Things Worth Reading: Samantha Mills

This edition of Things Worth Reading is actually a Someone Worth Reading, short story writer Samantha Mills. I first encountered Samantha Mills on Twitter. She would say something witty and I would like it. Then one day she announced that she had a story in Strange Horizons so I had to check it out.

I cried.

Then I accidentally ran across another of her stories in Beneath Ceaseless Skies.

I cried again.

I was wary when I found out she had another story online on Diabolical Plots but I decided I loved her style and creative stories so much I’d read it anyway.

This time I didn’t cry but I was still amazed.

She has a literary style that is beautiful yet accessible. The creativity she brings to her stories is the kind that makes me jealous – in a good way, of course. The world building is seamless and detailed. In addition, each story has a message that leaves you thinking.

Without getting all creepy I’ll go looking for more of her stories. I highly recommend readers and writers both read at least one.

My favorite is “Strange Waters” in Strange Horizons. It even has a podcast.

In this one, the main character is a sailor lost in time and trying desperately to get home when she’s only a few miles off the coast.

The other two I’ve read are:

“Adrianna in Pomegranate” in Beneath Ceaseless Skies which also has a podcast.

This story takes place in a world where magic is tied to the physical act of writing. The Structure is unique, switching between textbook-style world building and the story.

“One Part Per Billion” in Diabolical Plots.

Gender issues and ideas of identity are explored in this science fiction tale of spaceships and aliens.

Mills also has a blog at samtasticbooks.com where she talks about life, pop culture, and books.

I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I have. Let me know in the comments which was your favorite!