Two Fic Tuesday for Sept 1st

Hi, hello and welcome!

This week I'm back on my death and morality themed nonsense with my recommendations. But look, I cannot be blamed for this. I found both stories in the same week and I just had to share them together, okay?

(Yes, I know I'm predictable with my themes and the thing I love, but hopefully none of you mind this.)

Recs

Coyote Invents the Land of the Dead - KIj Johnson - Clarkesworld
I've had this story tucked away in my bookmarks for ages, but came across it at one point recently and pulled it up. I'm so, so glad I did. It's marvelous, and beautiful, and something that I really, really loved. We all know I love death and loss themes, and this was such a beautiful example of that kind of story. Also, the ending just kind of stole my heart a little bit.

Seastrand Beyond - Anna Clark - Flash Fiction Online
I read this story the same week I read the other one and I knew they would have to be shared together. It's a smaller examination of loss and not letting go, and I loved seeing it, especially against Coyote. It stands well on its own, though, something small and sad, and mournful in just the ways I love.

I wish all of you many good stories,

• Vale

PS: If you want to find me elsewhere, I'm on Bluesky at @howsweetthewords and I have a Ko-fi and Patreon where I post prompts, more personal/writing updates, microfiction, and miscellany. Tiers start at $1, but there is the occasional free post as well.