The definition of microfiction is ‘a story written in 300 words or less.’ It’s a concept I’ve been fascinated by for a long time but have never attempted myself, despite it being a fairly popular exercise on Twitter these days (e.g. the #vss365 hashtag).
I’ve particularly enjoyed T.A. Hernandez’s microfiction work, so when I found out she was going to be compiling some of her Twitter posts—along with some original pieces—into “an illustrated collection of miniature stories,” I was elated. Because of the wordcount limits for microfiction, the key is to use those limited words wisely, and this is something Hernandez does masterfully.
It’s impossible to really review this as a singular book like I normally do here on this blog, because it’s made up of so many smaller parts. So I’ll leave you with this: this is a fantastic collection of microfiction. It's absolutely mind-boggling to me how such big ideas can be captured in so few words. Each story in this collection—ranging anywhere from sci-fi to fantasy to dystopian thriller—leaves you wanting more, yet somehow satisfied at the same time. Every installment could serve as a prompt for its own novel(la)-length book, but maybe that's not necessary. The remainder of each story is left up to your imagination, and I think that's what I love most.
LOOK FOR OTHER WORK BY T.A. HERNANDEZ, INCLUDING THE SECRETS OF PEACE THRILLER TRILOGY, THE FANTASTIC CALICO THUNDER RIDES AGAIN, AND HER COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES!
ABOUT T.A. HERNANDEZ
T. A. Hernandez is a science fiction and fantasy author and long-time fan of speculative fiction. She grew up with her nose habitually stuck in a book and her mind constantly wandering to make-believe worlds full of magic and adventure. She began writing after reading J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings many years ago and is now is happily engaged in an exciting and lifelong quest to tell captivating stories.
She is a clinical social worker and the proud mother of two girls. She also enjoys drawing, reading, graphic design, playing video games, riding her motorcycle, and making happy memories with her family and friends.
