Electronic soundscapes transmitting from a speculative posthuman microcosm. Follow for new monthly track postings and downloads. New sets go live on the first Sunday at 5 pm GMT.
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A Sci Fi Podcast where we talk about Sci Fi stories in all their forms, but mainly focusing on short stories and novels.
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College-level conversations about sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and weird fiction with writer G.L. McDorman.
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Join Vickie Lan and unpack the tropes that make fiction fun! Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Cover image photographed by J.D. Fitzgerald. Episode cover images and zoom backgrounds feature royalty-free images from Canva and Pexels. Audio provided by Anchor and Transistor.fm
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Of Monsters: A Speculative Podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior is a series of intimate conversations about the passageways, portals, and personal journeys traversed by real-life speculative fiction masterminds and the characters they pen.
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Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor
Welcome to the Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple Podcast! The show that’s all about how to brainstorm, write, edit, publish, and sell a powerful speculative fiction novel… and maybe just change the world too. I'm your host, Heather Davis. I’m a seasoned book coach, developmental editor, and fellow storyteller. In my work with writers, I always see the same problems and roadblocks standing in their way and preventing them from achieving their dream of becoming a published author. So it’ ...
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“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” --Anton Chekov Interviews and readings with authors and editors of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative poetry. Hosted by Deborah L. Davitt.
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Ep. 82: Child of the River by Paul J. McAuley
38:03
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38:03Gene Wolfe fan-fiction plus. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A W…
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33
14:32
14:32
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14:32How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”? Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential. In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a …
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José Pablo Iriarte: Of Miami, Art, & Craft
55:22
55:22
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55:22In episode three, Nicole kicks the willie with José Pablo Iriarte, a nonbinary Cuban-American writer, high school math teacher, and parent of two. Their fiction has been finalist for the Nebula, Hugo, Locus and Sturgeon Awards, longlisted for the Otherwise Award, and reprinted in various Year's Best compilations. Their debut novel, BENNY RAMÍREZ AN…
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What should novel writers know about screen writing? Author Luis Prieto joins the podcast to talk with Vickie Lan about the basics of writing a screenplay (or an audio drama!). Note: Sorry for the less-than-perfect audio quality from Vickie's mic! There were technical difficulties and the recording came from the desktop instead. The video version o…
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Speculative Machines - ResistorDe către Speculative Machines
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Parable of the Sower Part 3 by Octavia E Butler and Pelt by Carol Emshwiller
1:00:29
1:00:29
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1:00:29Join us for the final discussion of the first book in the Earthseed duology by Octavia E Butler. Short story for the week is Sector General by James White
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32
12:06
12:06
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12:06Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you. In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reason…
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Rivers Solomon: Of Hauntings & Other Spirits
56:31
56:31
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56:31In episode two, Nicole chops it up with the award-winning author of speculative and literary fiction, Rivers Solomon. Rivers writes about life in the margins, where they're much at home. Their work has appeared in The Paris Review, The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Best American Short Stories, and elsewhere. They are the author o…
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Mysteries, suspense, thrillers...how can writers use secrets to advance their plots? Author Teddie Peacock joins the podcast to discuss the many ways to build intrigue and keep your readers (and characters!) guessing. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This …
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31
36:58
36:58
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36:58Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …
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Ibi Zoboi: Of Women Who Become Monsters Because of the World's Monstrosities
1:09:55
1:09:55
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1:09:55For the very first Of Monsters Podcast ep, Nicole kicks it with Ibi Zoboi, the New York Times Bestselling author of books for children and teens, including American Street, Pride, and the Walter Award and LA Times Book Prize-winning Punching the Air, co-written with Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam. Ibi is the winner of the 2024 CSK Author Award…
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Author Avitus B. Carle joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to read her story How We Survive, and to provide insight on the 'flash' side of fiction writing. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on t…
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Damien Alameda returns to the podcast to discuss with Vickie Lan the Avenging Angels trope! Learn what drives these "angels" and distinguishes them from a classic hero's journey, whether they need to have a bigger impact than just their self interest, and much more. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative …
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30
9:23
9:23
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9:23Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel? Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction. Wh…
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Parable of the Sower Part 2 by Octavia E Butler and The Visitor by The Strugatsky Brothers
1:12:17
1:12:17
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1:12:17Join us for the second discussion of the first book in the Earthseed duology by Octavia E Butler. Short story for the week is Sector General by James White
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77. Romance in Speculative Fiction
50:29
50:29
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50:29Author Emily Colin joins Vickie Lan to discuss the building blocks of romance in speculative fiction, including how to keep momentum after the couple gets together, how character development and plot progression impact the relationship, and the way authors can manage expectations when it comes to reader responses. Speculative Sandbox is for enterta…
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Parable of the Sower Part 1 by Octavie E Butler and Sector General by James White
59:31
59:31
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59:31We start the discussion of the first book in the Earthseed duology by Octavia E Butler. Short story for the week is Sector General by James White
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 1) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 29
21:12
21:12
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21:12Does your novel feel like it’s wandering aimlessly, struggling to find direction? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the first five beats of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …
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Windup Girl Part 3 by Paolo Bacigalupi and Stranger Station by Damon Knight
56:32
56:32
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56:32Join the group to discuss the second half of Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi. The short story for this episode is The Last Question by Isaac Asimov
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Author and dream interpreter Megan Mary joins Vickie Lan to discuss the Fated Destiny, Discovered Magick, and The Chosen One tropes. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are thei…
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: How Do I Make Readers Love My Protagonist? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 28
12:11
12:11
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12:11Ask Me Anything Thursdays answering the podcasting question "How do I make sure my protagonist is lovable?" Are you struggling to create a protagonist readers truly care about? In this episode, I share four actionable strategies to help you craft a dynamic, relatable protagonist readers won’t forget. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why connectin…
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Where are the aliens? While NASA and military officials provide testimonials on the world stage, author Grace Richard joins Vickie Lan to discuss the ways science fiction writers have answered this question. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volun…
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3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27
8:16
8:16
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8:16Are you looking to level up your writing in 2025? In this episode, I dive into three incredibly valuable ways you can improve your writing, get answers to your important writing questions, and get valuable feedback on your work for FREE. Tune in to learn how to navigate your writing challenges and set yourself up for success in 2025! This episode w…
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Alisa Alering, author of the book "Smothermoss", joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about the ways authors use pieces of themselves to make authentic characters, including characters with opposing viewpoints. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunt…
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Speculative Machines - Pure MechanismDe către Speculative Machines
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Author Becca Mionis joins Vickie Lan in a discussion on uncanny fiction, which, similar to the uncanny valley, leaves readers in a state of unease or confusion. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individ…
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Author Brent Miller joins the podcast to talk about the perceptions of tropes, the slippery slope into cliches, and whether or not it's actually possible to write a trope-less story. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinion…
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Windup Girl Part 2 by Paolo Bacigalupi and The Last Question by Isaac Asimov
1:06:41
1:06:41
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1:06:41Join the group to discuss the second 100-page section of Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi. The short story for this episode is The Last Question by Isaac Asimov
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It's the blurring of fact and fiction as author Garrett K. Jones joins the podcast to talk about Gonzo Fiction, known for its unique narrative style as seen in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and American Psycho. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a v…
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Windup Girl Part 1 by Paolo Bacigalupi and The Game of Rat and Dragon by Cordwainer Smith
1:11:05
1:11:05
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1:11:05Join the group for the first part of the discussion on Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi. The short story for the discussion is The Game of Rat and Dragon by Cordwainer Smith
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Author Lauren Teffeau joins Vickie Lan to discuss non-theistic mythical archetypes in fiction, including Carl Jung's 12 brand archetypes and the way archetypes can be used to form the foundation of societal values and laws. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only.…
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Children of Memory Part 4 by Adrian Tchaikovsky and Grandpa by James Schmitz
1:12:30
1:12:30
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1:12:30Join the group for the fourth part of the discussion of Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky. We've got Windup Girl coming up next after Children of Memory. Short story for the discussion is Grandpa by James Schmitz
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Author J.D. Estrada joins the podcast to talk about authenticity in writing and the ways authors can tap into personal experiences to inform an otherwise unfamiliar scenario. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover photo by J.…
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Speculative Machines - Pale HeatDe către Speculative Machines
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Children of Memory Part 3 by Adrian Tchaikovsky and The Star by Arthur C Clarke
1:03:08
1:03:08
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1:03:08Join the group for the third part of the discussion of Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Apologies to our listeners for the delay in posting this episode, things have been a bit busy :) We've got Windup Girl coming up next after Children of Memory. Short story for the discussion is The Star by Arthur C Clarke.…
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Ep. 81: Blindsight by Peter Watts
31:59
31:59
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31:59Buckle-up for a deeply pessimistic first-encounter story. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Chec…
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Horror Author John James Minster returns to the podcast to talk about paranormal places located around the northeast region of the United States, as well as the Christian belief system of demons, ghosts, and spirits that fuels the local lore. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertain…
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Neal Holtschulte cycles back to the podcast to talk with Vickie Lan about time loops! From "Groundhogs Day" to "The Flash", how can time loops be used to propel character growth, and what can writers do to avoid falling in a plot spiral? The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment …
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Are antiheroes just villains with too much credit? Damien Alameda, host of The_First Pages on YouTube, joins Vickie Lan to debate the characteristics and motives of the antihero and where they fall on the spectrum of good and evil. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purpos…
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What could possibly be worse than death? Storytellers will tell you! Author Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to talk about all the various ways authors can torture their characters. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotifyand YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Op…
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Speculative Machines - ObservablesDe către Speculative Machines
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Ep. 80: Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett
1:06:58
1:06:58
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1:06:58Death? Discworld? Definitely! Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird F…
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64. "American Psycho" watch party
1:47:40
1:47:40
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1:47:40In honor of Halloween, guest Michael Crawford and Vickie Lan sit down to watch and unpack the tropes found in the classic 2000 horror movie American Psycho, including 80s yuppie culture, the unreliable narrator, psychopath characteristics, and the purposeful ambiguity of its characters and settings. Rewatch with us! "American Psycho" is currently a…
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63. LatinX Representation in Speculative Fiction
50:29
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50:29Angela Alvarez joins Vickie Lan to talk about Latinx representation in speculative fiction and the powerful story opportunities that come from writing through an authentic lens. Note: "LatinX" in the context of this episode is used to to inclusively refer to all genders within the community. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify…
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Crispin Jeffrey-Franco, owner of Stacks Book Club, joins Vickie Lan on the podcast to talk about tropes from a bookseller's perspective. Learn which tropes are tired and which tropes are on the rise, what booksellers look for when curating their list, and how indie authors can build relationships with their local bookstores. Note: Stacks Book Club …
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It's time to unpack spicy books with Wendy Dwan, LAC EMDR Therapist and smut expert! Wendy and Vickie Lan talk trigger warnings, societal impressions and taboos, and the mental health impacts of spicy fiction. The video version of this episode can be found on Spotify and YouTube. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a vol…
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Midnight SpeciesDe către Speculative Machines
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Children of Memory Part 2 by Adrian Tchaikovsky and Let me Live in a House by Chad Oliver
1:21:50
1:21:50
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1:21:50The group gets together to continue our discussion of the Children of Time Series by Adrian Tchaikovsky with the first three sections of Children of Memory. Short story for the day is Let me Live in a House by Chad Oliver
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John Wick, Dexter, James Bond. Rob Hart joins Vickie Lan to discuss the Lawless Lawman character archetype in fiction as well as his book “Assassins Anonymous”. What makes operating outside of the law so attractive? And is this character truly lawless, or does he just have a personal code that he holds above the law? The video version of this episo…
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Children of Memory Part 1 by Adrian Tchaikovsky and The Liberation of Earth by William Tenn
1:11:08
1:11:08
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1:11:08The group gets together to continue our discussion of the Children of Time Series by Adrian Tchaikovsky with the first three sections of Children of Memory. Short story for the day is The Liberation of Earth by William Tenn
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