Four of my stories were published this year, and I’d be delighted if readers would consider whether any of them rose to a level worthy of a nomination for any of the annual fantasy and science fiction awards.
Thanks for your time. AND for any such consideration as you may give. If nothing else, I hope you found these stories simply to be an enjoyable read.
The new year started off fresh with the publication of my SF short story, “The Golden Rays of the Morning Sun” in the first quarter issue of Abyss & Apex (January 1, 2021). How much of your physical self can you surrender and still remain human? There may be more than one answer.
The creation of this story was helped along by an illustration dashed off by award winning artist and writer Kathleen Jennings during a Twitter conversation.
Click to read more About The Golden Rays of the Morning Sun.
The second quarter issue of Abyss & Apex (April 1, 2021) published my epistolary Americana fantasy story, “Entries From My Grandmother’s Diary Pertaining to My Father’s Early Inflammation.” Dealing with toddlers sometimes takes on a fiery dimension.
I credit my late grandmother as co-author, as a fair number of the diary entries in this story originated as actual entries from her Depression-Era diaries. Click here to read more About Entries From My Grandmother’s Diary Pertaining to my Father’s Early Inflammation.
Sam Tomaino in SFRevu called this “a perfect story”. Read it and see what you think!
My SF short story, “Crossed Paws,” about the impending loss of one’s dog and the efforts one makes to keep more than just its memory alive was first published the in the UK’s Shoreline of Infinity #22 (May 2021). It was then republished in digital and print in issue #23 (June 2021).
Charles Payseur in Quick Sips 6/25/2021 reviewed “Crossed Paws”: “…heavy with tired grief, and beautifully done!”
Listen to “Crossed Paws” for free on Shoreline of Infinity’s “Soundwave Podcast”.
Click here to read more About Crossed Paws and Tammy, the very good girl to whom it’s dedicated.
Now for some shorter fare! Got thirty seconds? Check out Martian: The Magazine of Science Fiction Drabbles. Martian publishes stories of exactly one hundred words. It may sound easy (it’s only a hundred words after all!) but, oh, the trick is picking out the right one hundred words.
A brief SF tale of abrupt loss and perseverance, “Mercury’s Ice” was Martian’s September 27, 2021 story. Read more About Mercury’s Ice to see why I set this story in Mercury’s polar region (Also contains a gratuitous ‘cute kid’ pic :-).
Thanks for your time and consideration!
Marc A. Criley
Kickin' the Darkness 
One thought on “2021 Award Eligibility Post”