Freedom Lies in Being Bold Wendy Nikel
Here in the United States and among our northern neighbors of Canada, many are gearing up once again for their annual celebration of freedom. Barbeque grills are being filled with charcoal, apple pies are browning in ovens, and communities are planning parades and firework displays, all accompanied by the fervent fluttering of flags.
It’s only fitting, then, that our stories this month involve characters fighting for their freedom. Not freedom from a tyrannical government or freedom from physical incarceration, but the kinds of personal freedom that we all too often take for granted. The bold sisters-in-arms you’ll find in these stories strive to embrace their power and fight back against that which would snatch their freedom away – whether it’s a controlling relationship, societal expectations, or their own potentially deadly magic.
In “Gathering” by Jonathan Duckworth, our bold protagonist has a peculiar power in her artwork, and this dreamy, surreal story will have you simultaneously cheering on her and hoping that someone stops her before it’s too late.
Sunyi Dean’s “—Good,” explores the dynamics of freedom, consent, and duty within a marital relationship in a heart-crushing near-future sci-fi story.
In “Untimely Frost, Unlikely Bloom,” author Hayley Stone gives us a dark fairy tale about a woman whose freedom is snatched away by a mother’s well-intentioned wish, and whose own freedom brings about the suffering of others.
And finally, our reprint this month is “If We Live to Be Giants” by Allison Mulder. In this lovely fantasy tale, which originally appeared at Fireside Fiction, a pair of sisters strive for the courage and freedom to be themselves, despite their grandfather’s prejudices.
Before you dive into that patriotic fruit salad or light up your box of sparklers, we hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy with us these four delightful and thought-provoking tales. Let freedom ring!
Become a Patron! Check our our NEW Patron rewards!
FIREFLY
Receives weekly links to new stories, exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the authors, and our undying love.
WILL-O-THE-WISP
Receives a free monthly download of our current issue, access to Ask Me Anything chats with the FFO staff, submission statistics, plus benefits from lower levels
SHOOTING STAR
Gain access to our monthly Mini-Critique sessions, the FFO Editorial Team slushpile wishlist , plus benefits from lower levels
AURORA
A chance to have your work discussed by the FFO editorial team, receive 365 Writing Prompts and our latest anthology, plus benefits from lower levels
LIGHTNING
Receive a monthly mini-critique from the FFO editorial team and request custom writing videos, plus benefits from lower levels
SUPERNOVA
Receive one flash fiction critique per month, mini-critique sessions, an opportunity to “sponsor-a-story,” plus all the benefits of lower levels!
Support Flash Fiction Online
Flash Fiction Online is a free online magazine that pays professional rates. So how do we make that happen? It’s due to the generosity of readers like you.
Here are some ways you can help:
Become a Patron.
Sign up to become a monthly donor and gain access to exclusive Patron rewards like manuscript critiques, insider submission statistics, the Editors’ Wishlist, free downloads of our current issue, and Ask Me Anything chats with the FFO staff. Read more…
Subscribe to FFO.
Never miss an issue! E-reader formats delivered to your inbox. Available from WeightlessBooks.com
Buy our issues & anthologies.
Each of our issues and anthologies are available in convenient e-reader formats (epub/mobi/pdf). Available from the Flash Fiction Online Store and WeightlessBooks.
Donate.
Consider a one-time gift that fits your budget.
Advertise with us.
Have a product, service, or website our readers might enjoy? Ad space available on the website and in our e-reader issues. Sponsored posts opportunities are also available. Learn more…
Spread the word.
Love one of our stories or articles? Share it with a friend!