Mark McClelland · Burrst

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Author of "Upload", a thrilling near-future science-fiction novel about the first person to upload his consciousness into a computer. (See uploadthenovel.com for more.) I write in search of truths that defy simple, direct expression, and publish to share my discoveries with others. I'm also a software developer, best known (if at all) for my work on MindAlign, a chat application which was purchased by Microsoft. I now work for a trading firm in Chicago.

“Fsschictsizzl.”
Arrendal bent over his spellbook, his ear so close to the page he could feel the fine hairs rub against the gold letters he’d laid down so many years ago — before disease had left him blind. He strained to hear it again, afraid it may have been his imagination breaking free of his weary mind.
The...

1217 words by M McClelland

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Published 10 years ago

The phone rang, and the young blond fellow was called out to speak.

In robe and jammies, out he comes to speak to this delightfully, painfully physical woman friend of his. They speak, she quite happy to hear his voice, to draw him over, joking that he should come 'cross town in his night clothes to visit her, to lie...

284 words by M McClelland

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Published 10 years ago

There lived in the Kingdom of Florilegia, in a village by the sea, a vivacious girl named Malvinia, who loved to dance and sing. She could speak with authority on most any topic, and made friends with enviable ease. With her engaging eyes, ready laugh, and fearless questions, she opened hearts and invited sincerity with...

947 words by M McClelland

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Published 10 years ago

It had been a tradition, for some years now, that the badger Holly Hockstedter hosted a tea party every other Saturday afternoon. As with most occasions, especially those which stirred within him an anticipation of good tea and good company, Cyril Frolix made it a matter of some pride to arrive at the time best fitting...

567 words by M McClelland

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Published 10 years ago

I'm trying to put my shoes on. Can't you see that I'm trying to put my shoes on? Then why aren't you just watching, complimenting my exquisite balance? You're calling me names instead, you're jeering at… at me, you're not loving my foot brought up to such lofty heights—my midsection. In not doing so, you are...

417 words by M McClelland

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Published 10 years ago

I come upon a boxed monkey in the street, on the double yellow line, traffic whizzing by on both sides. The poor creature is screaming, and turning the box over with his jumping. The automobile drivers honk at me, and are forced to swerve a bit, but I persist, squatting down and wrapping the box in my arms. Hugging the...

419 words by M McClelland

7 Comments
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Published 10 years ago