The SFT Curates 12/6/17

The @hardfork-series writing contest just keeps turning out good fiction. We're back with three more outstanding stories based on the Hardfork prompt, with another curation post pending after this one.

Because we set The SFT up differently than other curation teams, we're able to curate posts that are beyond payout. This was intentional, though at the time we didn't realize how advantageous this would turn out to be. Much talk has circulated around Steemit about adding value through views, about reaching out through other forms of social media and bringing more readers to the platform. We were having these conversations among ourselves long before they became hot button issues with Steem investors. That's because as authors and connoisseurs of fiction, we understand the intrinsic value of a story that lasts well beyond a seven-day payout period. Good literature is timeless, and should be rewarded on a timeless scale. So yes--we upvote when possible. But by rewarding authors with direct SBD transfers, we are able to reach across time and recognize posts that may have fallen off the trending pages. The views they get still count. The stories they tell still rivet.

WHAT MADE THESE STORIES STAND OUT TO US?

We chose today's selections because they are tightly written, well-edited, and show creative innovation. The authors were willing to work hard to get the technical aspects right, as well as the storytelling mechanics.

These curated stories will appear today in the SFT Library.

CURATION: 12/6/17

Our selections today are listed alphabetically by username: “Ashes and Acorns,” by @carolkean, "Rebar" by @jordan.lesich, and “Bread and Blood,” by @negativer.

"150 is the new 50," so there’s no good reason for a mother to leave her son behind so soon. He’s not sure anything exists on the other side anyway. But for all the technology that could have kept her young for decades, Mom may know things that science hasn't begun to figure out.

Outside the law in the city of Rebar, surrounded by drug addicts and criminals, a man kills and murders his way through the streets, revelling in the violence. The world is a dangerous place, and he’s right in the middle of its worst. But is it all more of a choice than he wants to admit?

Hunger drives a man out of his apartment and straight into an ambush just outside his door. His empty belly suddenly seems a lot less important than his empty chest, because he knows all too well that grain for bread isn’t the only thing being harvested these days.

The SFT is always accepting donations to support talented fiction authors on Steemit. Please send SBD or Steem gifts to @sft. You can also support the SFT by following our curation trail or purchasing a Steemshelf. All Steemshelf monies go to @sft. Our curators take no percentage. They are volunteers, and often donate SBD themselves for author rewards.

This curation trail was conceptualized by @andrewgenaille, @rhondak, @mk40, and @swelker101. Logo created by @pegasusphysics. If you would be interested in lending your support through delegation, please contact @mk40 or @swelker101.