Archive - What's in a Phrase?

(Hu)man vs. Self

In “Speed Trap,” Frederik Pohl presents a "systems" man's inefficiencies to develop the character's realism.

Jul 1 •

June 2025

In the Final Stage of Life

In “Keeping Time,” F.H. Batacan brings humanity to a close through the lens of objectification.

Jun 3 •

May 2025

Cracks, From Which Come Madness

In “The Road of Pins,” Caitlin R. Kiernan creates instability through the smallest of fissures, letting madness find the reader.

May 6 •

April 2025

In “Super-Frog Saves Tokyo,” Haruki Murakami uses simplicity of scene to develop an endlessly-faceted world.

Apr 22 •

March 2025

Between Learning and Facing

In Tender is the Flesh, Agustina Bazterrica splits knowledge and consequence with a simile.

Mar 4 •

February 2025

Feel Good, Then Move On

In “Fuckface,” Leah Hampton crafts a moment of reprieve by referencing a trope.

Feb 4 •

January 2025

December 2024

What It Takes to Save a Life

In “Igifu,” Scholastique Mukasonga congregates an entire village to save a young girl.

Dec 3, 2024 •

November 2024

An Author and Character's Power

In The Taiga Syndrome, author Cristina Rivera Garza and the strange businessman envelope the reader.

Nov 26, 2024 •

A Feature; Not a Bug

In Runtime, S.B. Divya has a competitor's name represent the state of the world.

Nov 19, 2024 •

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