April 2025 Issue 2

In this issue: Stories and podcast episodes I released in the first half of April, and a poll asking about your favorite fiction genre.

TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSMUTATION

The firethorn that's growing wild in my back patio has begun to sprout little white flowers, even as the orange berries of fall and winter still cling to the branches. When I first moved in, and for years, I resolved to cut down that thorny branch. But I never did, and my procrastination eventually turned to appreciation and admiration. I'm glad and grateful that I changed my mind.

Spring is a season of change. 🌿 But if you suffer seasonal allergies, I hope you're able to keep them in check and be well. 🤧

✒️ 🪶 🎙

Greetings! I'm Nila. Every week, I release a new short story and a new podcast episode spanning the genres of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, mythology, fairy tale, fable, and horror.
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Whether you're in the mood to read or listen, I've got stories to tell you.

Here we go...

Alchemical April

✒️ The theme I've chosen for the April stories this year is alchemy. I'm fascinated by this subject, and yet, I have a grand total of one book about it. (Though some other books in my personal library touch on the subject.) So of course I decided to write four different stories centered on alchemy. Below, I present the first two of those. 🌱🧪

🎙 The podcast episodes feature two scientific mysteries. Are you into specters and aliens?
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Titles and taglines below. Enjoy!

Short Stories

We're in Year 12, the Year of Praxis. The word essentially means "practice." Through the stories, I'm exploring elements of my writing practice.
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Each link below leads directly to the story post.
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​THE ALCHEMISTS ELVINE AND MERULA​
Two alchemists consider a bargain to achieve their ambitious (and possibly dangerous) destinies. 🦋
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale

​MY DREAMS ARE FILLED WITH ALLIUM​
A strange existential wound that can't be treated by medicine, might be healed by the mundane...a simple flower. 🌸
Genre Mystery

Podcast Episodes

We're in season 8, the Year of Revisitation. Each episode is a standalone story, but it's inspired by an earlier story.

The text links below go to the Explore page on Storyfeather, where you can listen to the episode, find the links to the episode(s) that inspired it, and more.

Pressing on the Spotify embed image leads to the episode's Spotify page.

​A SPECTER IN AMBER​

A woman observes an unnatural change in her sister linked to a chunk of amber that her sister stumbles upon and begins to study.
Genre: Mystery.

A Specter in Amber Apr 4 · Storyfeather 28:56   ​

​THE ALIEN IN MY HEADPHONES​

A young woman becomes increasingly convinced that the radio receiver in her bargain headphones is picking up an alien transmission.
Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction

The Alien in My Headphones Apr 11 · Storyfeather 31:42   ​

I've only included the genres I write in, but if your favorite is not listed here, and you want to declare your love for it, please reply and let me know.

Parting words🪶

I'll be back at the beginning of May to bring you the rest of the April stories and podcast episodes. And a recommendation for a book and podcast about medical mysteries and mishaps.

If you're enjoying my stories, I'd love to hear about it. You can reply to this email to let me know. Likewise, if you've got any questions.
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Until next time, happy reading and listening! 📚
—Nila

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