Jill Howard

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Mar, 2020

Stories (3)

3 Stories

83 karma pts

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“The Vultures' Picnic” by Jill Howard

Submitted to Contest #63

People lived even more hurriedly after the mandate was passed. Bumbling politicians had assured the country that the chips would make overpopulation impossible, relieve the failing healthcare system, and provide a steady opening of new jobs to young workers. Everyone knew the truth: lifespan would be cut in half, orphans would multiply tenfold, and each individual would only live long enough to serve the system. They knew this. But they were so tired. And after the worldwide food shortages, the overcrowded cities, the pollution and undrinkab...

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“The Librarian’s Favorite” by Jill Howard

Submitted to Contest #39

   There weren’t many vivid colors in the Warren. Vibrant hues must have tired of always fighting the drab reality of hopelessness in that place. But one bright hideaway was always there: a cluster of three clumsily cutout stars, faded in the middle, taped to the ceiling of my bedroom. Mother said they had been there when we moved in. She also said- for the benefit of the cameras in every corner of our house, no doubt- that of course their cheeriness was not consistent with real stars, in space. “Those outside elements ne...

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“The Pianist” by Jill Howard

Submitted to Contest #38

I guess while I was at the open house for the apartment the landlord had cast a silencing charm. I promise, no sound penetrated the walls I now know to be incredibly thin during that half hour. And it was okay, for a couple weeks after I moved in. The pipes groaned and the AC complained, but the neighbors were tame in their little boxes. Nothing kept me awake at night. That is, until the pianist moved in next door. A walking contradiction, his clothes were too big and his personality too small; he apologized just for walking past m...

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Author bio

Jill is a student who figured that since she is so awkward when communicating in social situations, she must be better at writing. She hopes to do well enough at this that everyone can excuse her quirks as simply a side-effect of genius.