heyyy thank you 🤍 last one came together in a brief conversation with my partner. Couldn't let it get away.
My guesses are The Devil’s Blue and Merits. All 4 were great. Merits is so close at hand that it’s terrifying. Also, loved The Woods!
Thank you so much! First two were not plotted!
My two guesses for the plotted ones are "The Devil's Blue" and "The Farm," just going off the story beats and the dialogue within. I loved all four of these, and wanted to comment on how terrifying "Merits," is as someone aware of this country's sordid history with forced medical sterilization of Indigenous and Black people.
The Woods and The Devil's Blue were not plotted.
Thanks, Lee.
We've been having all sorts of discussions lately on the real history of this country. It's always been horrific.
The Woods + Devil’s Blue hit hard for me (you know my tastes). All four were perfect Saturday-morning reads. Thank you!
Heyyy thank you!!
Both were not plotted so I feel good about letting that particular energy run wild. Turned out okay!