Third Flatiron does science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories
All Our Signs Align. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Humor All Our Signs Align by Eve Morton If humans ever make first contact, it'll be important to find what we have in common. "All Our Signs Align" introduces a translator who teaches aliens ASL and opens real communication. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juli Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Sophie's Parisian Stationery & Parfumerie Magnifique. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Humor Sophie's Parisian Stationery & Parfumerie Magnifique by Wulf Moon This hopeful post-singularity tale concerns an intelligent gift shop building who goes above and beyond to serve her customers, even those intent on destroying all AIs. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Wulf Moon and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Dream Eater. Horror, Fantasy, Humor Dream Eater by Nemma Wollenfang Dream Eater revolves around an ancient, filthy crow-like creature that consumes dreams. He's jaded and bitter, shunned by all, but when a human woman shows him the smallest slice of kindness, his attitude begins to alter. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Joey and Rue. Horror, Fantasy, Humor Joey and Rue by Dominick Cancilla Joey and Rue are a pair of young, extremely non-identical twins. Joey tends toward misanthropy. Rue is more of a Lovecraftian force of discord indetectable by most living beings. Together they bend reality into an astonishing Rube Goldberg machine. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juliana Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Hunt. Fantasy, Horror, Weird Western The Hunt by Salinda Tyson With the advent of superior weaponry, human settlers visited new horrors on the animal kingdom, such as the slaughter of bison from trains in the 1800s American Old West. Perhaps it's time for a new balance to be established. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juliana Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The US Portal Service. Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction The US Portal Service by Brenda Kezar Technology comes up with solutions for the growing problems associated with more online buying, like increased transportation costs, increased manpower needs, and porch pirates. Of course, people are often suspicious of any new technology--and sometimes they are not wrong. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Samuel Osgood and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Toxic. Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction Toxic by Eleftherios Keramidas Imagine an infamous grimoire that brings death to all who try to unlock its secrets. A modern-day occultist uses cutting-edge technology to overcome human imperfection and detect the things that no eye can see. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Jordan Ashley Moore and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The First Day of Winter. Science Fiction, Climate The First Day of Winter by Mike Adamson We've seen a dramatic reduction in Arctic sea ice, and are looking ahead to a day when it's all gone. "The First Day of Winter" ponders what it would feel like to witness the opposite--the day when measures have paid off and the all-important ice makes a come-back. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Wulf Moon and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The New Mutants. Science Fiction, Postapocalypse The New Mutants by Angelique Fawns "The New Mutants" is a short where Lord of the Flies meets Station Eleven. The story was penned before COVID-19 shook the world, but the idea of how masks influence society is even more relevant today. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juliana Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The New Mutants. Science Fiction, Postapocalypse The New Mutants by Angelique Fawns "The New Mutants" is a short where Lord of the Flies meets Station Eleven. The story was penned before COVID-19 shook the world, but the idea of how masks influence society is even more relevant today. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juliana Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Reinvention of Death. Science Fiction, Artificial Intelligence The Reinvention of Death by Louis Evans This story takes place in a far-future post-death utopia, describing how that "garden of eden"-like state might break down and why. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Louis Evans and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Reinvention of Death. Science Fiction, Artificial Intelligence The Reinvention of Death by Louis Evans This story takes place in a far-future post-death utopia, describing how that "garden of eden"-like state might break down and why. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Louis Evans and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Wishbone. Science Fiction, Longevity Wishbone by K. G. Anderson A 79-year-old woman's politician grandson plans to end Medicare and Social Security at age 80 and send the elderly to euthanasia centers. The story begins the week before the grandmother must report to be killed. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juliana Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Wishbone. Science Fiction, Longevity Wishbone by K. G. Anderson A 79-year-old woman's politician grandson plans to end Medicare and Social Security at age 80 and send the elderly to euthanasia centers. The story begins the week before the grandmother must report to be killed. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Juliana Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Tunnels. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Immortality Tunnels by Brian Trent Niccolo di Venezia is a man who doesn't age. From his youth in 15th century Italy, his is a varied life of loss and longing. Through a relentlessly changing world, he is the constant amid the march of time. As he puts it: "Every blink of my eyes takes away the things I love." Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Brian Trent and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Tunnels. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Immortality Tunnels by Brian Trent Niccolo di Venezia is a man who doesn't age. From his youth in 15th century Italy, his is a varied life of loss and longing. Through a relentlessly changing world, he is the constant amid the march of time. As he puts it: "Every blink of my eyes takes away the things I love." Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Brian Trent and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Cold Iron. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alternate History Cold Iron by Wulf Moon The Fountain of Youth has long caught the imagination. Join us in another adventure of the indomitable Spanish conquistador Capricho and his phoenix-like war dog Leoncillo, who put their dip in the fountain to good use. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Wulf Moon and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Cold Iron. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alternate History Cold Iron by Wulf Moon The Fountain of Youth has long caught the imagination. Join us in another adventure of the indomitable Spanish conquistador Capricho and his phoenix-like war dog Leoncillo, who put their dip in the fountain to good use. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Wulf Moon and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Yes, Yes, Yes, We Remember. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alternate History Yes, Yes, Yes, We Remember by Elizabeth Beechwood This is a story about an atrocity of war that people refuse to talk about, or can't bear to talk about. Hopefully, their burden is lighter because the Mountains share their memory. It's also a story about resilience and hope. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Yes, Yes, Yes, We Remember. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alternate History Yes, Yes, Yes, We Remember by Elizabeth Beechwood This is a story about an atrocity of war that people refuse to talk about, or can’t bear to talk about. Hopefully, their burden is lighter because the Mountains share their memory. It's also a story about resilience and hope. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Fairy's Bell. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alternate History The Fairy's Bell by Bruce Golden Queen Elizabeth I invites Shakespeare to write a play for her and reveals why she never found true love. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Fairy's Bell. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alternate History The Fairy's Bell by Bruce Golden Queen Elizabeth I invites Shakespeare to write a play for her and reveals why she never found true love. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Mud. Fantasy, Science Fiction, War Mud, by Salinda Tyson A World War I ambulance driver and her faithful terrier do their job in the trenches against terrible odds. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Inken Purvis and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Mud. Fantasy, Science Fiction, War Mud, by Salinda Tyson A World War I ambulance driver and her faithful terrier do their job in the trenches against terrible odds. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Inken Purvis and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Dance of a Thousand Cuts. Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery The Dance of a Thousand Cuts, by Liam Hogan A young girl discovers a sword that will teach her to be the greatest swordsman in the kingdom. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The Dance of a Thousand Cuts. Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery The Dance of a Thousand Cuts, by Liam Hogan A young girl discovers a sword that will teach her to be the greatest swordsman in the kingdom. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
War Dog. Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction War Dog, by Wulf Moon Join the Spanish conquistador Balboa as he fights to win the New World along with his war dog, Leoncillo. The fighting dogs of fame were almost superhuman in their accomplishments, and they even wore armor like their masters. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Wulf Moon and produced by Andrew Cairns.
War Dog. Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction War Dog, by Wulf Moon Join the Spanish conquistador Balboa as he fights to win the New World along with his war dog, Leoncillo. The fighting dogs of fame were almost superhuman in their accomplishments, and they even wore armor like their masters. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Wulf Moon and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Night on the High Desert. Science Fiction, Weird Western, Space Opera Night on the High Desert, by Connie Vigil Platt Our lucky cowboy gets to deliver the payroll after the cattle drive, but runs into some odd goings-on at the old abandoned saloon. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Night on the High Desert. Science Fiction, Weird Western, Space Opera Night on the High Desert, by Connie Vigil Platt Our lucky cowboy gets to deliver the payroll after the cattle drive, but runs into some odd goings-on at the old abandoned saloon. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
And Yet They Move. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Space Opera And Yet They Move, by Alex Zalben A lonely astronaut travels to an impossible planet, where she's determined to just let her life fade away. But the planet may have other plans... Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
And Yet They Move. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Space Opera And Yet They Move, by Alex Zalben A lonely astronaut travels to an impossible planet, where she's determined to just let her life fade away. But the planet may have other plans... Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Chicken Monster Motel. Fantasy, Humor, Weird Chicken Monster Motel, by Keyan Bowes Recent college graduate Jerry Patel wants to manage a motel. He and his boyfriend Peter visit one that's listed for sale. But the Chicken Monster Motel is no ordinary hostelry. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Chicken Monster Motel. Fantasy, Humor, Weird Chicken Monster Motel, by Keyan Bowes Recent college graduate Jerry Patel wants to manage a motel. He and his boyfriend Peter visit one that's listed for sale. But the Chicken Monster Motel is no ordinary hostelry. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Blazing Beamard. Fantasy, Humor, Weird Western Blazing Beamard, by Stanley Webb Special Agent Bull Wire pursues the air pirate Blazing Beamard into the desert. A Chinese saloon girl named Fang leads Bull toward Superstition Peak, warning that Beamard is not a man, but a gold-starved dragon. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Jake Austin and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Blazing Beamard. Fantasy, Humor, Weird Western Blazing Beamard, by Stanley Webb Special Agent Bull Wire pursues the air pirate Blazing Beamard into the desert. A Chinese saloon girl named Fang leads Bull toward Superstition Peak, warning that Beamard is not a man, but a gold-starved dragon. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Jake Austin and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Beast of the Month. Fantasy, Humor Beast of the Month, by Wulf Moon A wizard contacts the Beast of the Month Club to report that he wants to return a selection he didn't order. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by the author and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Beast of the Month. Fantasy, Humor Beast of the Month, by Wulf Moon A wizard contacts the Beast of the Month Club to report that he wants to return a selection he didn't order. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by the author and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Spooky Action. Science Fiction, Humor Spooky Action, by David A. Kilman A university physicist accidentally contacts God while conducting experiments in quantum entanglement, a.k.a. spooky action at a distance. This is the first that God has heard of humans, and he soon learns that some of them are not happy with his creation. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Spooky Action. Science Fiction, Humor Spooky Action, by David A. Kilman A university physicist accidentally contacts God while conducting experiments in quantum entanglement, a.k.a. spooky action at a distance. This is the first that God has heard of humans, and he soon learns that some of them are not happy with his creation. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The JPEG of Dorian Gray. Science Fiction, Weird West, Victorian, Horror The JPEG of Dorian Gray, by Brian Trent In the enormity of Time, what would it truly mean to be immortal? A continuation of Oscar Wilde's brilliant original. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Mike Wright and produced by Andrew Cairns.
The JPEG of Dorian Gray. Science Fiction, Weird West, Victorian, Horror The JPEG of Dorian Gray, by Brian Trent In the enormity of Time, what would it truly mean to be immortal? A continuation of Oscar Wilde's brilliant original. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Mike Wright and produced by Andrew Cairns.
No County for Young Men. Science Fiction, Steampunk, Weird West No County for Young Men, by Martin Clark A gunslinger and his cyberweapon await a duel in the pouring rain. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
No County for Young Men. Science Fiction, Steampunk, Weird West No County for Young Men, by Martin Clark A gunslinger and his cyberweapon await a duel in the pouring rain. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Rust Never Sleeps. Science Fiction, Horror Rust Never Sleeps, by Keely Rew A lone spacefaring caretaker attempts to stay sane while crossing the cold expanses. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Rust Never Sleeps. Science Fiction, Horror Rust Never Sleeps, by Keely Rew A lone spacefaring caretaker attempts to stay sane while crossing the cold expanses. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Santa Claus Comes Straight to the Sprawl. Science Fiction, Cyperpunk Santa Claus Comes Straight to the Sprawl, by Andrew Cairns A Christmas heist story inspired in part by the classic Sprawl cyberpunk of William Gibson, a world of high-tech specialist mercenaries trying to exist in the shadows of a cruel corporate dystopia. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Santa Claus Comes Straight to the Sprawl. Science Fiction, Cyperpunk Santa Claus Comes Straight to the Sprawl, by Andrew Cairns A Christmas heist story inspired in part by the classic Sprawl cyberpunk of William Gibson, a world of high-tech specialist mercenaries trying to exist in the shadows of a cruel corporate dystopia. Third Flatiron podcasts are available on the website at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Keely Rew and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Our Problem Child: Langerfeld the Moon. Science Fiction Our Problem Child: Langerfeld the Moon by Marilyn K. Martin. A pair of scientists are tasked with keeping the war-damaged Moon in orbit and are buffeted by feelings about the Moon as an emotional touchstone based on thousands of years of legends and mythology. This story first appeared in the Third Flatiron anthology, "Keystone Chronicles." The anthology is available at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Marie Boyko and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Our Problem Child: Langerfeld the Moon. Science Fiction Our Problem Child: Langerfeld the Moon by Marilyn K. Martin. A pair of scientists are tasked with keeping the war-damaged Moon in orbit and are buffeted by feelings about the Moon as an emotional touchstone based on thousands of years of legends and mythology. This story first appeared in the Third Flatiron anthology, "Keystone Chronicles." The anthology is available at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Marie Boyko and produced by Andrew Cairns.
Dirt Moon. Science Fiction, Space Opera, Military Dirt Moon by Dan Koboldt. A squad of military commandos lands on a dirt moon, thinking it deserted. Before long, they realize it's not, and whatever lives there is hunting them. This story first appeared in the Third Flatiron anthology, "Hyperpowers." The anthology is available at thirdflatiron.com. Story read by Ryan Marshall and produced by Andrew Cairns.