Introduction to the world of Sofia, a child with innate special capacities, deep empathy with non-human animals and connection with the natural environment.
What an intriguing and riveting beginning. It’s been a joy to see you explore this idea and now to read the fruit of your imagination and intellect. Sofia is a great character. I hope to read more of her story.
🙏♥️ This whole process was such a powerful experience. I didn’t even fully understand who Sofia was until she came alive for me, almost in spite of my preconceptions of the “snow globe” I was trying to create!
This reminded me of Extrapolations, a mini series on Apple TV. I felt like it could have been an episode of it.
I really enjoyed the concept. I think the idea of certain people being able to connect with animals is interesting and honestly exists already to a certain degree. At least, I think so.
Also, Nick, I completely agree- the capacity of some humans to connect already exists. That’s why I appropriated William Gibson’s quote. A future where humans live with respect and connection with other animals is indeed here- just not evenly distributed. Yet.
@thisnickwrites Thanks Nick for reading and sharing your comments about my first fiction/cli-fi effort! Actually, it was my absolute frustration with the Extrapolation episode centering on the “ trial for crime of ecocide” that was one of the impulses for this project —so much $$ poured into its production, yet complete lack of imagination and vision about what “justice” might look like (not to mention the abysmal writing for the trial process). But then I realized the effort to reimagine future justice for all life was a huge project which I was/am fully not even close to tackling. This small story emerged as a beginning- that to imagine justice, perhaps all I can do is try to first imagine what if we as humans really listened…
I liked some of the other episodes and agree important to fuel thinking about our futures, but as a human rights lawyer and advocate for over two decades (now retired!) that trial struck me ridiculous as a “future” process with nothing more imaginative than three AI “ judges”!
Sharon, I was really touched by Sofia's relationship with Bailey, they have such a genuine bond and understand each other so well. Their bond felt really authentic, and Bailey's gentle guardianship added warmth and depth to Sofia's experiences.
Intriguing! I love the opening, marking Sophia almost as an Anointed One. Her parents are devoted but actually seem a bit out of their depth understanding Sophia; but they believe in her deeply and will do all they can so she can fulfill her promise/mission. Take your time deciding how this evolves-- it has wonderful promise!
Thanks Shelly! Sofia is just one of 108 children so far. Her story is an intro to the language/interpretation challenges. I’ve been thinking about the other characters and the development of the Court! Plus need to read alot more from the evolutionary scientists! So lots of work ahead!
Joseph, she’s Sofia! I named her after one of my rescued felines - the only one who I “heard” respond to me when I was musing , what should we call you? No kidding, but I heard in my head the kitten say- “Sofia with an “f” please! “
very nice, Sharon. if you want to pull some heart strings, a dying dog is always a good bet (: . That worked well juxtaposed with her parents' feelings. Sophia, the child of wisdom? cool! although, i have some misgivings about her new, numbered name. a little scary, maybe? look forward to reading more from this.
108- the number of outlaws of the Marsh from The Water Margin— in a time of great corruption and violence, the 108 gathered. Only one was a woman in the legends.
I realized after writing this story (as you know I’ve never written fiction!) I was giving back to this little girl all the things that were taken away from me😿
Brian, Thank you for your generous deep reading of Sofia’s story🙏♥️. Your insightful appreciation (expressed so poetically and beautifully) of the many threads I was weaving means a great deal to me, especially as this was my first attempt at fiction! It was quite a steep challenge. You are the reader writers hope for♥️
Just now finding this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Sharon. Nicely done.
Thanks X.P. For taking time to read!🙏
Beautiful story, I can’t wait to see what comes next for this clever girl! 🐋.
@Victoria Nordgren Thank you for reading and restacking🙏♥️
@Didier Hope Thank you for restacking my first fiction story🙏 I really appreciate your support♥️
What an intriguing and riveting beginning. It’s been a joy to see you explore this idea and now to read the fruit of your imagination and intellect. Sofia is a great character. I hope to read more of her story.
🙏♥️ This whole process was such a powerful experience. I didn’t even fully understand who Sofia was until she came alive for me, almost in spite of my preconceptions of the “snow globe” I was trying to create!
This reminded me of Extrapolations, a mini series on Apple TV. I felt like it could have been an episode of it.
I really enjoyed the concept. I think the idea of certain people being able to connect with animals is interesting and honestly exists already to a certain degree. At least, I think so.
Also, Nick, I completely agree- the capacity of some humans to connect already exists. That’s why I appropriated William Gibson’s quote. A future where humans live with respect and connection with other animals is indeed here- just not evenly distributed. Yet.
@thisnickwrites Thanks Nick for reading and sharing your comments about my first fiction/cli-fi effort! Actually, it was my absolute frustration with the Extrapolation episode centering on the “ trial for crime of ecocide” that was one of the impulses for this project —so much $$ poured into its production, yet complete lack of imagination and vision about what “justice” might look like (not to mention the abysmal writing for the trial process). But then I realized the effort to reimagine future justice for all life was a huge project which I was/am fully not even close to tackling. This small story emerged as a beginning- that to imagine justice, perhaps all I can do is try to first imagine what if we as humans really listened…
So glad you saw the series. I agree it didn’t always live up to itself but I’m still glad it got made!
I liked some of the other episodes and agree important to fuel thinking about our futures, but as a human rights lawyer and advocate for over two decades (now retired!) that trial struck me ridiculous as a “future” process with nothing more imaginative than three AI “ judges”!
Sharon, I was really touched by Sofia's relationship with Bailey, they have such a genuine bond and understand each other so well. Their bond felt really authentic, and Bailey's gentle guardianship added warmth and depth to Sofia's experiences.
Thanks for showing that connection so well
Intriguing! I love the opening, marking Sophia almost as an Anointed One. Her parents are devoted but actually seem a bit out of their depth understanding Sophia; but they believe in her deeply and will do all they can so she can fulfill her promise/mission. Take your time deciding how this evolves-- it has wonderful promise!
Thanks Shelly! Sofia is just one of 108 children so far. Her story is an intro to the language/interpretation challenges. I’ve been thinking about the other characters and the development of the Court! Plus need to read alot more from the evolutionary scientists! So lots of work ahead!
I loved this. Thank you for sharing this first glimpse of Sofia's world. I'm looking forward to more!
Yes! I am waiting for Part 2
I can’t start working on it any further until I interview and pick your brains as the key there is interpretation!
What a beautiful start to your fiction career, Sharon!
Very kind words, but no fiction career in this life for me!
I love how you let us meet Sofia at a couple key stages of her life, well done. I'm hooked for part two. The interpreter premise is fantastic.
Thank you Stephanie! Part 2😅
Joseph, she’s Sofia! I named her after one of my rescued felines - the only one who I “heard” respond to me when I was musing , what should we call you? No kidding, but I heard in my head the kitten say- “Sofia with an “f” please! “
very nice, Sharon. if you want to pull some heart strings, a dying dog is always a good bet (: . That worked well juxtaposed with her parents' feelings. Sophia, the child of wisdom? cool! although, i have some misgivings about her new, numbered name. a little scary, maybe? look forward to reading more from this.
108- the number of outlaws of the Marsh from The Water Margin— in a time of great corruption and violence, the 108 gathered. Only one was a woman in the legends.
I realized after writing this story (as you know I’ve never written fiction!) I was giving back to this little girl all the things that were taken away from me😿
oh wow, i didn't know that reference (obviousy). i wikipedia'd it. pretty fascinating.
What a wonderful story. Reads like an excerpt from a novel-in-the-making. Can't wait for Part 2!
Agree, seems like a whole novel could be here! Looking forward to the second part.
Brian, Thank you for your generous deep reading of Sofia’s story🙏♥️. Your insightful appreciation (expressed so poetically and beautifully) of the many threads I was weaving means a great deal to me, especially as this was my first attempt at fiction! It was quite a steep challenge. You are the reader writers hope for♥️