Kev’s Odyssey: A Journey in Small Steps
“Not all heroes wield swords. Some carry slightly stale biscuits and ask politely if you’re okay.” — Kev the Mildly Helpful
Welcome, friend.
This is the beginning of a journey. Not one paved with dragon bones or cosmic prophecies—but with mismatched socks, unexpected kindness, and one mildly helpful soul just trying his best.
Meet Kev.
For those of you who already follow my micro fiction notes you’ll recognise Kev as the mildly helpful one who always tries to do his best.
Kev isn’t a hero, not in the traditional sense. He doesn’t slay beasts (at least, not intentionally). He doesn’t lead armies or deliver grand speeches. But he does show up. He does listen. And sometimes, that’s enough to change everything.
Kev’s Odyssey is a series of micro fiction stories — each one inspired by a single word. Twenty prompts. Twenty stages. Twenty stories. All of them 500 words (or less)
A quiet, curious hero.
A path built from metaphor, memory, and meaning.
Each story captures a step in the journey:
A knock at the door.
A map with missing parts.
A thread that unravels—or binds.
A curtain pulled back too far.
Each post will explore the symbolism of that word, reflect on its place in the journey, and share a short standalone story starring our very own Kev.
Some tales are light. Some carry shadows.
But all of them, like Kev, are trying to be just a little bit helpful.
Despite being made up from a series of individual micro stories, the whole narrative will form a complete story that you’ll recognise as a variation on the classic heroes journey. My hope is that in this way Kev’s Odyssey will be part fiction and part craft book but in a mildly helpful kind of way.
But this isn’t just Kev’s story. It’s a reflection of anyone who’s stumbled forward with good intentions, a confused heart, and a half-empty cup of tea.
So grab your travel biscuits.
Dust off your imagination.
And follow the mildly helpful footsteps to see where they lead. Also, please, feel free to join in with the odyssey and share your own micro fiction stories inspired by each prompt.
The journey begins tomorrow with Stage One: Knock.
The Map
Each stage of the journey will be linked below - and each stage will link back here so you’ll always be able to find your way - hope this is (mildly) helpful.
Stage Six: Trials
Stage Seven: ???
If Kev’s journey makes you smile, ponder, or feel even a little less alone in the world—why not tag along? I’ve created a new section of the site specifically for this series so you can easily find it from the top navigation bar.
The aim is for Kev’s Odyssey to run throughout July and August with a new episode dropping every Tuesday and Thursday until the journey is complete.
👉 Subscribe to get each new step of Kev’s Odyssey delivered straight to your inbox.
👉 Share with fellow travellers, daydreamers, and the mildly helpful in your life.
👉 Comment and let Kev know how each prompt inspires your own micro fiction odyssey.
Every odyssey is better with good company. 🧳
So I’m inviting all of my SubStack friends
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This is... cool. I must admit I've tried micro-fiction and flash fiction but could never quite discipline myself to do it regularly.
I'll change that to-day. Can I ask the difference between Micro & Flash fiction first? Also how do you choose the word?
Late to the party, but I love this already. I am getting strong Samwise Gamgee vibes here, and I am in!