Letter From The Founder
It’s that time of year again!
Yes 2025 may have been challenging, it may have been stressful, you may have seen your resolutions evaporate into smoke before January even came to a close. But there are some things that you can count on to see you through, and I am proud once again to say that the STSC end of year Fiction Symposium is one of them. This is our fourth year in a row now and so to all of those on Substack who ask ‘Where is all of the good fiction?’ we can once again shout ‘IT’S RIGHT HERE!’
So as you ready for the visit of Old Saint Nick, or maybe when you sink into the food coma of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and beyond know that we are right here and that we have got you covered for all of your story needs.
Merry Christmas,
Spawn by Frank K
Frank Kidd kicks us off with an absolute epic (master)piece of genre majesty. A very, very touch act to follow.
Songs of a Tiny Goat by Konstantin
For Konstantin Asimonov ‘s latest (and greatest?) I’m going to steal a quote from the comments because it sums it up perfectly:
I’m in awe of your literary gift: you’re versatile, yet good in whatever you write. It’s quite uncommon.
Hear, hear!
Zinfandel by Samantha
This story from Samantha Mozart may even top the trusty Christmas cheeseboard in terms of being the perfect accompaniment to a little bit of yuletide wine imbibing.
Eastern European Cartoons by Vanya
vāneçka is a genius. I don’t need to say anything else.
The Dance Floor by G K Gaius
Like a family member who goes off to live a life of adventure, it is always a pleasure to reconnect with gkgaius whenever he stops by around these parts. Another beautiful and evocative short piece from the master of the ultrashort story.
Said the Lesbian to Her Lover by Dane
This story from Dane Benko is designed to create a very specific response in the reader. I won’t spoil it by saying what it is, I’ll simply note that it did what it set out to do with me. And I suspect it just may do the same for you too.
The God Portal by Clint
Clintavo adds a further citation to the case that he may well be a contemporary prophet. He’s been on a hell of a run in 2025. And as 2026 and beyond gets stranger and stranger I suspect his vision will only lead to better and better art.
Senior Jeopardy! by Jeanne
I would say that Jeanne S is a big winner with this game show themed delight. But I think that the real winner is us, the reader. Outstanding.
Elfs by Minna
Now this is Christmas! Minna delivers an absolute festive delight with this tale of Elfs (or Elves if you prefer). I was genuinely absolutely captivated and transported. As I began reading it I was not in the Christmas spirit at all, but by the end I was ready. Magical.
The Kingsbury Club by Adam K
Adam Kozak continues to slowly build his case for being the heir to the great P.G. And if in the future he gains the same level of adoration (and money) as the fantastic Mr. Wodehouse I wouldn’t not be altogether surprised.
The road not taken by Terry
‘Unmaps’ is the one for my money but all of Terry Freedman ‘s offerings here are stellar. Imagine being able to convey so much with only 6 or 25 or 100 words. Absolutely remarkable.
So that was the 2025 annual STSC symposium on Fiction. We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Thank you for your support with these projects we put together, thank you for reading them and thanks for all of your comments, feedback and notes. Thank you for taking the time to share them and pass on the word.
And finally, and most importantly:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
TJB.
As rich an assortment of characters we are, as if we jumped out of a Charles Dickens story! Our conductor of words is @Thomas J Bevan. After you’ve read these tales, join our merry lot!
Can I contribute articles to your publication? I think your style is quite similar to mine.