Weekend Read #004 - THE STEPHANIES by Thomas Pierce
A shining example of why reading niche publications is a must for anyone building a slate
Hello again!
Well, we’ve had three weeks of intensive research into the short story market - thanks again to all the paid subscribers who sponsored that foray - I hope having a little directory of what magazines are publishing what genres will make your hunt for IP quicker and easier.
Since we’ve been talking about this space so much, I thought it would be fitting to feature an absolute treasure from the magazine market - THE STEPHANIES by Thomas Pierce, published by the Oxford American in 2018. It’s free to read online - take a look here.
“For obvious reasons, we’re not allowed to build any permanent structures or plant gardens in this field. Generally, we regard this field as a holy site. It is a place to go and be quiet and ponder the universe’s great mysteries.
Chief of which, us.”
In this story we are Stephanie, an astronaut who wakes up from a one-way mission into deep space to find herself on a planet inhabited by thousands of people - all descended from versions of her and the other 10 passengers. The ship, it seems, is stuck in a time loop - every year the same vessel lands in the same place, and the same 10 people deboard and join a new society built by endless combinations of themselves.
The other Stephanies patiently and lovingly explaining to you (also Stephanie) the ways of this new world, and your role in it. There are budding religions, new fields of science, rehashed art and music - and protocols you really shouldn’t question, no matter how brutal they seem.
“Roughly fifteen Stephanie Blocks. Fifteen Tripp Ashes. Fifteen Gary Wizzes. Fifteen Sam Motleys. Fifteen Prisha Patels. Fifteen Kevin Hsus. Fifteen Amy Dalrymples. Fifteen Monica Dornes. Isn’t it incredible?
There are no Lucy Sizemores, however.”
I think THE STEPHANIES is a stellar example of why short stories are such a wonderful medium - especially for science fiction. Something about it forces an author to clearly and efficiently develop their characters and the world they live in, which is perfect for the busy Hollywood buyer who struggles through reading full books.
Also - I just love the use of second-person perspective. I think it’s such an underrated style. Yes, it can be jarring and cringey when poorly executed, but Pierce is a deft writer who uses it to neatly plug the reader right into the role of Stephanie - giving us a deeper connection to her as she struggles with her strange new life. I think this gives THE STEPHANIES the same qualities that people love in SEVERANCE - it forces you to think about what you would do if you found yourself in this situation. And, naturally, that’s fertile ground for a strong and active fandom.
“There is a range of behavior—a range of thought, even—of which a Stephanie is capable. To try and deviate from this range—to consciously engage in some very un-Stephanie-like behavior—only widens the range.”
The Oxford American usually isn’t included in most lists of top literary magazines - maybe because it has more of a niche focus on the American South. But I think that focus - and the unique focus of other smaller magazines - is an essential part of the literary ecosystem. They foster fresh voices, with real missions and new ideas. Keeping tabs on them is simply essential for buyers looking for hidden gems.
Thomas Pierce Hails from Charlottesville, VA, and has big library of books and short stories. Many are featured in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Virginia Quarterly Review, and more. THE STEPHANIES is currently available - Pierce is attached to adapt and has written a pilot with a co-writer. He is represented by Dana Spector at CAA.
“We remember what it was like, being where you are now, at the beginning. You aren’t sure what to say or how to react. You feel crowded and closed in, exhausted and overwhelmed. We understand. It’s to be expected. Coming to terms with all this will take some time. Days, weeks, months.”
There is so much talent out there - and so many good ideas thriving in places we paperless pushers don’t always have time to dig through. I hope you’ll stick around here, where doing the digging for you is our job!
All best,
TIP
See you next time!