I have a new short story out! Today Inkstick Media ran Destroyer of Worlds, which took third place in its contest soliciting stories designed to shock readers out of nuclear apathy. In a few days I’ll share a bit more how this story came to be, but in the meantime, enjoy the story!

I’m especially thankful to Nadaskii for the gorgeous artwork, which perfectly captures how I envisioned this scene. The casual way Cassie holds the martini glass brilliantly captures the story’s surreal vibe. I didn’t realize Inkstick would commission artwork, so when they sent me the draft sketch, I was blown away. I’m still new enough at this that seeing another artist create an interpretation of my work is magical. Then again, maybe that will always be magical!

The first and second place entries were also great and worth a read: Paddlefish by Madison Hissom and Five Twenty Nine a.m. by Austin Mullen.

By the way, while I’m writing about Inkstick Media: I have always loved Dune. I read it for the third time in anticipation of Denis Villeneuve’s new film, which I loved. I thankfully saw it on IMAX, then went back with my boys so they could experience it. With that said, Dune has a complex relationship with Arab history and culture, and Arab commentators have raised some valid concerns about the lack of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) representation in the cast. My two years in Jordan sensitized me to these types of issues. I raise this now because Inkstick ran a great piece on the topic by Khaldoun Khelil titled Erasing Arabs from “Dune.” Khelil love Dune and actually helped write the Dune roleplaying game (RPG), so he offers a critique that is respectful and even affectionate while addressing the salient concerns.