Dark Journeys #8: “Black Velveteen”

In a future world where prostitution is mandated by the government, cybernetic sexbots, like Unit 33B, roam the streets and fill the city brothels. A honey-skinned dream with bubblegum lips and a body designed to stir the senses, she calls herself Velvet, and you should too. Sex-related crime statistics are at an all-time low, but when a hard-edged homicide detective finds himself questioning Unit 33B in a grisly murder case, he unearths a powerful secret that sheds light on man and morality.

How far will mankind go to protect the innocent?

The ninth story in the Dark Journeys Short Story Collection, “Black Velveteen,” was first published in eMuse in Spring 2009, then podcasted on my original website in July 2009. It inspired the Black Velveteen campaign, Travis King’s humbling attempt to get the story nominated for a Nebula Award. King described Black Velveteen as, “A tale in the tradition of Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick, an emotionally-charged tale of artificial life. It is “I, Robot” for the 21st century.”

Inspired by the Lenny Kravitz song, “Black Velveteen,” this story resonated in my brain for over two years before I finally committed it to paper. Now, I am offering it on Amazon and Smashwords as part of the Dark Journeys collection, for just $.99.

If you have already read “Black Velveteen” since it’s original publication, I ask that you please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon to let other readers know what you think. Reviews are a great way to help spread the word, and get the story out to more people. If you have not read “Black Velveteen” before, I hope you’ll check it out. It is still one of my favorite stories I have ever written.