“Smart Car” by Doug Hawley is a 740-word futuristic comedy flash fiction story officially and originally published by Fiction on the Web on Tuesday, October 27, 2015; more than ten years ago when I was only a 27-year-old naive guy. (I’m still naive, but ten years older!)
Since 2015, Doug has written thirty-seven more episodes for the “Smart Car Series,” but the first one still stands out as one of his best works. The problem with some of the following episodes of “Smart Car” is that, unlike the first and main story, they cannot be fully grasped without knowing the characters’ backgrounds. They’re fun but somehow feel incomplete.
“Smart Car” can be used as a great sample story to teach new flash fiction writers how to write an excellent piece. The language (words and structures) Doug has used is simple enough for a non-native reader to comprehend as well. Additionally, we see no unnecessary words or statements in this well-written story. I think we should thank Doug’s editor and wife Sharon for doing a great job.
“Just hypothetically, is there any way that I could turn down your intelligence?”
“Not that you will ever know.”
After I get my belt, I ask Carl to go to the dealer that sold Jacqui her car. I don’t say why but I should have known that Carl would figure it out.
Even after a decade since the publication of “Smart Car,” this story is still relevant and fresh. Everyone is talking about smart devices and artificial intelligence these days. Will smart things probably take control of our lives in the near or far future? I have no clue! But it’s certain that our life is going to change for good, and we must get ready for that instead of ignoring or even fighting against it.
I invite you to read “Smart Car” by Doug Hawley at Fiction on the Web. You can also read eight more short stories written by this talented writer there. If you’re interested, I recommend that you visit https://doug.car.blog to read almost all his works in one place.
One reply on “A Review of “Smart Car” by Doug Hawley”
If this is not “Duke’s” best story, it is in the top three of his more than 1,000 publishing credits. I urge you also to seek out “The Vorg,” “Spoils” and “Another Day After,” featured in a host of venues.