It's back! Sekrit Santa 20.

[Phyrebrat]

Just a reminder to those who've still not been able to send their SS in, I'm going to start putting the excerpts up and send them to Victoria after Friday. Please let me know (by PM!!!!) if you're not able to finish (or start your story) as I might be able to get someone else to write Dan's who hasn't had his yet.

Actually, if anyone wants to do another one, feel free. Dan's request is:-

I'd like a story about somebody discovering Frederic Chopin's still-beating heart in a chest at the bottom of the river Vistula.

Or, if that doesn't satisfy the "don't be a d***" criteria, then a science-fiction story involving a maze. Either will do.

 

[Phyrebrat]

Whoops…. Apologies for the author of Dan’s as he had sent it but I hadn’t seen it.

And thanks to the new one I was sent and will forward on to @Dan Jones

Is there anyone who hasn’t received a story other than Dan? (I know it’s my fault he didn’t receive it so I want to double check.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Hi I have one written, I just need to cast eyes over it. I should have it with you in the next couple of days. Soz!

 

[Phyrebrat]

(Actually I dropped ball on one story so I’ll be joined you at the stake Jozeb

 

[Dan Jones]

Thanks, Ph - I've received my story yesterday and have just read it - it was very sweet and touching, and not what I expected, and all the better for that. Upon reading the first paragraph I was convinced I knew who the author was, and then a few touches later on made me question myself, and now I have no idea...

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Phyrebrat has kindly sent me copies of the stories. I'll throw out a few comments as I make my way through them

"Ghosts in the Machine" -- Narrated by an artificial intelligence that is able to create a synthetic human body for itself aboard a starship carrying people in suspended animation as the vessel searches for a habitable planet. The narrator becomes a fully developed protagonist; introspective, compassionate, and philosophical. An elegantly written science fiction character study.

"The Restroom at the Bend of the Universe" -- The narrator is trapped on a starship taken over by an insane commander, while a nuclear holocaust consumes the Earth; but not everything is at it seems. Cleverly plotted, with an unusually effective combination of darkness, suspense, plot twists, and sly wit.

"Flight" -- A single human representative tries to obtain valuable raw materials from the avian inhabitants of a alien planet in exchange for advanced technology; but her desire to help an alien outcast jeopardizes her mission. Notable for the extraterrestrial setting and the protagonist's dilemma.

"The Inner Citadel" -- The former ruler of a Galactic Empire, exiled in space by a usurper, meditates upon the past and engages in imaginary encounters with figures from time long gone. Something of a tour de force, in that the author creates a richly imagined far future universe through the eyes of one person. The last two words of the story cast a whole new light on the rest of the narrative.

(These are in order by length, by the way, from shortest to longest.)

 

[Provincial]

Is there any chance of reading these?

 

[AnRoinnUltra]

Fair play @Victoria Silverwolf -you are a stalwart of writing.
Does anyone know the guessing game works? I'm fairly sure who the author of mine was, but wouldn't mind narrowing the options by looking at the others.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Is there any chance of reading these?

I suppose that would be up to our host, Phyrebrat. After all the authors are revealed, it would up to each as to whether they would make their stories available.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Fair play @Victoria Silverwolf -you are a stalwart of writing.
Does anyone know the guessing game works? I'm fairly sure who the author of mine was, but wouldn't mind narrowing the options by looking at the others.

Usually the host offers an excerpt from each story and a list of authors.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

"The Rooster of Moscow" -- The unusual protagonist of this story escapes the city after the depredations of Napoleon's army, with six hens. They find an unusual ally during this time of crisis. What might have seemed whimsical is made into an entirely serious, stark tale of survival through the use of mythic themes.

"For Where Your Treasure Is" -- Hikers make an extraordinary discovery, then learn the incredible story behind it, leading to an important choice to be made. Vivid and convincing detail, along with much local color, transforms an extraordinary premise into one that seems very real.

"Correction" -- In a post-apocalyptic North America, a young woman calls on a man who is reputed to bring good luck to the virgins he deflowers. That makes it sound a bit salacious, but it's not at all. In fact, it's a very subtle, thoughtful story, that well rewards careful reading and rereading.

 

[Provincial]

Thanks for the clue @Jo Zebedee, now I know that your story is one of the three you liked!

 

[Provincial]

I suppose that would be up to our host, Phyrebrat. After all the authors are revealed, it would up to each as to whether they would make their stories available.

I hope they will. The 300 word challenge stories show that there is a very great deal of talent in Chrons, and your reviews make the stories all sound like must-reads. But for the person who requested the story it is a bit like being given a joint Christmas present, rarely a popular option, so maybe we should ask everyone!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Thanks for the clue @Jo Zebedee, now I know that your story is one of the three you liked!

Except I’ve liked both review posts - I always admire @Victoria Silverwolf ‘s reviews and the time they take

 

[Provincial]

Except I’ve liked both review posts - I always admire @Victoria Silverwolf ‘s reviews and the time they take

Dagnabit! Foiled Again! Were you waiting for someone to fall for your dastardly trap? You are NEFARIOUS!

Yes, she/they reads them carefully and reviews them thoughtfully.

 

[BigJ]

I'd be okay sharing stories, both the one I wrote and the one I received (thank you, whoever you are, for that, though I admit to not yet giving it the attention it deserves; hoping to find some time this weekend to sit down with some tea or some coke zero and properly enjoy it). Just because I made the request doesn't mean I need to hoard it for myself, I think.

And I will also add my appreciation for Victoria's reviews. A skilled writer with a demonstrated knack for both making sense of your story and making you feel better about it (especially if you were meh on your submission). A kind word from Victoria is worth a vote or two in my books any day of the week.

 

[Dan Jones]

coke zero

 

[BigJ]

For someone who doesn't drink, a coke zero sugar zero caffeine on the rocks in the evening is kind of nice.

And yes, I will die on that hill.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

"Home Again, Home Again" -- Beings who left Earth a very long time ago return to find those pesky humans infesting the place. Chaos ensues. This droll Yuletide farce combines absurdity with razor sharp satire of human foibles.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

"Long Day's Gobbling Into Night" -- The narrator is a despised, abused servant of a lord. An encounter with a stranger leads to a gesture of rebellion, with ironic consequences. What immediately distinguishes this story is the narrator's language, an almost Joycean mélange of misunderstandings and wordplay that rewards very close reading.

(And that's all I have. Two stories were sent to me twice, so I don't know if there are others.)