Some of science fiction’s most memorable works have been short stories. Isaac Asimov‘s “Nightfall” and Arthur C. Clarke‘s “The Star” have been read and remembered for decades. At longer lengths, Flowers for Algernon and Fahrenheit 451 are still read in American high schools decades after their initial publication. Both novels were expanded from the original novellas by Daniel Keys and Ray Bradbury.

Less famous stories still stick in my mind too. Bruce Sterling’s “Swarm” combines deep space horror tropes with a mind-blowing speculation about the evolutionary value of intelligence. Harlan Ellison’s novella “Grail” is a thought-provoking story of one man’s quest to find his true love.

And, of course, many a short story by Roger Zelazny sticks in my head. “Itself Surprised,” the best story set in Fred Saberhagen’s Berserker universe. “Unicorn Variations.” The diptych “Devil Car” and “The Last of the Wild Ones.” Award-winning “The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth.” Also award-winning, “Home is the Hangman.”

There are a lot of science fiction short stories that merit your attention.

To that end, I’m pleased to let you know I’m part of the Short Story Smorgasbord promotion going on now. Curated by author Joe Vasicek and fulfilled by BookFunnel, you have the chance to pick up dozens of free science fiction short stories.

My contribution is my short story collection, Extravehicular Activities, which includes ten stories and a bonus fact article. About half of those first appeared in Analog. If you’ve recently joined my Readers Club, you might already have a copy (if not, click here). If you’ve been a member for a while, you might not have had a chance, but you can get it now. Click on the button below to find links to Extravehicular Activities and all the other stories and collections in the promo.

That’s all for now. I hope you have a chance to enjoy some great science fiction short stories amid the feasting and football of US Thanksgiving and the shopping frenzy of Black Friday.