Science Fiction: The Short Stuff discussion

Hi everyone!
First off, it’s great to see a space dedicated to readers and writers of sci-fi short stories. I’m here to share a bit about myself and the two stories I’ve published so far, both set in my evolving science fiction world, The Gate.

I’m Erik Sellström, a lifelong fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and all things storytelling. Growing up on Star Wars, Blade Runner, The Terminator, Tolkien, Douglas Adams and all that, I’ve always been drawn to imaginative worlds. Over the years, I’ve written in various forms—scripts, short stories, and even some unfinished novels—but The Gate is where I’ve really planted my creative roots.

The Gate is a sprawling megacity built on an enormous dam protecting an inner sea, set in a future shaped by advanced tech, climate challenges, and a hint of ancient magic. It’s dystopian yet hopeful, a stage for ambition, intrigue, and human resilience.

My Stories
Fragments of Light
This is my first published short story, a standalone tale about an artist haunted by visions that he’s compelled to paint. Set in the lower layers of The Gate, it’s a blend of mystery, magic, and the power of creative obsession.

The Auction
My second story is a sci-fi adventure featuring Ash Trevino, a freelancer navigating the dazzling heights of The Crown, a floating auction house above The Gate. Tasked with securing a mysterious Old World artifact, Ash soon finds himself in a high-stakes game of survival and trust, with rival factions and unexpected allies making things even more complicated.

Both stories are written to stand on their own but offer glimpses into a larger world I’m continuing to develop. I think they’ll resonate with readers who love suspenseful sci-fi, layered characters, and richly detailed settings.

What’s Next
I’m working on a sequel to The Auction, diving deeper into Ash’s story and exploring more of the city’s secrets. My hope is to expand The Gate into a tapestry of interconnected tales while keeping each one engaging on its own. Parallel to these short stories I’m also (surprise!) working on a novel set in this world.

If any of this catches your interest, I’d love for you to check out my stories:

Fragments of Light on Goodreads

The Auction on Goodreads

Thank you for letting me share a bit about my work! I’m happy to answer questions about the stories, The Gate, or my writing process. And if you decide to read one of the stories, I’d be honored to hear your thoughts.

Best,
Erik

These are very recent works indeed--both having been published and made available on Amazon only this month. Thanks for letting us know of them.

Yep, that’s right. And not exactly Nobel prize material. :)
I hope to entertain while developing my writing and storytelling. Cheers!