The NonLocal Science Fiction Magazine published recently my short story, “What’s in a Name?” as part of its Fantastical Fiction Feature. The FFF is a periodic publication featuring standout pieces of short fiction, flash fiction, and poetry.
If you’re a new sci-fi author looking for a chance to get a story out into the world, consider submitting it to the NonlocalSciFi.com Fantastical Fiction Feature.
What’s in a Name is part of Infinite Waters; my second collection of short science fiction stories.
What’s in a Name?
“That’s an unusual name for a ship.”
The man facing me across the table pulled the fat cigar from his lips, leaving it to simmer inside a round ashtray. Smoking is strictly prohibited on a spaceship, but if you are the ship’s owner I guess normal rules do not apply. His thick brows met in the middle, as if pondering my words. Why, I could not fathom — surely, this was the single most usual comment he heard? His jowls quivered as he pushed his chair away to stand up. Hoisting his trousers up, he adjusted his lifejacket and grimaced, as if in pain.
“It was a bet.” With a dismissive wave of his hand, he motioned me to follow him. “A stupid bet.” He sighed as he ran his fingers through thinning hair. “I lost.”
That much is obvious. “Are we going somewhere?” I asked politely and stood up. My recorder floated from the table to hover above us.
“I just want to show you around. I assume your viewers will want to know about the ship?”
I nodded my thanks. We weaved our way out of the smoke room and into the promenade deck. Reserved for the first-class passengers, this was not my usual kind of accommodations. My initial enthusiasm at finding out I had been sent on an assignment that allowed me to spend a week on a cruise around the moon had waned as soon as I heard the details. The lush accommodations, however, made me rethink my initial apprehension.
Read the rest of the story on FFF!
Issue 3 Now Available for Pre-Order!
In another exciting development, Nonlocal Science Fiction Magazine Issue #3 is now available for pre-order on Amazon, in anticipation of its September 15th release.
But wait – that’s not all! In addition, all next week (Sunday the 6th through Saturday the 12th), Issues 1 & 2 will be marked down 67% to $.99 each.
The promotional period is a fantastic chance to catch up with this great new publication. And before you ask – no, no stories of mine are published in Issue 3. My enthusiasm is entirely based on my reading experience.
Well done Nicholas! Any mag would be mad to turn you down 🙂
Aw, you! *blush*
Well done on the publication, Nicholas. Now I am back from holiday, I must get around to reading my ebook of Infinite Waters!
Best wishes, Pete.
I’d be more than happy to send you a copy, if you wish! PDF or Kindle?
I bought it already Nicholas, it is in my Kindle library! I wanted to pay for it, as it was important to me to show genuine support. When I have read it (soon, hopefully) I will write a fair review, rest assured.
Best wishes, Pete.
That is so kind of you; thank you! I really appreciate it 🙂
Congratulations, Nicholas! That’s just great. 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Beautifully done! Congratulations! Learned about it on Courtney M. Wendleton’s blog!
Thank you so much – and welcome 🙂
Courtney is the best – she’s wonderfully supportive!
Wasn’t until the end that I twigged! 😀 Nicely done.
Heh heh – mission accomplished. thanks 🙂
Congratulations, Nicholas!
Thanks! Hope you’re having a lovely time 🙂
Reblogged this on Books and More.
Way to go! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
That’s awesome. Congrats.
Thanks, Charles 🙂
Congrats, Nicholas!
Thanks, Julie 🙂
Congratulations Nicholas! I’m so happy for you. Well done my friend 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
$.99? Sounds good. I might check this out on two fronts: as a reader and as a writer. I write SSF and I’m always looking out for publications like this to submit to. Thanks.
Congratulations Nicholas. 😉
Thank you, Jack! 🙂
Many thanks. All the best.
I hope you enjoyed the story 🙂
Also, apologies for taking so long to respond to your comment. For some reason, it was flagged as spam, so I only just saw it.