Fiction to Features / July 2024
The July issue! Featuring a scientific expedition, a creepy teacher, flesh-eating creatures...and a face reveal?!
Happy August! July was such a fantastic month — I spent so much time listening to audiobooks on gorgeous hikes, reading physical/ebooks during relaxing beach days, saw seven movies in theatres, and even accepted a new job offer (!!!!!). TWISTERS was a blast and I might finally be hopping on the Glen Powell train… Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk blew me away, especially as I’ve only read Fight Club and his short story “Guts” prior to that. I didn’t realize what I’d been missing out on!
I also read short story collections by two of my favorite voices in fiction right now: Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh and Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata. Both such unique and special authors, I especially loved “A Better Place” from Moshfegh’s collection, and the eponymous “Life Ceremony” and “Hatchling” from Murata’s. Murata, in particular, writes in a way that just cannot be replicated. Her viewpoint on the world is so unlike anyone’s I’ve ever read, and that is why I hold her in such high regard. Read these incredibly talented ladies if you can!!!!!
As usual, below are the ten available stories for this month. There are some great ones in here! I’m reachable at fictiontofeatures@gmail.com if you wish to inquire further about rights, or if you just want to say hi.
Happy reading!
THIS MONTH’S READS:
“Rabbit Test” by Samantha Mills, found in Uncanny Magazine
Logline: In a pro-life future where an app can track a woman’s cycle and administer an alarmingly quick pregnancy test, Grace is faced with a life-altering decision that will put her life and freedom at stake.
Why it would work as a feature: WOW…I haven’t stopped thinking about this story since I first read it. This story feels more topical and relevant than ever; it deserves to be read. The flashes to centuries ago when women were still unable to have their own bodily autonomy were haunting and poignant. In a feature adaptation, it would be most strategic to focus on Grace and how her life plays out due to the results of her rabbit test. Love the potential for character development and how at odds Grace is with her mother, and how she chooses not to repeat that cycle with her own daughter. This story is so alarming because of how close it feels to the world we live in now. It feels like a grounded sci-fi version of NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS.
“The Idols” by Thomas Dunn, found on Electric Literature
Logline: After being disbarred from the scientific community two decades ago due to a controversial paper reporting objects that would arrive in the Arctic, a woman and her former colleagues head to Norway when reports of the objects’ arrival finally become a reality.
Why it would work as a feature: The prose in this is stunning, packing a punch with concise language that could serve for a gorgeous film adaptation with the right filmmaker attached. Not only does the landscape of this arctic, seaside setting feel cinematic and haunting, but the character development inherent to this story would make for a stunning feature. I would love to see a nonlinear narrative in an adaptation, showing how devastating it was for our unnamed narrator and her colleagues to be “canceled” for their scientific contributions, only for them to reunite years later. The conflict between the larger group and Tomas, the only one of the scientists still practicing in the field and who wrote a book about the dissolution of their group, would make for stunning tension. The tension would only amplify when on the contained setting of the boat.
“Mr. Harmon’s Girls” by Elliott Gish, found on PseudoPod
Logline: As their English teacher begins to act more inappropriately towards them, a class of high school girls decides to take manners into their own hands for vengeance.
Why it would work as a feature: This story reminded me fondly of I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai, which I read back in June of this year and immensely enjoyed. Not only does it deal with similar and difficult subject matter, but that book played with second-person narration in a way that reminds me of this story’s use of first-person plural. It feels different and exciting. I love the range of girls here and the obstacle they are up against in this evil teacher who is assaulting each of them. There is definite potential for three-act structure here. I’d love for a feature to focus on one of the girls as a protagonist and to see how she finds sisterhood and healing by confiding in her classmates. The supernatural twist at the end makes this feel unique when compared to other stories that also deal with assault at the hands of a teacher. Could be a Quinn Shephard special!
“I’ll Miss Myself” by John Wiswell, found in Reactor Mag
Logline: While using a social media app that allows him to communicate with versions of himself in alternate universes, a man learns about the life problems that he does and does not share with his other selves.
Why it would work as a feature: This story uses this social media app to paint a real inner conflict within Shaw and make him question his entire identity. It deals with some dark themes, especially in regards to mental health and suicide that I would be wary of if you’re sensitive to those topics. I especially loved how cerebral and introspective this story felt. For a screen adaptation, it would be stronger if other characters in Shaw’s life were introduced, or if Shaw were able to somehow visit the alternate universes that his others are living in. I would especially love to see the story more focused for three-act structure with Shaw encountering one of his selves on the app who is planning on committing suicide, and Shaw must prevent it. This could create a tight goal for Shaw to accomplish with a ticking clock that would make for great stakes and conflict, while also giving Shaw the opportunity to develop alongside this other Shaw who is considering this life-ending decision. Moving and filled with discussion, this could be a more optimistic BLACK MIRROR episode than others we’ve seen in the past.
“Little Free Library” by Naomi Kritzer, found in Reactor Mag
Logline: After she sets up her own Little Free Library, Meigan begins receiving mysterious gifts and notes in exchange for the books she is lending out.
Why it would work as a feature: This story was sweet and heartfelt, and would be the great first act to a feature. Spoiler now but…what does Meigan do with the egg at the end of the story?! We need to see! I loved the whimsy and mostly innocent nature of this story; it’s refreshing to not read something too dark. In a feature adaptation, I’d love to see Meigan aged down and to somehow go on this journey with her newly single parent. Maybe Meigan’s parents just got divorced, and this Little Free Library could be an attempt at a bonding activity between her and her father. Perhaps I’m getting too into the weeds of where a screenwriter should take this story, but I think that’s just proof that this would make or a great family film with a child protagonist and her parent. This could create good character development and conflict as they would overcome hurdles in their relationship. I love the respect for literature present in this story, and seeing it adapted would be a treat. Perhaps a lighter version of a film like E.T.
“Grottmata” by Thomas Ha, found in Nightmare Magazine
Logline: After the unexplained deaths of four soldiers on a foreign planet, an Inspector tries to uncover the truth behind the deaths with the help of a mysterious factory worker who may know more than she lets on.
Why it would work as a feature: I loved the ethereal and mysterious nature of the characters on this planet, and the setting overall could be lush and gorgeous for promising cinematography. ANNIHILATION could be a good comp. I also really enjoyed the mystery here, and how the Inspector uncovers more and more information. The intrigue and suspense would translate very well to a feature. With the similarities to ANNIHILATION, Alex Garland could be an interesting idea for this. I also really liked the incorporation of the lotus flower into this story, especially because of how it symbolizes rebirth and something new. While this story is darker, the lotus brings a certain ethereal energy to it that makes it something special.
“Bonesoup” by Eugenia Triantafyllou, found in Strange Horizons
Logline: Throughout her childhood, a young woman's grandmother feeds her exotic dishes that have magical consequences.
Why it would work as a feature: Very reminiscent of LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, this story was sweet and made for a beautiful relationship between our protagonist and her grandmother. I’d love to see the struggle this might present for Dina as she grows older and perhaps wishes to eat food more similar to other children, while still fighting against her grandmother’s cuisine. Also, a feature adaptation could make these different meals feel fun. Think of the scene in LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE when everyone eats the cake at the wedding and begins to cry profusely — I’d love to see something similar here. A fun and whimsical story of magical realism with real heart and care for its characters at its center. (I’m purposefully keeping this vague to implore all of you to read exactly what Dina eats throughout…the author was inspired by Hansel and Gretel, and that is very evident!)
“like blood on the mouths of death” by Victor Forna, found in Nightmare Magazine
Logline: A young boy copes as his mother’s body is slowly eaten by creatures with skin made of palm trees.
Why it would work as a feature: This story is heartbreaking, but the metaphor here is beautiful. A comment on chronic illness, this story if very reminiscent of A MONSTER CALLS. I also loved jumping between our protagonist’s childhood and his adulthood as he also suffers from the same illness as his mother. The imagery and the guilt makes this story come to life, and it would be touching to see as a feature. Further, I loved the small detail of our narrator realizing the first time he felt ashamed of his mother when in public and dealing with her stares as a headless woman. The complexity of the emotions proves how layered the character development would be in a feature.
“The Winner Is” by Elaine Crauder, found on Electric Literature
Logline: While her ailing father is dying in hospice care, a young woman takes money from his bank account to treat a horrendous toothache.
Why it would work as a feature: A beautiful piece of flash fiction — I could see this being adapted into a darling short film on the festival circuit, but also as a feature too. I felt that we saw so much of our narrator in this brief passage — her love for her dying father, her complicated relationship with her sister, and her relationship with wealth and money. These complex themes and insightful moments would make for a great feature. After she’s treated her toothache, we could expand upon even more to make this feel broader in scope. Perhaps sorting out agreements with her father’s will officially, or even dealing with the passing of her father at the end of the first act or so and how she must deal with the official, legal actions necessary. Feels tonally similar to THUNDER ROAD by Jim Cummings.
“Generation” by Dan Peacock, found in The Dread Machine
Logline: To provide a better life for herself and her child, a woman tries sneaking her daughter through border patrol while hiding an illegal secret about her true identity.
Why it would work as a feature: FANTASTIC SCI-FI WITH A GREAT TWIST! I don’t want to spoil what the secret about this child is before anyone reads, but this story is worth it, especially in this current political climate as immigration becomes more and more pressing of an issue. The twist at the end of how our border patrol officer may know more than he leads on was exciting and propulsive, which would make this a great feature. But most importantly, the mother/daughter relationship at the center is what grounds this story and makes it so beautiful. We feel the bond between our characters and root for them. Apologies for being more on the vague side with this write-up, but I want to force people to read this! Please note that The Dread Machine technically holds First Worlds Rights to this story until today, but they are free and clear for publication elsewhere and more starting tomorrow. Perfect timing!
That’s it for this month! I’m excited to see what August has in store after having such a wonderful July.
Until next time,
A very happy (and very sweaty!) Meg on a hike while listening to the fantastic audiobook for Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson!!