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Once Upon a Time Machine is a dazzling anthology of short stories that traverse genres, from time travel to alien encounters, with themes ranging from heartbreak to whimsical absurdity. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
I am inspired by everyday life. Is there anything more absurd than that? Some of my ideas come directly from weird news stories, while others are just continuations of something that happened to me during the day. For example, in the story “The Mystical Rock,” Annie trips on a rock and it changes her luck. That story was hatched the day I tripped on a mangled coat hanger and felt lucky not to be injured.
What draws you to the genre of speculative fiction and makes it ripe for you to write such great short stories in it?
When I was seven years old, I watched my first episode of Star Trek and was immediately hooked on science fiction. I was fascinated by the idea of time travel, aliens, and visiting different worlds. I then began watching The Twilight Zone and was mesmerized by the brilliant stories, and excited by all the twists and turns each episode would take. When I began to write, it felt only natural to write about the things I loved.
What story in the collection did you have the most fun writing?
This is a very hard question. It’s almost like asking which one of my children I have the most fun with. Truthfully, I had fun writing all of the stories, even the serious ones. Two of my quirkier stories, “The Pet from Outer Space” and “Necessary Exclusion” were particularly fun because I actually laughed out loud as I was writing them.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in that collection?
Not a series, but there will be a new collection of short stories entitled Twice Upon a Time Machine, which I hope to get started on early in the next year.
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Once Upon a Time Machine is a journey through the eerie and enchanting, where ghosts linger, aliens visit, and time itself is a plaything. A collection of speculative fiction shorts from author Peggy Gerber, each page is an invitation to step into a world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. Prepare to be enchanted, unsettled, and thoroughly entertained…because we could all use a little magic in our lives.
Once Upon a Time Machine
Once Upon a Time Machine by Peggy Gerber is a dazzling anthology of short stories that traverse genres, from time travel to alien encounters, with themes ranging from heartbreak to whimsical absurdity. The collection captures human emotions in fantastical scenarios, like a grieving mother rewriting history in “Saving Aaron” or the humorous alien misunderstandings in “Necessary Exclusion.” These tales brim with creative twists that keep you wondering what might come next.
One thing that really stood out to me is how these stories manage to be relatable while being wildly imaginative. In “Saving Aaron,” the protagonist’s grief over her child’s death feels raw and visceral. Her desperate use of a time machine to undo her pain raises haunting questions about morality and consequences. I found myself heartbroken and conflicted, wondering if I’d make the same choice. The story’s bittersweet resolution stuck with me long after I closed the book.
Another favorite was “The Mystical Rock,” which had an almost fairy-tale charm to it. The protagonist’s life changes when she discovers a seemingly enchanted stone that only she can see as special. It was such a lighthearted and feel-good tale, especially after the darker entries. The story’s message about self-belief and hard work resonated with me. It reminded me of how small affirmations can make a world of difference if we let them.
While I enjoyed the book overall, not every story landed perfectly. “Necessary Exclusion,” while funny and satirical, felt a little on the nose with its commentary on human violence and hubris. I liked the aliens’ baffled observations, but some of the humor felt stretched. That said, the cleverness of weaving in cultural references, like the “supreme leader Taylor Swift,” made me chuckle despite myself. Even the less polished tales had moments that sparked a reaction—whether laughter, introspection, or disbelief.
This collection is a fantastic fit for lovers of speculative fiction who enjoy the unpredictability of short stories. Each story brings something unique; humor, suspense, or heart-wrenching emotion. While the tones and styles vary, they reflect a shared curiosity about life, choices, and humanity’s quirks.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0DHFB37TS
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