#sff

The piano had been sitting in the train station for years. No one knew when it had arrived there. After the station opened, everyone was sure of that. Felicity was not so sure. She'd been one of the first passengers to use the station, and she was pretty sure it had been there then. And then there was the way the transport authority kept talking about removing it every couple of years. Awould be promptly forgotten about. So she found herself sitting down at it, despite not knowing how to play. Just to satisfy her curiosity, she said to herself. 'Hello piano.' There was a rustle, and some sheet music blew across the platform and into her lap. 'I cant play, sorry.' Then she looked again, and saw the keys illustrated beneath the notes. She tried picking them out. Slowly a tune formed. A train arrived, and passengers alighted. One of them, an older woman, smiled at her. The weeks passed, and she made half and hour in her commute to see what would happen. Her playing improved. One day the older woman sat down next to her. "There used to be a music school here" she opened with. Felicity looked over to her. "Glenys. My mother was one of the last students. I've seen old photos of this piano." Felicity thought about this, and paused in her playing. "I think it is still teaching", she said softly. "Teachers are always waiting for the right student." "Do you know how it got here?" "I can guess. The music school burned down." "Oh. So..." "Best not ask, and just enjoy." #microfiction #tootfic #IAmWriting #GhostStory #microfic #SFF #Fantasy

Finished #audiobook The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie. Book 5 in The First Law series. This one didn't quite hold my interest as much as the earlier books, as it was basically a 23-hour long iron age melee gore fest with brief interludes of discussion about the meaninglessness and joy of war, depending on which character was doing the philosophizing, and some various plotting and scheming going on while Bayaz, the First of the Magi, again pulled puppet strings throughout. Steven Pacey as always was a masterful narrator. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ #fantasy #SFF #bookstodon

Time travel is generally regarded as impossible. This is wrong. Time travel has been invented at least a hundred times since the discovery of electricity. So why don't more people know about it? Well, it is because there is a problem with it. And everyone who discovers it falls for the same trap. In order to travel in time, you need to be able to detach yourself from your local frame of reference. This is easier to achieve than you might think. Once detached, you can travel back and forth in time freely, safely contained in whatever life support system you have devised. You can even snatch small items from the static times, and collect air and water - all without reconnecting to a local frame. And that is the problem. Reconnecting. This requires much, much more energy than disconnecting. And the amount is exponentially affected by the amount you have travelled from your local frame. Not how far you currently are from your local frame, but how far you travelled from it in total. If you travel a single minute, you will need approximately twice the energy it took to disconnect. Two minutes, four times. Even if you travelled one forward and one back, that is still two minutes, and takes four times the energy. And it is proportional to the mass of the object being returned. Most time travellers try for at least ten years for their first trip. Exponential growth is a bastard of a thing if you are at the pointy end of it. On the positive side, those of us who have made this mistake can communicate and interact. There are lots of us, really, but none of us have the energy required to get home. Or anywhere but where we are. Outside of time. We have learned that we do not age out here. And we keep meeting new people. Maybe at some point we will find the people who can undo our mistakes. But it will probably take all the energy of our universe to do it. Delivering this message took nearly the effective output of two megatons of TNT. And it consists of a handful of electrons. I'm sure you can do the math. Please, do not follow us. #SF #SFF #SciFi #TimeTravel #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

RE: https://bookstodon.com/@ododopress/117324471061537506 So here is my third collection, and unlike the first two where the publishers largely picked the stories, I selected these, opting for a horror theme as I have a large stockpile of stories in that genre waiting to see the light of day. A lot are my earliest works so it will be exciting to revisit those ideas. There is a sample story that will open the book, on this page, where you can also pre-order. https://www.ododopress.com/short-story-collection/eater-of-happiness/#amwriting #AmWritingSFF #books #bookstodon #sff #horror #art

Cover reveal! I'm working on a new collection of short stories, which is on pre-order and will release on 1st January 27. They are mostly horror stories, some with familiar creatures like vampires and zombies, others with stuff you will perhaps be reading about for the first time. Most of the stories will be published for the very first time. https://www.ododopress.com/blog/cover-reveal-the-eater-of-happiness/ #book #books #bookstodon #sff #Horror #writing #writingcommunity #blog #art

9 Months ago, Council Chambers, Horsebreeder Clan lands. Joyful Finder stood after the immediate business had been dealt with. Since taking to space Clan Council meetings had become longer, and she knew everyone was tired. But this had to be raised, and if not now, then at the end of another meeting - when again, everyone would be tired. "The Council hears Joyful Finder of the Horsebreeders" the chair announced. "Thank-you", she paused and straightened before continuing "Although it is unlikely that Seeker will obtain the information she has been tasked with locating in this first tour, we must make plans for what we will do when the home of the raiders is found." One of the elders from the Fisher Clan spoke up "I presume you have ideas, Joyful?" She shook her head "Unfortunately, no. I have been studying the histories brought back from the Scouts' archives. They are extensive, and go back to before humans took to the stars. There are even hints of when our ancestors were taken from the human homeworld." The same elder asked "But?" Joy sighed. "But in all that time they have recorded only two instances where an invader successfully replaced the rulers of a land without causing resentment that took generations to resolve. And frequently never did." The Forester Clan elder cleared his throat "So we do what they did." "If only it were that simple. In both cases the lands in question had made open war against a coalition of other nations. After initial successes, they were beaten back, and then crushed absolutely. The coalitions then spent vast sums rebuilding the nations they had just defeated." The Forester elder grunted "Seems simple enough then. It seems that things mostly match our circumstances." "Except for one thing. In both cases the lands were subject to totalitarian and authoritarian rulers. We know nothing of how the raiders are ruled or the structure of their society." "So why are you raising this?" that was the Fisher elder again. "I am hoping the Council is wiser than a single ex-Scout, and can find a solution." There was silence. Several minutes passed, and various elders whispered to each other. Then one of the elders of Weaver Clan stood. "You present a problem to us, but you have already given us the solution." Joy frowned in puzzlement "I have?" "Indeed. Our first course of action is to learn what their society is. And you are our best resource there." "I am?" "I move to the council that Joyful Finder be charged with recruiting and training a Scout force, whose task will be to learn all there is about the raider society." Around the chamber was a sound of agreement. Joy swayed a little in shock, and then asked "May I seek aid from the Scouts themselves in this?" The chair stood "That would be prudent. Despite the treaty." Joy sat heavily, feeling her years. There was a mail ship expected in a few weeks. She'd have to write to the sector commander. Convincingly. #SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

Mother of All. On approach to Divesen Station, two hours out. "Captain to the bridge" Engel opened his eyes, confused for a couple of seconds. Even after nine days, he was not used to being called 'Captain'. After a few moments, he got up and went forward. They were still at least two hours out, what was going on? Opening the bridge door, the rest of the skeleton crew were clustered around the sensor station. "Captain, over here!" called Alaine. He came over and looked at the radar display. There, in orbit above Mother of All, was a massive ship, easily over a hundred times the size of their tradeship. And the profile the radar returned said 'warship'. Not a piddly little raider, not even one that could overpower Athena twice. This was huge and deadly. "Do we have a beacon ping from it?" he asked. "Yessir" Alaine replied "She's a Scout Service cruiser. The Maui. We'd fit inside her main gun like a pea in a straw." "Any word from the station?" "Yes, we have an approach, but they are directing us to the low port. And there is a Notice to Spacers with a traffic exclusion between the cruiser and the planetary surface." Engel turned "Seeker? What do you make of this?" She frowned "I don't know. They must be here at the Council's request, unless they had some sort of catastrophic failure." He shook his head. This was like finding a friendly 400kg ridgehorn in your garden. "OK, follow the approach they've given us. They know about Bright Sky?" "Yes, we've flagged it as a prize vessel captured from raiders" Dyani supplied. "Good. Give me a call when we are fifteen out from the atmosphere." "Yessir." Back in his cabin, he called the engine room. "Sparks. Go" was the prompt reply. "Sparks? Just a heads up, there's a scout cruiser in orbit." "Which one?" "The Maui. Does it matter?" "Just asking. Did Seeker offer anything up?" "No, she's as clueless as the rest of us." Sparks hummed. "I guess we find out when we make planetfall." "I guess so. Out." Engel lay back down, and failed to get back to sleep. He lay there wondering what was going on for the next hour and a half. "Captain, Bridge. We are fifteen minutes out." "Thank-you." He scrubbed his face, and went forward again. Maybe they would have answers soon. #SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Any long series of #books you're reading over time? Maybe spaced out between a variety of other books? Here are a few series I've been reading over a span of months or even more than a year. Foreigner series by CJ Cherryh (books)First Law and following books by Joe Abercrombie (audiobooks)Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruocchio (audiobooks) I'm mostly caught up on other series from several favorite authors but always hoping for more in their universes...e.g., Alastair Reynolds, Peter F. Hamilton, Ann Leckie, Adrian Tchaikovsky. Occasionally re-read an Iain M. Banks Culture novel, I only have 3 left to re-read. Thinking about another go at Discworld. #bookstodon #scifi #SFF

New site which lists Queer-Normative SciFi & Fantasy books you can buy direct from authors. My series, Tales of Ardonna, is proudly among them. 😀 🌳 https://elisecarlson.com/2026/08/09/queer-normative-scifi-fantasy-direct-from-authors/ #Bookstodon #FantasyBook #SFF #HopePunk #Magic #Adventure #LGBTQIA #Polyamory

Shaman Space Part 5 14 months after leaving Mother of All. In final jump to Mother of All. Sparks and Alaine were in the engine room checking over the engines before exiting jump. It had been a much busier jump than usual, as the Captain and Suri, the navigator, were bringing in the captured raider ship. At least, the crew hoped they were. Once they entered jump, there was no way of communicating or even locating the other ship. "How are you and Seeker holding up?" Sparks asked, without looking up from the diagnostics display. "One point five seven - what?" "How are you and Seeker holding up? It was a pretty intense thing with that raider ship." "We're" Alaine paused and started again "I'm still having some rough nights. I'm looking forward to meeting with a counsellor at Mother of All. Seeker says they are very good at dealing with trauma." "And Seeker?" "She's not as shaken up as the first time. Partly because of the first time, and partly because those people were her ancestral nemesis. But I think she's looking forward to some counselling as well." "Good. How's that coil looking?" "Uh, one point five seven above spec. Within acceptable limits." "One point five seven? That's about as close to perfect as you could hope for." The intercom chimed "Bridge to Engineering. Are we clear?" the voice of Engel the First Mate came from the grill next to the diagnostic station. Alaine glanced at Sparks who nodded. "All clear bridge" he replied. "All hands, all hands, stand by for re-entry into normal space." Alaine watched as the jump engines collapsed their private universe around them, and dropped them back into normal space. Engel's voice came over the intercom again "We are now in normal space. Resume duties." "Reaction drives active" Alaine reported after checking his instruments. "Confirmed. All systems online" Sparks responded as she did her own checks. "Confirmed" Alaine replied. "OK, off to the bridge with you, Alaine. I've got things here." He nodded, and started to head forward. He paused at the hatch "Sparks?" "Yeah?" "Thanks for asking." "No problem. We're as good as family on this ship. We look after each other." "I know, but still, thanks." Alaine continued forward to the bridge. Engel, Dyani, and Seeker were there. "Any word from Bright Sky?" he asked as he entered. Seeker looked up from the comms panel "Not yet, but they could be a few minutes away." "I'm not picking up any other ships in the immediate area" Dyani added. Seeker frowned "Hold on" she tweaked the gain control, and listened. There was a pause. "I have Bright Sky. She's about fifteen light minutes away. She came out just before us. Sending our position." Engel looked back at Seeker "Are they OK?" "Yes, yes, all systems nominal." "OK, Alaine, calculate a rendezvous that we can make into an approach to Divesen Station. Dyani, stay on the scope for any trouble." "On it" they both replied. Seeker looked towards the distant sun. She was almost home. She had news. #SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

Looking for FREE* Fantasy & Paranormal ebooks? With or without romance, YA & adult, with and without spice - Fantasy, Paranormal, Shifter, PNR, Sci-fi, Romantasy. Check out this Bookfunnel event - 100+ authors brought you their best! https://bf.sophiemaddon.com/fantasy-paranormal-freebies/2wn3a9tixc PS: there's an excerpt of my character-driven YA parallel world mystery in there! #freebooks #free #ebooks #books #bookstodon #scifi #scifibooks #shifter #fantasy #sff #fantasybooks #Romantasy #PNR *free with newsletter sign-up

Looking for FREE* Fantasy & Paranormal ebooks? With or without romance, YA & adult, with and without spice - Fantasy, Paranormal, Shifter, PNR, Sci-fi, Romantasy. Check out this Bookfunnel event - 100+ authors brought you their best! https://bf.sophiemaddon.com/augfantasy/1hhpt5q7h7 PS: there's an excerpt of my character-driven YA parallel world mystery in there! #freebooks #free #ebooks #books #bookstodon #scifi #scifibooks #shifter #fantasy #sff #fantasybooks #Romantasy #PNR *free with newsletter sign-up

Are you looking for character-driven fiction, stories that stay with you after you read the last sentence? Check out this BookFunnel event, 70+ authors brought you their work for FREE: https://bf.sophiemaddon.com/friendship-fiction/cbhskrlwfs #Books #Bookstodon #FreeBooks #Contemporary #ContemporaryFiction #Uplifting #UpliftingStories #cozyMysteries #Romance #SFF *free with newsletter sign-up

Free Book Alert! So my book is on promotion on Kobo, discounted to $0 from 3rd to 9th August, but I think it's only available in these locations: CA, US, UK, AU, NZ. It's being featured on the Free Page of Diverse Stories, so hoping it gets some more attention. Help spread the word! Here is a link to get it. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-blossoming-of-the-big-tree-1 #books #bookstodon #solarpunk #sff #book

It's so odd to me, to see many smart people re-debating and re-iterating the thinking about #AI, which I and so many others in the #SFF community worked through after Vinge published his #Singularity paper in 1993. But today they go further and take it far more literally than we ever did.

I suppose this is because AI is current and immediate, while it was pie in the sky to us. But really? It remains naive speculation and we, at least, understood that.

Adopt AI or Die? https://newrepublic.com/article/213738/artificial-intelligence-god-test-adopt-ai-die

Hello, fediverse--dusting this account off for real this time. I'm Jennifer. I write fantasy and scifi: dryads who populate both the forests and the internet, and the last dragon on Earth waking up under Mt. Rainier. A space opera murder mystery is also in the works. Here for the writing community as much as the books. #Introduction #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SFF

Anybody who enjoys Murderbot and who thought that the cloak in the Dr Strange movie was far more interesting and a better character than Dr Strange might well be interested in a book I'm reading at the moment. I read a review of Project Hail Mary on Mastodon, and I enjoyed the writing. Lo! The writer said if you enjoyed my writing, please consider my brand new book - The Cloak And Its Wizard. Well, I thought, this sounds like great fun. And it really is! So take a look at @rr4idic@mastodon.online - this is Dr. Rachel Reddick writing as R.Z. Nicolet and see if you enjoy. The cloak is a very interesting take of an artificial person - no voice, no hands, but full of personality and fun. The wizard is a great character who it would be an honour to know in real life, and the world with its public superheros and secret magic is a great take on this genre. Also I'm a sucker for cool monsters. I want to draw a Cassandra Wyrm. Such a cool name too. Half way through and recommending! I'll revisit with some final thoughts once I'm done. I should be weeding but this book has got me good and proper so I'm having to force myself away. #sff #sff_reads #books #ScienceFiction #Fantasy

welchen industriestaaten und/oder öl-/gaskonzernen wird das ganze co2 in die enrgiebilanz geschrieben, das bei den waldbränden in südeuropa frei gesetzt wird? die sind doch mit ihrem "... wie klimaschutz.... brauchen wir erst später..." dafür mit verantwortlich? frage für ne freundin 🤔 #co2 #energiebilanz #klimaschutz #fff #Scienceforfuture #sff

Until the end of the month, you can get this book at 25% off as part of the Smashwords Summer Sale. This is an Afrofuturistic solarpunk story about a 70yr old woman who has to coordinate the defence of her decentralized nation when a colonizer invades, though she suffers from social anxiety, and they have no weapons and no army. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1977090 #book #books #bookstodon #sff #solarpunk

Wir erinnern uns an meinen gestrigen Tröt zwecks zweiter Festplatte mittels Wechselrahmen in meinem SFF Desktop? Schön schön, der 3,5" Einbauschacht ist gar kein realer 3,5" Schacht. Da gehen nur spezielle Bauformen rein die hinten unten verschlankt sind 🙈, somit passt der Wechselrahmen nicht und auch dessen 2,5" Festplatte. Werde ich dann bei Zeiten die interne Festplatte gegen eine größere ersetzten wenn man sich die noch leisten kann 🤷🏻‍♂️. #sff #computer #ssd #festplatte #linux #desktop