J.R. Johnson

I spend a lot of time online for work and play, and it struck me just how much free fiction I see in a typical day. Lots, is the short answer.

I’ve decided to use some of my posts to highlight (a mere fraction of) the excellent material out there. I’m drawn to good writing, intriguing characters and ideas, and speculative prognostication. I hope these stories will appeal to you too.

Today’s selection is “Zero Hours” by Tim Maughan (Medium, Sep 19, 2013) ~7 min read. It introduces us to the life and work of a 19-year old “zero hours retail contractor” in London 2023.

0714, Wanstead
Nicki is awake even before her mum calls her from the other side of the door. She’s sat up in bed, crackly FM radio ebbing from tiny supermarket grade speakers, her fingers flicking across her charity shop grade tablet’s touchscreen. She’s close to shutting down two auctions when a third pushes itself across her screen with its familiar white and green branded arrogance. Starbucks. Oxford Circus. 4 hour shift from 1415.

…

Enjoy!