Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
AI as a Reflective Surface
Much of the confusion surrounding artificial intelligence comes from treating it as an agent rather than a surface. When people speak about AI “doing the thinking,” “creating the ideas,” or “speaking for someone,” they are often projecting agency onto a system that does not possess intention, belief, or understanding. This projection obscures what is actually happening in many real-world uses. In those cases, AI is not acting as a source of meaning, but as a surface that reflects, redirects, and reshapes what is already present.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcastabout 3 hours ago in Critique
Prom Dresses
The sun fell in slanted beams across the wraparound porch, and Jim held court from his favorite rocker, twirling a lollipop between his fingers and occasionally popping it in his mouth. He’d been doing this since he stopped smoking, and the young’uns didn’t remember the cloud of Pall Mall that used to shroud his face as he told his tales. The kids were playing in the yard and under the porch, escaping the brutal shafts of September sun in the cool sand with stripes of light interrupted here and there where an adult’s frame blocked the sun from shining through the gaps between the slats of the porch floor. Presently, a grubby face appeared over Jim’s shoulder. The kids wanted to go down to the creek to play.
By Harper Lewisabout 14 hours ago in Critique
Beyond Bars: Rethinking Prisons, Punishment, and What Justice Is Really For.
Do we need prisons? It is a deceptively simple question—one that exposes deep assumptions about justice, responsibility, fear, and hope. My answer is yes, but only provisionally. Prisons should exist, but only as a last resort, tightly limited in scope, radically reformed, and oriented toward a clear moral purpose: restoration and public protection, not suffering for its own sake.
By Rachid Zidineabout 17 hours ago in Critique
Catherine O’Hara Could Do Anything
Catherine O’Hara had a glow about her. Her crackling wit and those Irish features (fire red hair and bold blue eyes) all added up to a comedic force. She held onto her placement as a performer hailing from Canada. But she made her mark in America. Yet another immigrant who did well in the States, imagine it.
By Skyler Saundersabout 18 hours ago in Critique
I'm leaving Vocal Media
I'm leaving Vocal Media. To anyone here who is subscribed to me or liked my stories, I'm sorry. I'll be joining StoryForge instead, reading my stories on YouTube, and building my brand, away from Vocal Media. If you liked me enough to find me elsewhere, you're probably a bot because I am not nearly that good of an author... yet. Thank you to everyone who gave me encouragement, especially when things were hard. Your feedback and praise lives in my head, it keeps me going when I want to give up.
By Monique Hardta day ago in Critique
Everyday Clarity Made Simple: Problem-Solving Techniques for Everyday Challenges That Build Confidence
Life doesn’t wait until we’re ready. Plans change suddenly, work pressure builds up, and tension at home can drain energy fast. These everyday problems are unavoidable, but how we respond to them makes a huge difference.
By Micah Love-Allotey3 days ago in Critique
The Layer Cake.
The Layer Cake" Movie Review. One of the great crime dramas is "The Layer Cake". I have watched this movie many times. It deals with drug dealers, schemes and shakedowns. Daniel Craig is a drug dealer with a plan to get in and get out of the business.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).3 days ago in Critique
The Blue Sword
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley Nothing says a childhood classic like white savior Mary Sue! I snagged this one after listening to an episode of Brandon Sanderson’s podcast where he said this inspired one of the stained glass windows decorating his house (because of course he has presumably awesome stained glass windows).
By Matthew J. Fromm3 days ago in Critique
Working Title. Content Warning.
For the life of me, I couldn’t remember how many of us hooked up with each other at that hot tub party at Amber’s last month, and that was probably where I picked up whatever bug this was. It was inconvenient and uncomfortable as hell, but you pay your money and you take your choice. Win some, lose some. Peaks and valleys, man. I wondered if I had time to duck out to my car and hit my pen before they called me back. Probably not. Good thing I popped that gummy before I left my pad.
By Harper Lewis4 days ago in Critique
Rewind . Content Warning.
Who did these assholes think they were, asking me about my personal business? I wasn’t one bit amused by any of this bullshit. Some dumb little tramp got my dick sick. I’ll slit her throat when I figure out which one it was. What kind of bullshit was this, anyway? Why did they need to know how many bitches I’ve bagged? Fuck them, I just made one up.
By Harper Lewis4 days ago in Critique
