Tim McDaniel on Curious Fictions

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Tim McDaniel teaches English as a Second Language at Green River College, not far from Seattle. His short stories, mostly comedic, have appeared in a number of SF/F magazines, including F&SF, Analog, and Asimov's. He lives with his wife, dog, and cat, and his collection of plastic dinosaurs is the envy of all who encounter it

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Fiction

Chained

Published Dec 11, 2020 · 2,083 words (8 minutes) · 191 views

Fantasy Horror Romance marriage zombie regrets

We imagine zombies to be mindless monsters yearning only for flesh. This one wishes it were so.

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Fiction

A Death in Tadcaster

Published May 4, 2020 · 2,984 words (11 minutes) · 343 views

Humor Mystery solving crimes Detective crime Agatha Christie Miss Marple Amateur Detective

Old woman and famed amateur detective Miss Dalyrimple is dying. At her bedside, Vicar Swettenham is going to learn some surprising information about her career solving crimes.

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Fiction

Another View of the Matter Addressed in Shelley’s “Ozymandias”

Published May 3, 2020 · 2,828 words (11 minutes) · 311 views

Humor Science Fiction Historical Pharoah Khufu ancient aliens aliens egypt first contact pyramids

Khufu, Pharaoh of Egypt, is visited by a mysterious alien robot who offers him technological wonders. It is up to the Pharaoh to choose which gift to accept. What does he really want?

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Fiction

Welcome to SFCO

Published May 3, 2020 · 2,044 words (8 minutes) · 322 views

Humor Satire Science Fiction employer handbook rights corporate culture policy corporations Business employee

A useful handbook for new employees of SFCO, An excerpt: "Some employees may be asked to fill out a short self-evaluation form, while others may be challenged to fight to the death in the sand pits (on the second floor, just past Gary’s office). Others may be required to write and perform quarterly operettas, declamations, artfully staged writhings, or tragic performances that will play on the heartstrings (only sometimes literally) of supervisory staff."

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Fiction

Kohl's Quality Impressions

Published Apr 28, 2020 · 10,808 words (40 minutes) · 345 views

Fantasy Horror Mystery Science Fiction Romance ghost artist Art raising ghosts laying ghosts Noir ghosts

Kohl's work involves the raising of ghosts, for personal reasons or for public display. He's very good at his job. But after serving time for the murder of his mentor he finds he can only afford a cheap studio and cheaper equipment. Then his ex-lover, and ex-wife of his mentor, comes back into his life, and Kohl finds that some ghosts need to be laid to rest.

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The Common Good

Published Apr 27, 2020 · 2,091 words (8 minutes) · 288 views

Fantasy Horror magic sacrifice cost of magic

An important member of the village, whose well-being is vital to the economic health of many townsfolk, is dying. Magic can be used to save him -- perhaps. But magic has a cost: if someone is to live, another must die. One with a lot of potential living still to come. A child. Tanner has to cast a vote.

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Fiction

Hop and Hop with Gleepglop-Geep! A Bedtime Reader

Published Oct 12, 2019 · 1,904 words (7 minutes) · 552 views

Humor Science Fiction Life lessons Growing up Comedy children comedy-horror Bedside Reader

Gleepglop-Geep learns valuable life lessons as she begins to grow up -- lessons about sibling rivalry, defeating Mother, and taking her place in society.

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