Beta readers wanted for a fantasy short story, “The Ticking of the Clock.”

While on book tour (you are coming out to see me at Borderlands tonight, if you’re in SF, right?) I finished a short story. It’s 6700 words and I’m on a sort of tight turnaround on it. If you have time to read it tonight, will you drop your name in the comments and I’ll send you the password?

Here’s the teaser.

The Nameless Queen sipped her port, rolling the blood-dark liquid in her mouth. Night rain pattered against the tall leaded glass windows of her sitting room in a gentle sussuration. The clock on the mantle ticked the minutes until midnight.

The door burst open, bouncing against the paneled wall. “…must be planted in winter so that they can grow snow. You see? Grow snow. It is so delightfully simple that I am not certain why no one has thought of it. Grow snow. Then we shall have relief in the heat of the summer.” Her husband strode into the room with his hands tucked behind his back and his brow knit in concentration. Beneath his dark green robe, King Lennart of Stromhold’s broad shoulders presented the picture of a man of action. “Who is next, well? We have not got all day. Unless we stop the clocks, then we would of course, but meals would never come and one should get frightfully hungry. Yes? Who is next?”

One of the ministers who trailed him leaped forward. “What should we do about the ambassador from Itedia? Prince Volis has brought favorable trade terms for the everwood but wants to meet with you directly. We have not given the details of your infirmary, of course, but he has heard the rumors.”

Did you know you can support Mary Robinette on Patreon?
Become a patron at Patreon!

32 thoughts on “Beta readers wanted for a fantasy short story, “The Ticking of the Clock.””

  1. Unfortunately I didn’t get your email until a few minutes ago, and I’m on the other side of the pond where we are supposed to be fast asleep.

    I’m perfectly aware that I could do it; after, all my daughter is a hospital doctor who works insanely long hours and yet seems to manage rather well.

    But I think there are better people than me to do it.

    Best wishes

    Stevie

  2. Sorry, I was just making the rounds before logging off so I can’t get to it tonight. I can do it first thing when I get home from work Friday night if that’s still useful.

  3. Terje Mathisen

    I’m in Oslo, Norway so I was asleep when you posted this. If you still want/need/can afford another reader I’d be happy to do it immediately.

  4. I very much hope you got your beta readers in time, and that the book tour continues to flourish, notwithstanding all the nonsense being hurled around by nitwits of the canine persuasion.

    Also, that you get some rest, because book tours seem to regard the science of that bit of human health as superfluous…

Comments are closed.

Scroll to Top