Scott, these were such a pleasure to read. Vintage and Unbreakable were my favourites—the first for the wonderfully clinical vampire logic, and the second because that final “magic word” turn reclassifies the entire interrogation in one clean beat.
I also loved Magic Circles. The reveal that all that careful ritual work is really about finding a little peace from ambient magic was both funny and oddly tender. It made me think of Magic Junkies though I may be reading a connection that is not there.
I thought you did a great job of taking familiar fantasy and horror premises, tilting them slightly, and letting the final line do the damage. Sharp, strange, and very funny.
I’m irrationally pleased that I spotted the Magic Junkies connection. 😁 And thanks for the recommendation. I haven’t tried writing drabbles before, but I can see the appeal. It looks like a great exercise in precision—telling a complete story in exactly 100 words.
Scott, these were such a pleasure to read. Vintage and Unbreakable were my favourites—the first for the wonderfully clinical vampire logic, and the second because that final “magic word” turn reclassifies the entire interrogation in one clean beat.
I also loved Magic Circles. The reveal that all that careful ritual work is really about finding a little peace from ambient magic was both funny and oddly tender. It made me think of Magic Junkies though I may be reading a connection that is not there.
I thought you did a great job of taking familiar fantasy and horror premises, tilting them slightly, and letting the final line do the damage. Sharp, strange, and very funny.
Wow. Thank you. Magic Circles is inspired by a scene from Magic Junkies. Good catch.
They were a lot of fun to write. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend giving it a go.
Also, wishing you the very best for the competition. I hope it goes brilliantly.
Thank you so much.
I’m irrationally pleased that I spotted the Magic Junkies connection. 😁 And thanks for the recommendation. I haven’t tried writing drabbles before, but I can see the appeal. It looks like a great exercise in precision—telling a complete story in exactly 100 words.