Sci-Fri Special: Flash Fiction
A collection of science fiction stories you can get for free and read right now.
Design FictionThis post also appears at www.designfictiondaily.com
Every winter, I set aside time to indulge in one poem, one essay, and one short story daily. Presented here is a curated collection of flash fiction—stories so concise they only take minutes to read, yet they unfailingly encompass the hallmarks of a compelling narrative.
The Interplay Between Short Stories and Design Fiction
In my design fiction projects—often for brands—I adopt an intriguing approach: I commission short stories based on straightforward prompts like “Must include product X”. Much like design fiction, these short tales tend to leave the reader pondering, with more questions than conclusions. I relish pinpointing the diegetic prototypes subtly alluded to within these narratives, and then bringing them to life as tangible artifacts.
From experience, I've found that clients are more inclined to engage with a design fiction artifact than to pore over a 1,500-word document. Yet, intriguingly, that very artifact can spark their interest to delve into the accompanying short story, seeking clarity on the queries it presents.
Today’s Flash Fiction Recommendations
I've selected stories that are readily accessible online for your perusal, perfect additions to your weekend reading repertoire. Many have been favorites of mine for years. One particular story, featured at the end, exemplifies the potential of design fiction, ripe for artifact extraction and elaboration. I intend to explore this tale further and will share my insights on Design Fiction Daily.
The Stories
The Egg
by Andy Weir
Andy Weir originally published "The Egg" on his personal website in 2009. The story gained traction online and was subsequently shared on various social media sites, including reddit.
The story's widespread online sharing and the discussions it generated helped cement its status as a modern philosophical and speculative fiction classic.
Silly Asses
by Isaac Asimov
The story serves as Asimov's critique of the nuclear age's perils. In this story, Earth's achievements catch the attention of the Galactic Keeper of Records. However, instead of being impressed, the Keeper is dismayed.
The button below leads to a page with a link to a PDF. Just scroll down until you see some links.
They’re Made Out Of Meat
by Terry Bisson
Two extraterrestrial beings discuss their recent discovery: humans. To their astonishment, they find that humans are entirely organic, made of meat.
Structurally similar to Silly Asses (above), the story is a humorous take on the idea of first contact and offers a fresh perspective on human existence by viewing it through the lens of alien beings.
Read They Are Made Out of Meat
Welcome to the Medical Clinic at the Interplanetary Relay Station | Hours Since the Last Patient Death: 0
by Caroline M. Yoachim
In this unique "Choose Your Own Adventure"-style tale set aboard a space station, the reader steps into the shoes of an employee seeking medical attention after an alien bug bite. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of intergalactic healthcare, the story humorously highlights the quirks of science fiction tropes and exaggerates the real-world frustrations of hospital bureaucracy.
Read Welcome to the Medical Clinic ...
Presence
by Ken Liu
In a future where telepresence robots allow individuals to remotely visit loved ones, this story captures the heartache of an immigrant protagonist distanced from their ailing mother. Told in a unique second-person perspective, the story makes the protagonist's emotions profoundly relatable.
The Uncool Hunters
by Andrew Dana Hudson
This story, penned by my pal Andrew, is a thrilling tale set in a near-future universe where commerce is a combat zone. Rocky Cornelius, a seasoned "uncool hunter", delves into the mainstream depths of society to unearth consumer trends most elitists overlook. This story marries consumer culture critique with high-octane action, creating a unique blend of satire and adventure.
I’m not alone in having my life shaped by sci-fi. Shout out to other Sci-Friday participants Andrew Smith, who inspired the idea, Michael S. Atkinson, Alex S. Garcia, Rudy Fischmann, BrianAlfred198, Jeff Kinnard, Ross Bingham, Kevin Alexander andAlejandro Piad Morffis.
These are all authors who write well, and they each do their own thing, well beyond Sci-Fridays. Check their stuff out!