MicroSpec

Short Bursts of Speculative Fiction

   Welcome to MicroSpec!

 
Speculative Fiction in 100 Words or Less
NEXT ISSUE ~ April 1, 2008 


Congratulations. You've Discovered MicroSpec! ~ We're a new "twice monthly" venue for micro-bursts of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Our goal is to be the premier online publication showcasing speculative micro-fiction.

Submission Guidelines

  1. 100 words or less. Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror genres accepted.
  2. Up to 3 subs at a time. No attachments - include story in body of email.
  3. Type "SUB MicroSpec" in subject line & email to: microspec @ att . net
  4. No hate, porn, political/religious rants, excessive gore, or vulgar language.
  5. MicroSpec reserves the right to accept or reject any submission.
  6. New issues will be published on the 1st and 15th of each month.
  7. A no-pay market; you retain copyright. Reprints okay, if you own copyright.
  8. Include a micro-bio as well and this disclaimer (cut and paste into email):
  • I certify that this is my original work, that I own the copyright, and that publication of this submission in MicroSpec does not conflict with the publishing or business interests of any other online, hardcopy, or audio publication.

 Looking forward to hearing from you. Best Regards,

    Founding Editor, Lyn Perry (ResAliens @ gmail . com)

    Managing Editor, Mike Kechula (MicroSpec @ att . net) 

MicroSpec is a project of Residential Aliens

Stories vs Vignettes

A story is a completely told tale - with a beginning, middle, and end. A vignette isn't. A vignette starts in the middle of a scene and ends somewhere in the middle of a scene. If you can add a beginning and ending to what you've written, then you have a vignette. They can be helpful to write in order to set the stage for a story, but in and of themselves, they are incomplete. MicroSpec is looking for quality stories told in 100 words or less. While difficult to write, micro fiction can be done and done well. And we'll help! We attempt to provide personal feedback on every submission, so don't hesitate to send us your story - even if it might be a vignette.

Genre Fiction & Anecdotal Fiction

Genre fiction tells the story of a protagonist with a quest, and one or more antagonists who try to prevent the main character from reaching his or her goal. In the end, the protagonist either completes the quest or fails in the attempt. The genre formula uses conflict and tension to engage and entertain the reader.

Not all stories require a quest, however. Fictional anecdotes are tales where the protagonist does not have to complete a task. And there may not be an antagonist in the story. An example of an anecdote is a fictional account of taking grandma to Disneyland for the first time. There's no conflict or tension. Nobody is standing in the way of grandma having a good time. The story will still have a beginning, middle, and end, but it's more general.

These types of tales can be wonderfully entertaining and most micro fiction tends toward the anecdotal. The main reason: not enough word count is available to handle tension or conflict. But that's OK. MicroSpec accepts both genre fiction and anecdotal fiction as long as the story is clearly written, has a good ending, and engages and entertains the reader.