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Mainstream sci-fi mags are a tough nut to crack, but I managed to get one of my pieces published over at Apparition Lit.

A mash of Stalker and MasterChef Australia and my instinct for self-sabotage.

It’s pretty short, around 1000 words.

Here’s the opening:

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At home with her wife and daughter, the Cook rejects pleas not to enter Zone Cook, telling them with raised chopstick that it is subject-destiny.

Later, the pod arrives, a Zone Cook official stepping out with window-sized clipboard.

On the clipboard, the following questions:

What is your signature dish?

What do you find difficult to cook?

Any allergies we should know about?

Can you bite your tongue, and for how long?

What do you consider fair?

Scanning the clipboard, the Cook takes a pen and answers all questions except one, which she draws a chaotic spiral next to.

In the kitchen, the daughter stares blankly at the microwave.

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You can read the rest here