Read a story

Fiction transports us into the lives of others. Places we’ve never been, things we’ve never done, can become part of our experience and shape our way of thinking. Pick a story to read – and let it change you.


 

A Net Too Wide to Break His Fall

by Matt Boothman

Callum struggles not to fall through the cracks – easier said than done when no one can see or hear him without a person introduction.

Serialised in the Foggy Outline newsletter, July 2023–today.

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Driving the Point Home

by Matt Boothman

A spellsmith forges a trick sword to teach a friend a lesson.

Originally published in Of The Sword, a micro-fiction anthology podcast that released a short story about a unique sword every day in September 2023.

1k words. Audio version available.


 

When a Crossroads is a corner

by Matt Boothman, writing as M. J. Starling

A prisoner faces off with a guard dog.

Apex Magazine Steal the Spotlight contest winner, November 2014.

250 words.


 

Dead Without Dying

by Matt Boothman, writing as M. J. Starling

A woman with a seriously long-term ambition seeks out the secret of longevity.

Originally published in AE: The Canadian Science Fiction Review, April 2012.

2k words.


 

Thorndyke’s Folly

by Matt Boothman, writing as M. J. Starling

A man dreams himself into his past to save his – maybe everyone’s – future.

Originally published in Reflection’s Edge, September 2009.

5.5k words.