Episode 9: Singular Needs

Hi, I’m Darcie T. Kelly and this is Story Time with Darcie. 
In every episode, I read you a piece of my own short fiction. I’m an eclectic writer, so you may be surprised by the genres and situations, but what these stories have in common is their exploration of big ideas. 

Please join me in welcome a new voice to the podcast: Amber Campbell. Amber is a light on dark days, and I’m lucky to count her among my friends. Thanks for taking on the voice of Atti, Amber! 

You’ll also hear a second guest voice in this episode, but I’ll save that introduction for after the story. Cryptic, I know, but no spoilers! 

I wrote today’s story, Singular Needs, for a 48-hour Flash Fiction competition in early July where it nabbed fourth place. While I plan to expand it into a longer, though still short, story, I also want to share its current iteration with you. 

Please be advised, Singular Needs carries a Content Warning for Self-Harm. It is part spy story, part dystopia, part horror, and part social commentary. It’s the story of an undercover spy who was left behind when humanity retreats underground having lost the AI War. 

 

What did you think? I’ve received feedback on Singular Needs from a handful of readers and fellow writers the past few weeks, and it they either thoroughly enjoy this story, or actively dislike it. No one seems to fall middle of the road here. 

Thanks again to Amber Campbell for lending her voice to Atti. 

I also need to send a shout out to the Text to Voice app for playing the voice of Sing. I modulated the voice to be recognizably human, but off enough to sound disconcerting and perhaps a little creepy (I hope I hit those modulations right!) 

If you would like to become a voice on Story Time with Darcie, please, reach out! My eclectic stories need a variety of voices, and yours will be a welcome addition! 

Thank you for listening. To read more of my stories and perhaps inspire my next one, join me on facebook at @DarcieTKelly. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Musings: A Collection of Short Stories, get in touch through through the facebook page or email me (email4darciekelly(at)gmail.com). And of course, subscribe on your podcatcher of choice for future episodes of Story Time With Darcie. 

Until next month, stay well and keep smiling.

Direct Link to text version of Singular Needs.