Darkness 102: Advanced Lessons Were Learned was published on August 30, 2025. It is a continuation of the Darkness series with a collection of tightly crafted 102‑word flash fiction horror stories. Each piece demonstrates the tension, atmosphere, and unease that haunts us.
I contributed two stories to this anthology and had the opportunity to celebrate its release at a book launch held at The Legendarium bookstore in Salt Lake City. Sharing flash fiction in front of a crowd emphasized just how immediate and impactful short form horror can be.
About the Anthology
Darkness 102 challenged writers to work within strict constraints while still delivering emotional and narrative payoff. The result is a collection that moves quickly but lingers long after each piece ends.
The anthology explores fear from multiple angles, blending psychological unease, speculative elements, and classic horror motifs. Its strength lies in precision. Every word has to earn its place.
Smart Home for Stupid Humans
My first contribution, “Smart Home for Stupid Humans,” explores the quiet terrors of technology through a horror lens. The story leans into familiarity and dependence, allowing unease to build in subtle ways rather than overt shocks.
Cave of Echoes
My second story, “Cave of Echoes,” draws on atmosphere and sensory deprivation to create tension. Set around a single unsettling encounter, the story uses restraint to let fear echo outward rather than resolve cleanly.
Cosplay at the Book Launch
To lean into the spirit of horror storytelling, publisher Elizabeth Suggs and I cosplayed as the girls from the film Heretic for the book launch. The costuming added a visual and theatrical layer to the event that echoed the anthology’s themes and created a memorable point of connection with attendees. It was a fun way to celebrate the genre!
Reading at The Legendarium
The book launch at The Legendarium offered a great setting for this collection. Reading my stories aloud highlighted their rhythm and compression, inviting the audience into an immediate shared experience.
Why This Project Matters
Darkness 102 represents a form of creative discipline I value deeply. Working within strict constraints sharpens craft and forces intentional choices at every level.
Contributing two stories to a horror anthology reflects my dedication in horror as a genre and my commitment to experimenting with form, brevity, and tone. It also demonstrates how even the smallest narrative spaces can hold weight, tension, and meaning.
Interested in exploring the anthology? Find the book here.
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
