Aida the Swan | Sci-fi Short Audiobook

[@RoweLit]

Next week will be a change of pace, as I'll be dipping back into the "comedy" 🤣well for the topic "Hungry Aliens." If you have a suggestion for a topic for this month's viewer-selected topic, please leave it here in the comments.

[@debtrunner7929]

Intergalactic tribal cannibals that will either eat or indoctrinate anybody they capture depending on necessity, using captured ships to send out distress signals for the three B's "bait, board & bond" then rinse and repeat. maybe throw in meat slaves (people who are unwilling or unable to conform, the weak and those who are no longer of use too the tribes) whose only purpose is to be fed a plant based diet (plant life being considered the lowest of low foods and "thinking meat" the highest) to be to be eaten by the tribals. 🚸🩸🥩♥

[@jimdonnelly3010]

First contact on earth..its a totally robotic human like visitor..apparently the humankind empire is huge..millions of years old. An breakup had occurred eons ago between humans that had become 100% robotic and limited in numbers & those who used robotics but refused any mind altering adaptations. They had however seeded the universe with self replicating seeds of humanity that would allow humanity to establish itself on ever increasing worlds where they could evolve naturally..in the opening sequence..the human team working without exposing themselves try to thwart the ambitions of the robotic humans to aline earth with the philosophy of the robotic humans. They fail and move to the next work where humans have evolved..they spread marble sized black holes as mines to stop anyone following. This is the adventure..world's have evolved where Ghanis Kang's empire did not fail but flourished, another where communists became the leading world view or Hitler type person became the world leader..all types of world had developed rather than the stereotype one view world of the robotic humans..

[@theresahemminger1587]

A story told backwards. Well done!

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Theresa! Be sure to tune in next week when we will go sideways 🤣 or maybe upside down🙃 Who knows!

[@iknownothing-49]

How can PERowe have so few subscribers. His stories are so well done.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Imelda! Honestly, I think it's just about time. We're new here! I'm sure there are channels that suddenly blow up to epic proportions, but I think the bulk of channels build slowly over time. Personally, I'm thrilled after a few months to be approaching 1K subs! (And then we keep going 😄)

[@theswamps6589]

@@RoweLit yeah i think youre on a good path, and the idea of success being about "blowing up" is understandable but not smart longterm, i think you build a way stronger fanbase slowly over time!

[@RoweLit]

@@theswamps6589 Thanks, Swamps. There's also the reality that having half a million subscribers overnight, though that would might be great in theory, would change the dynamic instantly in ways that I might not be ready for. I'm learning and growing here, too, as the audience does. Bands that play stadiums don't just appear in a stadium one day. Important lessons have to be learned in smaller venues first.

[@Katyas-Korner]

It will come. Transom is a great character.

[@jeffreynerdin3522]

I liked this. I was initially a little confused by, and then a little skeptical about, the reverse timeline, but I liked how it worked out. Very good storytelling. Thanks.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Jeffrey. I am always wary of mixing up a timeline too, for the same reasons you pointed to. But sometimes, when the story calls for it, mix it up! Glad you enjoyed!

[@wesbeuning1733]

This universe you've created is deep and complicated and full of wonder. This short story is unique from the ones I've already listened to (the aspect of moving backwards worked well), and it again added to this impression of a working universe of dispersed clusters of humans that has been moving around and churning out an existence individually, while larger forces make their power moves in the background like always, and it's all been going on for a very long time. Find myself wanting an appendices or guide book to nerd-out to, lol. Appreciate having this material to dive into.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Wes! At some point I'm going to need a guidebook too, or I may go off the rails 🤣 It is cool that that sense of depth is coming across to you, because I found that as I wrote a story or two it started to bubble up for me too.

[@wesbeuning1733]

@@RoweLit 😅 yeah, a lot of fantasy writers seem to need a thick guide just to keep one part of one continent on only one world in one book straight. Sure that Isaac Arthur's material is a quality resource to utilize and referrence, (Kessler syndrome, matrotchka worlds, criminal AI, as an IA suggestion/recommendation topic from me, btw). Also, regarding a "guide book", just had to recommend the Artifexian KZbin channel. It's all world building, (mostly mapping), but he does have a significant portion of material that delves into the actual physics of things like atmosphere calculations, star system evolution, tectonic activity, the effect of mountain ranges on the development of languages. Stuff like that, but more relatable. ...I tell you what, he has this video on the not-impossibllity of a doughnut shaped planet that's haunted me for years, hehehe. Have a good one!

[@RoweLit]

@@wesbeuning1733 Thanks for the suggestion, Wes. I'll have to check that out!

[@debtrunner7929]

right!?!?!?

[@kennyjoe7asa]

Your talent amazes me and I thank you for sharing.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, kennyjoe. Happy to!

[@ElicBehexan]

Your world is deep and complex. This story, working backwards, was really interestingly done.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Leah!

[@mrtodddelaroderie]

My man this is a fantastic story. I did stumble a little on the time line from the doctor and then to Leda on the planet doing her training. But i loved how it was in reverse order. I don't think i was listening careful enough on the cue of time change. But thank you so much. I will remember this story. And it fills in how she survived the wizard of Athos.

[@RoweLit]

Glad you liked it, Todd!

[@stephenmelenhorst9720]

What an incredible and enthralling story ,you are an artist at storytelling and a craftsman at creating a colourful and believable universe. Keep up the great work because very few writers are as entertaining at Sci fi as you are. Thankyou 🙏👍

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Stephen! Glad you enjoyed this one. Going to keep the stories coming, yes 🚀 Thanks for listening 🙏

[@VickiNikolaidis]

Wonderful story. Leaves me wanting more about the characters.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Vicki! I guess I'll have to keep writing 😄

[@VickiNikolaidis]

@@RoweLit yess! I insist! 🤗😂

[@RoweLit]

@@VickiNikolaidis Okay, twist my arm

[@jeffreynerdin3522]

Yeah, I’d love to see this reborn Aida/Swan character in action in the future and learn more about her newfound relationship with her accidental patron saint.

[@RoweLit]

@@jeffreynerdin3522 Not sure if you've checked out the Misfits stories yet, Jeffrey, but she is a regular crew member, and there are many more stories to come for her and the whole crew, I think.

[@rustyclaymore1105]

Yeah! New story. Can’t wait. Thx P.E.

[@RoweLit]

👍

[@alistairborthwick2031]

Another piece of the big picture - Ieda. Fantastic. 😁

[@RoweLit]

Cheers, Alistair! More Misfits coming soon ⌚😮 Make that very soon 😃

[@osmia]

This story worked really well, for me, in reverse chronological order. Good story too

[@RoweLit]

That's great to hear, osmia, thanks! Anything out of order can be a bit tricky, so it's always a plus when it works 😃

[@osmia]

@@RoweLit I remember in my childhood the first time coming across a book that was not in chronological order and I ripped it apart and put it in the correct order before I finished reading it - LOL

[@RoweLit]

@@osmia 🤣But you did finish reading it!

[@TicTocRobotSnot]

1k subs is indeed a milestone. Cheers!

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Robot!🥳🎆😄🎆🥳

[@Gramma-rs1qb]

I listened to the story without realizing that this was the backstory on Leda, and I didn't refer to the signposts, but still followed the story backwards. Well done! (although I don't prefer the backwards approach. ) You are creating such an interesting world with well developed characters. And a fair treatment of people of faith in the process. Your stories are so captivating without having to stoop to salacious or gruesome details to keep up the interest. I appreciate that!

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Gramma! So glad you're enjoying. I like to add variety to the narrative styles when it's appropriate, which is usually sparingly. I also like to offer a fair treatment to characters of all stripes, as that usually makes for more interesting characters anyway. Suspense comes in many shapes and forms, only a handful of which are salacious or gruesome. Thanks so much for picking up on these nuances 😃It takes a discerning eye, or ear in this case 😉

[@jimdonnelly3010]

P E Rowe you are a wonderful story teller..really wonderful. Jim

[@RoweLit]

Much appreciated, Jim 🙏 So glad you're enjoying.

[@karlgru3n654]

Wonderful characterization. Phenomenal story. Engaging telling. I'll finish 'Misfits Origins' playlist then dive into 'Misfits'. Thank you PER.

[@RoweLit]

That's a good plan. Some of them happened before the series and others, like this one, developed as the series did. Thanks for listening, Karl!

[@logothaironsides2942]

Lovely The phoenix who rose from the ashes

[@MartinGugino]

Emotionally draining Emotionally draining. A masterpiece

[@RoweLit]

Wow, thanks, Martin!

[@VickiNikolaidis]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@KeithCarmichaelInFL]

Thank You for sharing this with us! I am liking and commenting every story I listen to.

[@RoweLit]

Much appreciated! Glad you're enjoying! 🙏 😃

[@JohnKing00]

Thank you! Such a good story and characters.

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, John! Glad you enjoyed.

[@ErikDavisHeim]

I’ve been really enjoying your writing, thanks for sharing so much! It might be interesting to do a story told from the perspective of a person or ai who’s mind is slowly degrading. Maybe something like a series of dispatches sent back from an interstellar probe? The probe’s ability to describe it’s situation gets slowly less coherent over the course of the narrative.

[@RoweLit]

Thank you, Erik. That's interesting. A bit like cognitive decline for an artificial mind. I'll put that on the list!

[@RogerLewis-ey2tt]

That little robot on Mars is dying (solar cells caked with dust) and its last message was a sad goodbye! (Prerecorded by sentimental scientists, lol!) Wonder what could cause an AI's uhh..mind to slowly degrade...maybe if it got dropped in water...

[@RogerLewis-ey2tt]

​@@RoweLit (Would an AI recognize its cognitive decline? Or just go with it, like HAL in Kubrick's "2001"

[@RoweLit]

@@RogerLewis-ey2tt Cheers, Roger! I don't know for sure, but my answer to that topic question came in the form of "The Vault." If you haven't checked that one out yet, it's one of the more popular stories on the channel.

[@lararabb8888]

Really liked this one! ❤

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Lara! Good to hear.

[@ddfowler64]

Great story, and the way you read it 👍

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Dwight! Glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@alfredsutton4412]

An amazing good story. Well read, too.

[@RoweLit]

Cheers, Alfred! Much appreciated 🙏

[@bobmiller7502]

outstanding i dont know how u pump out quality work week after week, wish i could help u with some cash but im on a tiny pention, but i do tell lots of people about your work, its my way to help, keep on keeping on my brother and never stop loving,,xxbob&Mr Tao,xx these storys help me mentally when im not sleeping and physically when im pottering about, just wanted u to know u make a big difference in my life and im very greatful,,xx

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Bob 😃 Those kind words are fuel to keep my fires burning. That's a big part of why I keep working each week to get out the best story I can. So thanks! Glad you're enjoying, and hang in there 😃🙏

[@kitkakitteh]

That was lovely. ❤

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Kitka! Glad you enjoyed 😃

[@markjames-k7w]

I was in the dogo for judo as a youth those were good times 😮

[@Just_Call_Me_Frank]

Awesome

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Anthony!

[@ras7047]

LOVE IT !!!

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, RA! 😃

[@RogerLewis-ey2tt]

It's maddening the way Team Aida coddles the whiney mom (but appreciate the way you show how little micro-decisions can influence outcomes! Tragically reminiscent of those poor souls in Cali who got caught in the fire while they were deciding what to take...

[@RogerLewis-ey2tt]

Darwin Award for whiney mom!

[@RoweLit]

Ah, yes, it sure can be, Roger. I worked in EMS for many years and can confirm: there are all types in the world, and this is one. In real life, behavior like this was usually the manifestation of being suddenly thrust into an uncertain and unfamiliar circumstance. Some thrive there. Many do not.

[@lisasnyder555]

❤

[@RoweLit]

😃🙏

[@m.j.johnsonbooks7856]

Do you spend all your 'Writing Capital' for the week working on these stories? Do you have time to write other projects?

[@RoweLit]

It's actually less about "writing capital" than time, MJ, and one story is about all I got time for. There's a lot of extra stuff too beyond recording and editing audio, like uploading, keeping up a website, putting books together, doing the thumbnails. I have to ration that non-story time very carefully. Not sure if you remember the movie Multiplicity, but I could totally use a few helpers 🤣 Trouble is there's no way I'd get along with my clones--See "Doug vs. Doug" for details 😂

[@m.j.johnsonbooks7856]

@@RoweLit Absolutely, I'm sure the writing itself is only a fraction of all the work you do to get these stories out on a regular schedule. Maybe look into bots rather than clones, I hear they're far less troublesome ;)

[@markjames-k7w]

I cried about letA good tears 😭

[@RoweLit]

Leda's already come a long way, but her story's not done by a long shot!

[@saintlybeginnings]

Is this a series?

[@RoweLit]

Hi, Saintly! Thanks for asking. This is an origin story for one of the characters (Leda) in my ongoing series "The Misfits." If you're interested, you can check it out here: kzbin.info/aero/PLWl-Jc_I2wPAsngY7MCID9sS_98Y2siT5 Cheers 😃

[@markjames-k7w]

I see you went up a coupleof thousand good deal PE let's Go friend😅

[@RoweLit]

Thanks, Mark! Hoping it's just the start of this crazy adventure 😃

[@markjames-k7w]

Mark CEN CA you touched my feelings again or is it the narcotics 😂😂😂

[@RoweLit]

😵‍💫😃

[@markjames-k7w]

Mark CEN CA you alright 😊 you didn't respond to my post about being a writer sort of order to my post about being a different person thinking of you PE

[@RoweLit]

Hi, Mark! Sorry. All good. I try to get to the comments when I have time. Just very busy finishing up novella for Thursday release (hopefully). Got very long, but hopefully a good long journey worth taking 😃🙏

[@markjames-k7w]

@@RoweLit Mark ❣️ CEN CA looking forward to the new material friend 😄 glad your ok ☺️

[@markjames-k7w]

I'm down for saving people PE