Author: Isla McCullough

  • The Time Machine

    The Time Machine

    “No, you can’t, it’s against the law!” I struggle against the fairies dragging me along, big burly ones too. “Yes we can sweetheart,” the female one says in a sickly sweet voice. “Article 23 of the new constitution never specifies the use of children in time travel.”I continue struggling, new constitution be damned. Fairies and…

  • Fight

    Fight

    There are three reasons I don’t fight demons: they’re rich, they’re arrogant, and they always, always cheat. Without fail.  “Lyric,” says a voice behind me. I pause and then resume putting one foot in front of the other. “What’s the bet on me today?”  “Thirty gold. And a few silvers thrown in by the more…

  • The Story of Great-Great-Grandmother Gisele

    The Story of Great-Great-Grandmother Gisele

    When my grandmother was a young woman, she sold emotions. Right there on that very street corner, you see? Where the sign post and the lamp meet. They were usually bottled, of course, by the time they reached her table, and she would line them up one by one, in neat little rows. The woman…

  • How to Get Through a Fantastical Maze (without going *that* insane)

    How to Get Through a Fantastical Maze (without going *that* insane)

    First, patience. You’ll need a lot of it because you won’t be able to get a bird’s eye view to see where you are (at least at first). Understand that moving will get you farther than sitting and contemplating every fork in the road. Ignore the secret passages. They are dark, damp, and scary, and…

  • Writers are the Greatest Devils

    Writers are the Greatest Devils

    Writers are the greatest devils of all. If you don’t believe me, try it out for yourself. See how it takes you over and makes you relish in the control you now have; the power. See how it makes you go just that tiny, teeny-weeny bit insane. Ever seen those villain redemption movies? I hear…