Editors' Choice
The Wittiest Man in France by Philip Apps is the editor's pick as the winning theme story for April/May. Congratulations Philip!
Last month's theme prompt, Meta Sci-Fi, ended on May 15, with the final accepted entry published on June 4th. We published twelve theme stories last month with various forms of twisty-turny, recursive meta-plots. Surprisingly, almost all of them were, in some way, about writing and/or publishing.
Philip's story is one exception to that trend. His tale of futures past proposes a decidedly high-tech and recursive solution to solve an age-old social problem.
About the Winning Story
Visit the opulent world of 22nd-century Paris, where high society mingles in grand salons and time travel can turn a clever phrase into timeless wit. In "The Wittiest Man in France," you'll be transported to the year 2179, a time when the charisma of Louis XXIII reigns supreme and the quest for social prestige leads to encounters as thrilling as they are unexpected.
Follow the protagonist, an ambitious expatriate, as he navigates the dazzling yet treacherous world of Parisian elite. Amidst robotic attendants and breathtaking mansions, he meets the enigmatic Monsieur Cavet, renowned for his quick mind and conversational prowess. But what starts as a mundane introduction soon spirals into an unforgettable night of sharp tongues and sharper turns.
The drama unfolds as wit meets hubris, leading to a climax as shocking as it is satisfying. This tale of ambition, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of social standing will leave you pondering the true nature of popularity and the cost of cleverness.
This is a story where every word counts, but time can change everything.
If you haven't read "The Wittiest Man in France" yet, support our SFS family and click the link below. Don't forget to give a rocket or five if you like it!
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Honorable Mentions
Three other theme stories deserve mention this month as excellent examples of meta sci-fi:
"The Sequoia Server" by Michael Barbato-Dunn
"Merely Muses" by Jim Dutton "What's a Meta Phor?" by J. Millard Simpson
Of course, you should read all of this month's prompt stories to appreciate and enjoy the variety of ways our writers chose to treat this common theme. Here's a full list:
Title | Author | Release Date |
Dan Leicht | May 3, 2024 | |
B.M. Gilb | May 13, 2024 | |
Jim Dutton | May 17, 2024 | |
Mary Lawton | May 20, 2024 | |
J. Cabral-Jackson | May 21, 2024 | |
James Hornick | May 22, 2024 | |
Philip Apps | May 24, 2024 | |
J. Millard Simpson | May 27, 2024 | |
Nina Miller | May 29, 2024 | |
Michael Royal | May 30, 2024 | |
Michael Barbato-Dunn | June 3, 2024 | |
Jeff Currier | June 4, 2024 |
Next Month's Theme Prompt
The next theme prompt, Gothic Sci-Fi, was announced in May and will end at midnight on June 15. Check it out, and send us your best dark, brooding gothic horror or romance with a pinch (or more) of science.
To allow sufficient time to publish all the accepted theme stories before announcing the editors' choice, we ask you to please complete any necessary revisions within one week of receiving editorial comments.
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