A while ago, I started following a newsletter called Carrier Bag that specializes in short story round-ups. It’s inspired me to do something similar; I so love making reccs! I think it’s a cool way to help people discover new writers and magazines. I often write reviews and making curated lists for people on request, but this is my first attempt at going about it like this. So, bear with me. I’m still finding my sea legs!
I plan on doing the same sort of thing for poetry. The first post of that is scheduled to go out later this week, but before we get too far into either, let’s knock out some housekeeping. Isn’t that, after all, what intro posts are for?
What is this series?
Nothing too serious or fancy! I have posts in the works that dissect things I have and/or am currently reading, but this series isn’t for that. It’s simply a recommendation hub, which I hope at least one person will benefit from. I’ll provide links to the stories, author websites/socials when available, as well as a brief and spoiler free blurb below each. These will all be things that can be read online or listened to for free, though the links provided may inspire you to buy issues or support authors directly!
Do you have a schedule?
I do! It’s a loose one, but a schedule all the same. To give myself time to corral plenty of stories, I aim to update every three months or so. That’s rather a long waiting period, I know, but I believe it’ll be worth it based on the next point!
How much bang for my buck?
Great question! While this post is going to be brief, subsequent updates will contain between fifteen and twenty recommendations. These will be everything from flash to novelettes—or novellas, if they’re free—as well as critical and creative nonfiction essays that I find interesting.
Without further ado, let’s get into it! This small list is the start of a fun series, so please enjoy it and keep an eye out for updates. Soon, y’all will be drowning in recommendations.
Unspeakable, by Logan McConnell (Diet Milk Magazine)
FILE UNDER: Short Story // Gothic Fiction
Author socials: twt
Is it tacky to kick this off with something my own magazine published? Perhaps, but I simply can’t resist. This is one of my favorite pieces we’ve acquired so far, and I can’t imagine any lover of the Gothic being unmoved by it. It’s got all the trappings of a classic, from the setting and off kilter horror-esque vibes to the bizarre relationships that pepper it. For such a short tale, it packs a punch you’ll be feeling for weeks.
Immaculate, by Avra Margariti (Seize the Press)
If I were forced to choose just one—and only one—author whose flash to hype, it would have to be Avra. Their work is so lush, so atmospheric, so deeply entrenched in their culture that it practically drips history and mythology. This burst of creepiness is no exception! If you’re a fan of literary horror and religious imagery being turned on its head, you’ll have a blast. Avra is a master in the making, and an author that I plan to watch!
A Feast Like No Other, by Ai Jiang (Deathcap and Hemlock)
FILE UNDER: Micro Fiction // Speculative Fiction // Experimental
This is a cool and freshly formatted story, done in the style of a page from a recipe book. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, just trust me and give it a try. I’d be surprised if you closed the tab feeling disappointed. Ai is a wonderful speculative author, whose other works are sure to appear on future lists. Her prose is clean and modern, and yet so evocative and fantastical. Hers is a true talent and such a treat!
Triangle Eyes, by Chris Clemens (Apex Magazine)
FILE UNDER: Flash Fiction // Folk Horror // Author Debut
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a sucker for folk horror, particularly as it relates to holidays. This gem, Clemens’ debut (how exciting!), hits all the best notes. It’s creepy, pulpy, told from the POV of a child—which, in my opinion, makes things a touch more terrifying—and centers on Halloween. If you’re a fan of Dark Harvest or low-budget Halloween movies, this is the story for you. It may be out of season but don’t let that stop you. This is a fun read no matter what time of the year.
Selections from Come Join Us by the Fire, Season 2
Some Breakable Things, Cassandra Khaw
FILE UNDER: Audio // Twenty Minutes or Less // Second Person // Ghost Stories // Body Horror
This story, y’all. This story. I cannot articulate how unprepared I was for the emotional roller coaster. If you’ve recently lost a parent and are still in mourning, you might want to miss this. If that doesn’t apply to you, however, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. It does one of my favorite things a horror story can do: it stomps all over the boundary between terror and grief, forcing the reader to confront their own trauma and the horror inherent to everyday tragedies. It makes you shudder and want to cry in that special way only horror can.
The Sound of Footsteps, Silvia Moreno-Garcia
FILE UNDER: Audio // Twenty Minutes or Less // Second Person // Modern Gothic // Ghost Stories
Like all SMG’s work, this is a burnished gem. A well-grounded, solid modern Gothic set in her usual place—Mexico—it addresses the hauntings of childhood, gentrification, shitty hometowns, and the pain of trying and failing to reconnect with people you’ve outgrown. As is also her usual, however, it comes with a nice little twist. The horror is quiet here, masterfully tempered with nostalgia and grief, and will leave you feeling so emotionally full at the end. If you’re unsure about starting this audio anthology, this is a great story to test it out with.
That’s all for this time! Short and sweet, like I said. Keep your eyes peeled for future (and lengthier) updates from this series, as well as my others. In the meantime, follow my journey elsewhere! You can find me on insta, twitter, and goodreads! If you like my work and want to support me, also consider dropping a donation on ko-fi.
Stay spooky!