The Distant Proximity

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.