Shorty’s Got Game

Writing short story reviews have always been the most challenging hurdle for me. Being a naturally wordy person (who tends to overanalyze;) finding that perfect balance between informative and well…”giving the milk away for free,” puts me into a tizzy.

My instincts tell me to write a synopsis, break down characters, look for loop holes, but none of these are crucial when determining the WORTH of a short story, ENTERTAINMENT is. Was I entertained by what I just read? Was it a complete story or just a bunch of words cleverly arranged on a page? Was it good? These are the elements that are important when it comes to “bit literature” not (for a lack of a better description) how LONG it is.

A few months ago I approached Kipp Speicher about writing a flash fiction for KO. Being the fantastic sport that he is, he readily agreed. Unfortunately… during this process Kippoe (as I affectionately refer to him) discovered he was born without an off switch. His “flash fiction” very quickly morphed into a short story and before I knew it I was being “gifted” his final product instead of emailed. Now… while I am still a little perturbed at being ripped off, (I still haven’t gotten my promised flash fiction) I will (begrudgingly) admit that Kippoe’s choice to keep writing paid off.

Ladies and gentlemen… let me formally introduce you to “Die Already” a short story whose cover makes me cringe and concept makes me second guess everything I’ve ever assumed to know about Kipp Speicher.

Meet Horace.
Horace has a gift.
That gift is to keep things alive.
Unfortunately that gift has a downside,
His gift keeps things alive.

To be short and sweet about it, (even though I think this review is already longer than the story) “Die Already” hits the mark when it comes short, entertaining (mildly warped) stories. If you are looking for a quick read at lunch or need something to read before bed (warning: this may cause you to have some wicked dreams) this one might just be the one for you.

Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: If you think things can’t get worse it’s probably only because you lack sufficient imagination.

Click image for complete details.

P.S. “Die Already” includes a bonus excerpt from Tom Raimbault’s “Something Quite Perverse” and “The Tree Goddess”