FictionScience Fiction

Storyfeather

Nila Patel: Fictioneer

Mortals wield godly powers, eggs appear out of enchanted pockets, sentient substances are invented, and stars are incubated in the hearts of humans. I'm Nila, and I have stories to tell you. Stories in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror, fairy tale, mystery, and mythology. Welcome to Storyfeather.

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S9 · E460
Friday · 32 min
The Monstrous and Curious
A huge pterosaur appears out of nowhere, sparking wild speculation about the creature's origin, and the meaning of its existence. Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy Excerpt:When I first saw footage of it, I was scared of it. Scared of how small and fragile it made me feel in so many ways both conscious and subconscious. But I've gotten used to it now. I've watched close-ups of its eyes. I've watched it stretch its wings, shift around on its perch until it settled in position, glance over at other birds, and at people. I care about it now. It's part of this world, my world. I can't study it, or follow it, or speak to it. What can I do? The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Monstrous and the Curious This episode landed on CREATURES. Find more stories and episodes inspired by various creatures here: Year of Creatures. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork? Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. Something is coming in October… I've also started posting some tips on Pinterest: pinterest.com/storyfeather/ MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Monstrous and the Curious" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Connecting dots" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Genetic marker" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"As it happenned""Genetic marker""Connecting dots""Cold case""Haunted""Between two worlds""Under the mask""Experiment 6" All tracks are part of music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects Soundly (through Hindenburg)Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A creature that appears in the shape of a pterosaur but with the coloring and long tail feathers of a blue-and-gold macaw. The creature is perched on a bare branch at left, facing right, in three-quarters view, wings extended forward. The wings are feathered. Vague outlines suggesting tree trunks and branches are visible behind the creature. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along branch at right.
S9 · E459
September 18 · 37 min
The Shadow of Victoria Lockhart
Rising star of stage and screen, Victoria Lockhart, traded kindness for cruelty out of necessity, giving rise to strange manifestations of her psyche. Genre: Mystery, Horror Note of CAUTION: This episode contains depictions and descriptions of workplace abuse, specifically on a movie set. Please listen with care. Excerpt:...there was one bulb that had somehow managed not to break. It lay a corner. And Victoria used its light to see what she had done. Shadows and glass, everywhere. Victoria came to a conclusion. Anger was her road to strength and power. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Shadow of Victoria Lockhart This episode landed on one of the mystery spokes, DRAW. Here are other episodes inspired by DRAW: The Golden Ratio Theater Garden of the Peculiar MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. I've also started posting some tips on Pinterest: pinterest.com/storyfeather/ MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Shadow of Victoria Lockhart" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Whispers" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Inspector" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Inspector""Killer escape""Unsolved""Evidence""In the shadows""The mirror""Whispers""Before the shadows" Music by ALBERT FERNANDEZ (Potion Studio)"Mistery""Visiting Her Forest""Painful Memories" All tracks are part of music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Albert Fernandez, Nicholas Jeudy, and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy, Albert Fernandez, and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Silhouette of a figure in a dress with bell sleeves and a hoop skirt, holding up a parasol in the right hand, with a gauzy veil flowing to the right. Bright light shines from above and behind the figure. Extending below the figure is her shadow. Leafy, bushy foliage frames the top half of the image, extending down either side of the frame into dark shadowy patches in the foreground and hazy patches in the background. The image appears to be right side up, but would still be so if it were flipped vertically.
S9 · E458
September 11 · 41 min
The Desk of Professor West
A professor at a small college has gone missing. His typically cluttered desk is found completely bare, drawers empty, except for a letter addressed to someone he's never met before. Genre: Mystery, Mythology Excerpt:I gazed down at the blank page. Maybe the detective was right and further tests would reveal something, a message only visible by a specific wavelength of light or some chemical. That still didn't make sense to me. It had to be simpler than that. A goofy thought occurred to me. Maybe it was the old lemon juice trick. I plucked out the first of the three pages, and held it up to the overhead lights. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Desk of Professor West This episode landed on PROMPTS. Find more stories and episodes inspired by definitions here: Year of Prompts. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. I've also started posting some tips on Pinterest: pinterest.com/storyfeather/ MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Desk of Professor West" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"It's A Mystery" by LEE ROSEVERE (Intro)"Smoke" by RAFAEL ARCHANGEL (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by RAFAEL ARCHANGEL"Smoke""Forgotten""Thinking""Rising Danger""Deep Dive""So Cold" Music by LEE ROSEVERE"It's A Mystery""Not Alone""Heat Haze""Awkward Silences (version b)""All the Answers" Tracks by Andrew Sitkov are part of music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketMusic by Rafael Archangel is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal Music by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Sound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Rafael Archangel at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rafael_Archangel/ Find more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere and leerosevere.bandcamp.com Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. From above, a weathered antique desk, a tabletop and a hutch with a central cabinet, various slots, a dome top, and drawers, one of which, at left, is open and empty. The whole desk and hutch appear empty except for a wax-sealed envelope lying on the tabletop. Just above the open drawer, a glowing pink butterfly in midflight seen, trailing afterimages. A hand emerges from right of frame, holding the blade of what appears to be a dagger with a cross guard whose ends curl down and a handle resembling a spiral horn. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along tabletop at bottom left.
S9 · E457
September 4 · 26 min
The Surgeon's Secretary
A new secretary is assigned to observe a surgeon who believes he has discovered a method of proving the existence of the soul. Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery Excerpt:"Here, you see?" the surgeon said, as he pointed with his scalpel. "At the nexus of the heart and the brain? Between the eyes and the throat, right at the back of the mouth, where the voice is on the verge of emerging?" That was where the soul resided. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Surgeon's Secretary This episode landed on S.T.E.A.M. Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Mathematics. This episode…surgery (kind of). Find more stories and episodes inspired by definitions here: Year of S.T.E.A.M. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. I've also started posting some tips on Pinterest: pinterest.com/storyfeather/ MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Surgeon's Secretary" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Monochromatic stain" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Unsolved" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Inspector""Unsolved""Whispers""Evidence""Don't move""Cold case""The 4th world""Genetic marker""Monochromatic stain" All tracks are part of music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrew Sitkov and Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital Drawing. A woman seen from waist up, facing forward, tilted to the right, holding an open book before herself. Her right hand is poised over the book loosely holding a fountain pen. She's wearing a shirt, tie, aviator's coat, and glasses with round lenses that completely obscure her eyes, and reflect the silhouette of a woman in profile with her face and arms thrown back, her hair and clothing streaming backwards. A rainbow overlay of that same silhouette lies over the image. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along jacket opening at right.
S9 · E456
August 28 · 34 min
Car Wash to the Cosmos
An imaginative girl narrates in her captain's log as she, her father, and her dog pass through a car wash…and emerge on the other side of the galaxy. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpt:"Let me see where there's a good place to land in that jungle," I said, easing off the brake again. "Not a good idea." I smiled a little. "Oh no?" Meena explained. "Don't you know what they say about the jungles of Zarqlok? Pretty from above, deadly from below." "What does that mean?" "Predators. Venomous predators. Lots of them." The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: Car Wash to the Cosmos This episode landed on a mystery spoke that was revealed to be TRAVELER. Ever pretend you're going at warp speed when you're sitting in your car during the drying phase of the car wash? MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. I've also started posting some tips on Pinterest: pinterest.com/storyfeather/ MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "Car Wash to the Cosmos" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Space Discoveries" by ANDREW SITKOV (Intro)"Through the gravitational field" by TRG BANKS (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by TRG BANKS"Through the gravitational field""Insideoutworld""Instellar breakfast""After midnight""Above the Earth""Cigar""Keith in 1987" Music by LEE ROSEVERE"Cosmic Drifting" Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Space Discoveries""A Long Way""First Contact" Tracks by Andrew Sitkov are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketMusic by TRG Banks is licensed under CC0 1.0 UniversalMusic by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0Sound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by TRG Banks at freemusicarchive.org/music/TRG_BanksFind more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere and leerosevere.bandcamp.comFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. View inside the cabin of a car through the front passenger window. Foreground, a girl and a terrier sit in the front passenger seat, both facing forward and seen in three-quarters view. The girl, seen from shoulders up holds her left hand up to her lips. Her eyes are raised in a thoughtful expression. A braid falls over her right shoulder and seatbelt. She has a star sticker on her right cheek. She wears a headband with two antennae ending in balls with rings around them, like ringed planets. Her right hand, just visible is held against the chest of the terrier who has front paws propped against the window edge, and mouth open with tongue lolling out. A man, face in profile, sits in the driver's seat, both hands resting on the steering wheel. He looks at the girl and dog with a worried expression. Moon roof is open to a starry view of outer space. The driver's side window shows darkness with streaks of light. The middle panel between the seats shows glowing lights where the gear shift would be. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along side of the driver's seat.
S9 · E455
August 21 · 38 min
The Lunarian
Two astronauts investigate a faint but suspicious signal on the dark side of the moon, and encounter the being who sent the signal. Genre: Science Fiction, Mythology Excerpt:"I know why you're here," the lunarian said. "I know the history of your explorations into your system. I know how curious you are, how desperately you strive." "If you have found your way to me...then you are ready to go even farther and further. Beyond your system." The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Lunarian This episode landed on DEFINITIONS. Find more stories and episodes inspired by definitions here: Year of Definitions MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Lunarian" Copyright © 2021 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Complexe mind" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Genetic marker" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Cold case""Once""Genetic marker""Connecting dots""Complexe mind""Prisma""Room 13""Black light""Negociation""Master""Unclassified" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov and Nicholas Jeudy is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarketVocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Center, a woman seen from back, stands with hands clasped behind her back. Her face is turned so her right profile is visible. She has long hair, curled at the ends, and she wears a hooded dress coat. Her entire form appears silvery. Before her is a neon pink cloud. A glittering streak of light shoots directly up from the cloud, appearing from the top of the woman's head. Dark hazy clouds rise from the background, and above, the hints of a starry sky. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along left side of coat.
S9 · E454
August 14 · 38 min
The Distant Proximity
A technician monitoring the trajectory of a long-lost spaceship with an experimental engine finds a troubling piece of data. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpt:"Did you find something? Something not typical?" "It seems to be an audio file…it's almost as if it were hidden?" I waited, saying nothing. "Then you didn't hear anything significant?" "Like what?" "Like…noises that sound like words." "You hear a voice? What do you hear it saying?" The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer here: The Distant Proximity This episode landed on…wait a minute, I wrote this story before I devised the theme for the year. (Shhh, don't tell the wheel.) MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Distant Proximity" Copyright © 2021 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Unknown Terrain" by ANDREW SITKOV (Intro)"It's A Mystery" by LEE ROSEVERE (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by LEE ROSEVERE "It's A Mystery""Universe Calling""Decompress""Cosmic Drifting""Betrayal""All the Answers""Thoughtful" Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Unknown Terrain""Among the Stars" Track by Andrew Sitkov are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketMusic by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0Sound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere and leerosevere.bandcamp.comFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Two figures in silhouette stand in front of a car seen in three-quarters view from back. The car's headlights are on. The figure at left holds up a device. They're in an open field at night. The sky is full of stars. Before them appears a large glowing shape that extends out of frame. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along the car's rear bumper.
S9 · E453
August 7 · 32 min
Showdown at the Cinna-bar
A crew assigned to repossess a precious and undefined item end up in the midst of a suspicious bar fight in a far-off sector of space. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpt:Yeah, the vastness of space is scary, but the vastness of death…is scarier. I thought I'd have far more profound thoughts at the moment of my death. Something the crew could quote to each other after I was gone. Something I could have Tackle record before I no longer had the strength to speak. Maybe I would have, if I were dying of something more peaceful than an accidental-on-purpose laser blast to the gut. Maybe I would have, if it was only my life I was afraid for. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: Showdown at the Cinna-bar This episode landed on WILD CARD. I found inspiration from a tabletop card game I have but have never actually played, called "Gloom in Space." Here's another episode inspired by Wild Card: The Ace of Pumpkins Wild Cards is the theme for the stories I'm currently writing. These stories won't become podcast episodes from another few years, but if you're curious, check them out here: Year of Wild Cards MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "Showdown at the Cinna-bar" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Under the mask" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Neon city" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Master""Under the mask""Boys on bike""Reloaded""DNA""Doubts""Men in black""The deal""Trojan horse""Neon city""Secret agent" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov and Nicholas Jeudy is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarketVocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Façade of a one-story building that is hovering in outer space. The main building has a single central door, covered by a domed awning, and is flanked by two windows, above which is a large sign that reads "Cinna-bar." Attached on the right are two smaller rooms or extensions. Attached to the left is an awning open to space. On the roof at right is a satellite dish or receiver, and at left are three columns. A walkway flanked with lights leads to the main entrance. The whole structure is stabilized by six visible thrusters. At upper right is a hovering sign that reads "Cinna-bar" with a lighted arrow beneath pointing to the building. Beams of translucent light in various colors shoot out of the windows at various angles. Clusters of stars are visible at bottom right and upper left corners. Watermark of "Storyfeather" above the sign above the main entrance.
S9 · E452
July 31 · 39 min
The Golden Ratio Theater
A recent college graduate dreams of operating a local theater that has a special and secret importance to planet Earth...and beyond. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpt:"Jules, you're fired," he said. "What!" He held up his hand. "It's for your own good. Those… men, for lack of a better word, are not aliens really. They're, they're called 'intimidators.' Look, they won't hurt you, okay? Or your family. As long as you forget about the theater." The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Golden Ratio Theater This episode landed on a mystery spoke, DRAW. I drew the image first, then used it to inspire a story. Find more stories and episodes inspired by the artwork first here: Year of Creatures Find more science fiction stories here: Science Fiction at Storyfeather MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Golden Ratio Theater" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Abstract Vision #1" by ANDREW SITKOV (Intro)"Fugue for One Synthetic Heart" by ANDREA BARONI (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by ANDREA BARONI (Cyberleaf)"Fugue for One Synthetic Heart""Fast Lanes Light Rain""Dancing Operators""Cozy Afternoons""Ground Control""Slightly Across""The Tech Show" Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Abstract Vision #2""Abstract Vision #9""Abstract Vision #1" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov and Andrea Baroni is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrea Baroni and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. View of four rows of seats in a theater with some aliens and some humans seated. At bottom is the top portion of the front two seats with people sitting in them. Only the hair of the person at left is visible, in a top bun. At right, only the top of the head with one eye and one ear is visible. The person is looking back and to their right. In the middle two people sit in two seats. A human at left, with a straw in her mouth from a large drink cup. A humanoid alien at right, holding a handful of popcorn up to his face from a large bucket of popcorn. Both are looking down at the handful of popcorn. In the row behind, at far left is an alien with the face of a triceratops-like dinosaur, who is looking up, and who has one hand gripping the top of the seat in front of them. An empty seat separates them from a human at right, holding a hand to their face and looking up. Watermark of "Storyfeather" middle row middle seat.
S9 · E451
July 24 · 39 min
The Grand Universal Singularity Resort
A new guest services employee works a memorable first shift at the most exclusive resort in the galaxy. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpt:According to Lianne, searching for a lost pet was the best way for Rekha to quickly become familiar with the actual layout of the resort and to get her "sea legs." The bubble they were in didn't protect them completely from exotic particles, gravity waves, tidal forces, and other dangers of being so close to a black hole. Dangers that most of the people in the resort, including Rekha, didn't even half-understand. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Grand Universal Singularity Resort This episode landed on DEFINITIONS. A French word inspired the name of a side character and eventually led to story's core concept. Find more stories and episodes inspired by definitions here: Year of Definitions MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Grand Universal Singularity Resort" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Space Discoveries" by ANDREW SITKOV (Intro)"Another World" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by BENJAMIN CARR (Scythuz)"Abandoned Spacestation""Alien Hive" Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Another World""Stars Talk""Unknown Terrain""Space Discoveries""Dark Side""Casual Funny Track (looped)""Casual Arcade Track #1 (looped)" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov and Benjamin Carr is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Benjamin Carr and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital painting. A black hole and surrounding space. At center, a black orb almost half surrounded by a pool of glowing white and yellow seen at a bias, angled from top left to bottom right. This pool is surrounded by a hazy ring of bright orange on the same plane. Fainter and thinner rings enclose the bright orange. Small bright spots are scattered among the rings. Darkness surrounds all. A wispy beam of light bursts out from the edge of the black orb, perpendicular to the plane of the rings. At bottom left, at the farthest ring, there is a small bubble. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along curve of outermost rings near bottom right.
S9 · E450
July 17 · 32 min
Zone of Eternal Sleep
The sleep-deprived parents of a sleepless baby stumble upon a potential relief on their way to a Martian superstore. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpt:A soft beeping began to sound. The shuttle's computer was calling for the attention of a manual operator. She saw the mapping system's failed attempts to reroute. She put her hand on the dashboard and gave it a gentle rub. "I think we're in the right place." She raised a brow theatrically. "But are we in the right time?" The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: Zone of Eternal Sleep This episode landed on a revealed mystery spoke, MUSIC. Find more music-inspired stories and episodes: Search term - MUSIC MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "Zone of Eternal Sleep" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Fugue for One Synthetic Heart" by ANDREA BARONI (Intro)"Ground Control" by ANDREA BARONI (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by ANDREA BARONI (Cyberleaf)"Night Time (No percussion)""Ground Control""March of the Waking Lights""Forest Bathing""Fugue for One Synthetic Heart" Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Abstract Vision #6""Abstract Vision #4" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov and Andrea Baroni is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarketVocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrea Baroni and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Facing forward, sitting on the ground, a couple leaning towards each other with their heads touching and their eyes closed. At left, a woman, her right leg outstretched out of frame, and her left leg bent. She loosely holds a baby or young toddler in her arms. The baby's hands grip her forearm. His eyes are open and looking up and to the left (his right). At right, a man, sitting cross-legged with his hands held loosely in his lap. Behind them, centered, is a depiction of the planet Mars against a star-filled space with a plume of glowing gases passing horizontally through the center. Some element of each person's clothing blends in with the red hues of the planet. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along lower leg pants of the man.
S9 · E449
July 10 · 26 min
The Man Who Cried Bird
A birdwatcher who's determined to discover an unknown species stumbles upon a strange little sparrow. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpts:"It's a blue cardinal, look." "There's no such bird, Andre." "That's because no one has seen him, until now." Andre submitted to the group that he had spotted a Labrador duck on a recent work trip. The Labrador duck was not a new species. It was an extinct one. None had been seen in the wild for a hundred and fifty years. "Does it ever bother you…you've never seen a bird that no one else has ever seen before?" The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Man Who Cried Bird This episode landed on CHALLENGE. A story somewhat inspired by the singular goal of the boy who cried wolf. The boy was driven by mischief. What drives the man who cried bird? Find more stories and episodes inspired by challenges here: Year of Challenge MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Man Who Cried Bird" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"4th Ave. Walkup" by LEE ROSEVERE (Intro)"All the Answers" by LEE ROSEVERE (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by LEE ROSEVERE"All the Answers""Start the Day""Decompress""4th Ave. Walkup""Knowing the Truth""Early Morning Song (Finch Duet)""Awkward Silences (version a)" Track by Andrew Sitkov is part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketMusic by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0Sound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere and leerosevere.bandcamp.comFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Bottom half, a pair of binoculars, forward facing. Perched on the right side top is the translucent silhouette of a sparrow, in right profile, with beak open. Through the sparrow's form and in the lenses of the binoculars are hazy layers of foliage, tree canopies. Branching shapes covered with light thorny patches frame the right and left side. Watermark of "Storyfeather" under the bird's tail feathers.
S9 · E448
July 4 · 25 min
Flight of the Stegosaur
A stegosaur scientist uses her own body in her experiments to achieve a physical feat that seems impossible for a dinosaur of her kind…flight. Genre: Science Fiction Excerpts:"Modifications! Glint, what you're proposing is more than modification." "How?" "Magnets!" "Sometimes people don't know they need an invention until it's invented." "Know your limits, Glint. I'm trusting you to stop if you reach them." "But can it be done?" The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: Flight of the Stegosaur This episode landed on S.T.E.A.M. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics. Find more stories and episodes inspired by challenges here: Year of S.T.E.A.M. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "Flight of the Stegosaur" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Fugue for One Synthetic Heart" by ANDREA BARONI (Intro)"Ground Control" by ANDREA BARONI (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by JONATHAN SHAW"Spinning Tavern" "Checking Inventory""Midnight Creeping""A Bitter Hope""A Dream of First Flight" Music by ANDREA BARONI (Cyberleaf)"Fugue for One Synthetic Heart""Ground Control" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrea Baroni, Jonathan Shaw, and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarketChanges made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Jonathan Shaw, Andrea Baroni, and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Jonathan Shaw at jshaw.co.ukFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Hovering in the sky, left side view of a stegosaur-like dinosaur with a bulky body, claw-like toes, bony spikes on the tail, a long neck, protruding snout and bony plates along the back. The dinosaur's mouth is open in what appears to be a smile, eye looking at the viewer. From within the middle of the bony plates emerge pairs of delicate veined wings like those of a fly or beetle. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along spine behind neck.
S9 · E447
June 27 · 38 min
The Brittle Star
The captain and crew of a vessel-for-hire cautiously agree to help a banished merman prince find his hidden realm in exchange for a lavish undersea treasure. Genre: Mythology Excerpt:"What did he look like, Captain?" someone asked. "Did he have long sharp teeth, like a pike fish?" "No, I've heard they're more like a shark's or piranha's." "Either way, there are rows of them, so—" "Let the captain tell us! Was he handsome, Captain?" "Set aside all your fantasies and your wild guesses. In the end, it comes to this, do you want to make a bargain with a merman?" The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Brittle Star This episode landed on CREATURES. I based the story on a "creature" I'd drawn for an art challenge. Find more stories and episodes inspired by challenges here: Year of Creatures. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSStoryfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Brittle Star" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Call of the wild" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"In the shadows" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Captain's tribute""A last prayer""A story of gold""Don't move""Call of the wild""Adventure""Pirate attack!""In the shadows""The ocean takes it all""Dark lord""Leviathan""Dragon rider""What is hidden" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarketChanges made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A merman, his top half human and his bottom half a fish, facing forward perched on flat earth. He is bare-chested and his tail curves up behind him to the left (his right). He wears a belt of gold around his waist, and in the center is a symbol: three upside down triangles, overlapping and growing smaller from bottom to top. He wears gold cuffs or vambraces. His right hand is curled in a fist by his side. In his left hand, he holds a golden trident, simple save that the symbol of three triangles is worked into the lines connecting the prongs of the trident. Waves splash behind him. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along outside of his upper left arm.
S9 · E446
June 19 · 23 min
The Arcanomen
Our ancestors possessed powers and protections that were lost upon the destruction of a machine that had only one function, providing each person with a name. Genre: Mythology Excerpt:Tempest and storm. Disease and death. Creatures who hunted humankind as prey. Beings who pursued humankind out of evil longing. The name generated by the Arcanomen provided protection from all these dangers. If any harmful influence, be it demon or disease, tried to possess a person, the name would respond. It would twist and shift. It would examine and adapt. It would block and shield. And if that was not enough, it would attack… The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Arcanomen This episode landed on CHALLENGE. I challenged myself to write a very short myth. Find more stories and episodes inspired by challenges here: Year of Challenge. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERS Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) FICTION-WRITING ARTICLES & RESOURCES (New)Come and explore the Fictioneer's Field Station. MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Arcanomen" Copyright © 2021 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"To Falgalown" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Shadows and flames" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Shadows and flames""Immortals""Runes""Before the shadows""Onirik""To Falgalown""Haven" Tracks by Andrew Sitkov and Nicholas Jeudy are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketChanges made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A machine. Large central disc at center resembling an astrolabe, but without any markings around the rim, and only one pointer. The disc is supported by one small leg at left and a larger apparatus at right with a large hand crack attached and a small spinning lever below the crank. All other parts are behind the central disc. At left are arrayed three smaller discs with hands of various shapes and lengths. Left top, a polyhedron with knobs and circular openings. Above center, three pointers. Right top, a ring facing forward orbited by three rings at vertical and symmetrical angles. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along support left at right.
S9 · E445
June 12 · 30 min
The Flaming Jargonelle
A thief and an investigator each try to convince the other to accept the truth about the unparalleled treasure that is the Flaming Jargonelle. Genre: Mythology Excerpt:And the thief spoke. "Most of the stories say that when the Flaming Jargonelle is struck by any kind of light from brightest sun to dimmest candle, it appears as if it were made of fire. Sometimes a smoldering fire, sometimes a bright blaze. But I've had it in my possession for many days, and I've never seen it glow like this." The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Flaming Jargonelle This episode landed on DEFINITIONS. The story was inspired by the word "jargonelle," a type of pear. Find more stories and episodes inspired by creative prompts here: Year of Definitions. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERS Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Flaming Jargonelle" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"In the shadows" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Under the mask" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Inspector""Mindhunter""Black light""In the shadows""As it happenned""Doubts""Creatures of the night""Under the mask""Wide place" Music by LEE ROSEVERE"Waves of Sleep" Tracks by Andrew Sitkov and Nicholas Jeudy are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketMusic by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere and leerosevere.bandcamp.com Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A young woman sits within a window frame whose sides and bottom are visible. She sits with her back to the right. Her left leg slightly bent, her left foot is pressed flush against the left frame. Her right leg is bent up, foot flush against the bottom pane. Her face, seen in three-quarters profile, is covered with a mask from nose to chin. Her eyes watch the viewer. She wears a hood over her head. Her left arm is bent against her leg and her hand is slightly curled around a glowing teardrop-shaped jewel, tilted slightly toward her. Sparks are visible on the jewel's surface. The glowing light radiates in a sunburst pattern. Behind the woman is a monochrome painting of a pear tree laden with fruit. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along window frame behind young woman's head.
S9 · E444
June 5 · 32 min
The Vessel Vespertilian
In the alley behind the factory where they toil, two friends discover something that may lead to their salvation...or to their doom. Genre: Fantasy, Mythology Excerpt:The statue was a depiction of a "vas vespertilio," an idol carved specifically to be the vessel for containing fundamental powers, specifically the powers of the four elements. Each element was contained in the gemstone that represented it. The ruby contained the power of fire. The sapphire contained the power of water. The emerald contained the power of earth. And the missing diamond had contained the power of air. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: The Vessel Vespertilian This episode landed on PROMPTS. The story was inspired by a prompt about bringing home a bag you find in the street whose contents are life-changing... Find more stories and episodes inspired by creative prompts here: Year of Prompts. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSThe Store page also has sign-up forms for my two email newsletters: Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "The Vessel Vespertililan" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Dark lord" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Inspector" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"Whispers""Evidence""Don't move""A story of gold""Inspector""To Falgalown""Scroll of the wind walker""Dark lord""The plan""They follow" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A bat mostly resembling the pygmy round-eared bat, three-quarters view of head with mouth slightly open, seen from bent legs up. The bat has two arms bent over his legs with a smooth membrane connecting the arms to his side. Behind these arms rise four pairs of membranous wings. They extend off frame. The bottom pair is watery and translucent. Next up is a pair with rough earthen texture. Next is a flaming pair. And the topmost pair is luminous and wispy. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along membranous part inside of right arm.
S9 · E443
May 29 · 42 min
A Brief Case of Dread
A man opens his new briefcase and discovers that something else lies beside his files, something…vast. Genre: Mystery, Mythology Excerpt:"Once," she started, "the world was filled with different beings than the ones that now fill the world." They were just as wondrous. And just as terrible. But in different ways. For ways changed with time. As it would come be, it was so in those days as well, that some of these beings were short-lived but numerous, and some were long-lived but few. The longest lived of all were the firstborn. They were born when the world was born. And they would end when the world would end. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: A Brief Case of Dread This episode landed on DEFINITIONS. The story was inspired by the definition of the word "anthropopathy." It's when human emotion is ascribed to an inanimate object. Find more stories and episodes about powerful objects here: Year of Definitions. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSThe Store page also has sign-up forms for my two email newsletters: Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "A Brief Case of Dread" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Negociation" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Intro)"Infinite Land" by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)"The deal""Trojan horse""Men in black""Under the mask""In the shadows""Call of the wild""Seasons""Ancien stones (seamless)""Winter guild""Runes""On the way""The last stand""Infinite land""Negociation" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A briefcase opening to the left, seen from an angle and tilted up. A tiny toy shaped like a green alien lies inside. The pocket on the inside of the top is decorated with symbols of a sun at center, and at top left and bottom corners, a five-pointed star within the curve of a crescent moon. The case floats in outer space. Nebulous clouds are visible at the corners, and distant clusters of stars. A hazy glowing light emanates from the briefcase and shifts color as it extends out of frame. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along bottom side of briefcase.
S9 · E442
May 22 · 37 min
Encounter With Ship 47
A cartography vessel mapping a sector of space that's expected to contain nothing of interest encounters…something of interest. Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery Excerpt:"This thing is changing by the hour. We may not have time for Vessel 86 to arrive before something even more intense happens." I walked on a few steps before I realized that my crew mate had stopped short. I turned and walked back to him. "More intense than that?" he asked, pointing out of the nearest porthole. I gaped. The fluttering spirals that we'd become accustomed to had shifted color, darkening in a pattern that was familiar to both of us. That pattern was a word. The word was, "Hello." The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: Encounter With Ship 47 This episode landed on MUSIC. Ooo, one of the mystery spokes has been revealed. I listened to a track called "Dimension of Time" from the soundtrack for a computer game from my youth, "The Dig." And I had visions of adventure in space... Here's an earlier episode from this season inspired by music: Nine Gods in Masquerade. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERSThe Store page also has sign-up forms for my two email newsletters: Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "Encounter With Ship 47" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Among the Stars" by ANDREW SITKOV (Intro)"Another World" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Stars Talk""Unknown Terrain""Freedom""Dark Side""A Long Way""Space Discoveries""First Contact""Lost in the Dark""Among the Stars""Another World" Music by ANDREA BARONI (Cyberleaf)"The Longest Year (no percussion)" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrea Baroni and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg)Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrea Baroni and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. Five silhouettes against a window, all face a luminous spiraling phenomenon beyond. At top left, a human in a chair that's hovering over the heads of the others, in partial right profile, with left hand raised to the window. Below, from right to left. A caterpillar-shaped being sitting on the window ledge, with two antennae raised to the window, tail dangling from the ledge. A being with a squid head, with five tentacles held up against the window, standing on what appears to be three knobby or segmented legs. A human standing with both hands pressed against the glass at head level. A being shaped like a central stalk with fuzzy hair at the top, two pairs of loops protruding from the sides, and knobby plumes rising from the loops. A wall to the left displays some glowing lights and panels. Watermark of "Storyfeather" along window border along right.
S9 · E441
May 15 · 40 min
Transdimensional Top Hat
Hoping to find some inspiration and direction in life, an aimless young woman buys a top hat at the estate sale of a magician. Genre: Mystery, Mythology, Science Fiction Excerpt:Ro checked the bookcases and found some intriguing titles. Animating Your Crafts Finding the Right Writer to Type on Your Haunted Typewriter Philosophy and Alchemy: A Foundation Illusions to Fool the Physical Senses: A Foundation Illusions to Fool the Psychic Senses: A Foundation Love Potions, Snake Oils, and Other Tonic Myths In fact, they all looked intriguing. "Where do I begin?" she thought. The Wheel of Fiction Turns. What did it land on this time?Each Season 9 story follows a theme chosen by the Wheel of Fiction. Thirteen spokes. Eight are the themes from previous seasons. One is "Turn Again." One is a wild card. And three are covered in question marks and will be revealed when the wheel lands on them. See a story trailer and a (satisfying) video of the wheel turning here: Transdimensional Top Hat This episode landed on OBJECTS OF POWER. I chose a top hat, which made me think of stage magic, and other kinds of magic. Find more stories and episodes about powerful objects here: Year of Objects of Power. MERCH!Interested in merch, like mugs and notebooks, featuring my artwork?Please visit my Store page for info on where you can buy: STORYFEATHER STORE NEWSLETTERS The Store page also has sign-up forms for my two email newsletters: Storyfeather Gazette (if you'd like to keep up with the fiction I create) Fictioneer's Field Guide (if you'd like writing tips and guidance from me) Choose what you want. (Either way, you're choosing high jinks.) MY FIRST BOOK (yay)Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written? I have a method. You can learn it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available from Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also get there from my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE CREDITSStory: "Transdimensional Top Hat" Copyright © 2022 by Nila L. PatelNarration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production: Nila L. Patel Music:"Abstract Vision #3" by ANDREW SITKOV (Intro & Outro)"Abstract Vision #5" by ANDREW SITKOV (Outro) Music by ANDREA BARONI (Cyberleaf)"Ground Control""You Were Always in the Right Place""Fugue for One Synthetic Heart""Forest Bathing""Evolving Cities""Slightly Across""Dancing Operators""March of the Waking Lights" Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)"Abstract Vision #3""Abstract Vision #2""Abstract Vision #1""Abstract Vision #4" All tracks are part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market. Music by Andrea Baroni and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev MarketSound effects from AudioJungle, GameDevMarket, and Soundly (through Hindenburg) Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks? Just cropping of some to align with my narration. Find more music by Andrea Baroni and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com Episode Art Description:Digital drawing. A young woman at center seen from knees up, dressed in top hat, ruffled shirt, and a jacket with coattails. She stands facing forward, turned slightly to the right, arms raised and bent, hands flourished. From her right shoulder, a flock of a butterflies fly up to upper left corner, one of them perched on her right index finger. Bottom right corner, waist-high to the young woman, stands a classic style robot made out of blocks and circles, with right arm raised, see from mid-section up. Watermark of "Storyfeather" beneath right collar of jacket.

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