CarolKnox2

Space Opera meets action: 🚀✨🌌👽🌠🛸🌟👾🔭🪐˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 🪐　 ˚　.　　　　 　　.　　　　　　 ✦　　　.　　˚　🌒　　　　. ✦ 　🌍 　　.  　 　　　˚　　　　　*　　 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　　˚ 　　　 　　˚　.　*　　. 　˚　　.🔭⚛️Ever tried to outrun the laws of physics? How about negotiating with them?🔭🪐🌌What's the going rate for reality itself? And what happens when it decides to set its own price? ሠዐሠ!!Space is vast, cold, and unforgiving - unless you've got the right crew and a fast ship. Captain Sarah Chen has both in the Starcaller, making a living in the shadows between legitimate salvage and outright piracy. It's a good life, if not always a legal one.Then they find the Keystone.Hidden in the ruins of a civilization older than human memory, it's an artifact that can twist the fabric of reality itself. Some say it's a tool of creation, others a weapon of unimaginable power. To Sarah, it's the kind of trouble that gets people killed.Now the Starcaller's crew is caught between the Crimson Collective's merciless hunters, corrupt officials of the Concordat, and ancient guardians awakening from eons of slumber. Every power in known space wants the Keystone - and they'll sacrifice anything to get it.But the artifact has its own agenda. It whispers to the crew in their dreams, showing them wonders and horrors beyond imagination. As reality begins to fracture around them, Sarah realises the real question isn't who gets to keep the Keystone.It's whether anyone should.…

CarolKnox2

ʕ̡̢̡ʘ̅͟͜͡ʘ̲̅ʔ̢̡̢ What if the boundaries between technology and spirituality weren't just blurred, but never existed at all?ʕ̡̢̡ʘ̅͟͜͡ʘ̲̅ʔ̢̡̢ Have you ever wondered what cyberpunk would look like through an African lens?ʕ̡̢̡ʘ̅͟͜͡ʘ̲̅ʔ̢̡̢ What happens when ancestral magic meets digital revolution?The One Who Eats Dreams unfolds in a dystopian South Africa, where shimmering Bubbles divide privilege from poverty. At its heart lies uMdli wephupho, the Dream Eater, awakened by Dream Dust's false promises. Through Willa and Melusi's journey, we explore consciousness, tradition, and the price of escape.In the quantum spaces between African futurism and mystical technology, The One Who Eats Dreams explores liberation through both digital and ancestral landscapes. Here, trauma transforms into power, technology becomes spirit, and individual stories weave into collective freedom.Welcome to these dreams.Note from the Author: I write at the edge where reality bends. My approach to storytelling comes from an unusual blend - years of academic work in psychology and philosophy meeting my love for speculative fiction. As a Viktor Frankl practitioner with a Masters degree, I explore both human consciousness and imagined possibilities.This collection represents new stories written in my established style. When I write about dream cities or starlight footprints, I'm drawing on my academic understanding of human consciousness and my passion for lyrical storytelling. The structure in my prose comes from years of philosophical study meeting creative exploration.My background in psychology shapes how I write about transformation and human experience. When I blend African spirituality with philosophical questions, I'm exploring the spaces between what we know and what we imagine. These stories push against ordinary reality while staying grounded in human truth.Willa and Melusi become: Mel-a. (Dedicated to you).…

CarolKnox2

Title for Wattpad: Finding Your Why: A Journey to Meaning(This is the Wattpad edition of my story-based workbook: Transform Difficulties into Triumphs in 30-days: A Story-Based Workbook - 2019).Every journey begins with a single step. Sometimes that step is taken in darkness, guided only by the faintest glimmer of hope. This workbook emerged from my years as a Viktor Frankl practitioner and academic, but more importantly, from countless conversations with people searching for their own light in difficult times. It was written when I could not continue with my PHD due to ill health. Each day offers a new pathway to meaning - through stories that resonate, questions that challenge, and exercises that guide you toward your own answers. From Nelson Mandela's unwavering spirit to everyday moments of transformation, we'll explore what gives life its deepest purpose.This isn't just another self-help book. It's a companion for your journey, rooted in both academic understanding and human experience. Whether you're facing personal challenges or seeking deeper meaning, these pages offer daily touchstones for growth and reflection.Join me in discovering not just how to endure, but how to find purpose in your unique story.Content note: This work was originally published in 2019, reflecting years of academic study and practice as a Logotherapy practitioner, and in philosophy. While its structured style reflects this background, every word comes from human experience and understanding.Are you ready to begin?Sometimes the greatest chapters of our lives begin in moments of darkness.…

CarolKnox2

To create a pitch for #FanFicIn January 2025, read below. In a dystopian future ruled by the iron fist of Unanimity, a young Archivist named Jae-Hyun finds his world turned upside down when he's tasked with conducting the final interview of a fabricant, Sonmi-451. Her quiet defiance and unwavering spirit ignite a spark of rebellion within him, leading to a forbidden love that defies the boundaries of their society. As Jae-Hyun risks everything to save Sonmi from her predetermined fate, they embark on a thrilling escape to the utopian colony of Arcadia, where they must confront their pasts and forge a new future together.Title: The Archivist's Rebellion: A Cloud Atlas ReimaginingChapter 1: The Spark of RebellionType: Short Story: Sci-Fi/RomanceStory Pitch (300 words):In a cold, sterile interrogation chamber, where every word is weighed and measured, an unexpected spark ignites between two souls deemed never to connect. Archivist Jae-Hyun enters this grey box armed with protocol and programming, tasked with recording the final testimony of Sonmi-451, a fabricant server condemned for the crime of thought. What begins as a standard pre-execution interview transforms into an intimate journey of awakening that challenges everything he believes......I invite you to read Chapter 1: "The Spark of Rebellion" and share your thoughts. How does Jae-Hyun's internal struggle resonate with you? What moments between him and Sonmi speak to the larger themes of truth, defiance, and awakening? Your insights will help shape this journey of rebellion and redemption.…

CarolKnox2

This poignant piece chronicles a serendipitous reconnection between old friends, sparked by a vivid dream. This is literary non-fiction. The narrator's search for R, a figure from their past, leads to an unexpected reunion after three decades. Their meeting in South Africa is described with profound mindfulness, emphasising the preciousness of rediscovered connections and the ineffable nature of such experiences. The author weaves in poetic references, particularly from Pablo Neruda, to express the depth of emotion and the magical quality of this chance encounter.Cover photo of the author/narrator and R. Property of the author. In the 1970's.…

CarolKnox2

Attempting to write drabbles, (100 words), for this excercise #FrostTown. One is about a regretful lonely poet: A Christmas Confession and the other, about the sound of snow: The Snow Speaks. Added a poem: Midnight's Whispers: Where Years Collide. (New Years's Theme). Added Activity 1: A winter wonderland, Whispering Silence, (250 words).…

CarolKnox2

The purpose of this work emerges through multiple layers, each one illuminating a different aspect of human experience with absence and presence. At its heart, it serves as both witness and transformation- taking the universal experience of separation and absence and creating a shared language for understanding its many dimensions.Most importantly, it validates the complexity of modern separation - how we can be simultaneously present and absent, how distance works differently in digital spaces, how some forms of separation defy traditional understanding. It offers readers a mirror for their own experiences while creating a framework for understanding the architecture of absence in our contemporary world.…

CarolKnox2

The Machine Zone explores Mat Collishaw's haunting art installation through a contemporary gothic lens, weaving together psychological insight, digital culture, and artistic commentary. Written for an engaged audience of 18-25+ year olds who are curious.Through the metaphor of mechanical birds and historical psychological experiments, it invites you to explore your own relationship with digital technology. Rather than simplifying complex ideas, it challenges you to engage with them, offering insights that deepen with each reading.…

CarolKnox2

[First place in the 2024 Sapphire Stories Awards for: the most unique/supernatural character]. In the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, where ancient secrets sleep...Thandiwe (meaning beloved in Zulu), the caver who braved the depths of the Rising Star Cave to help unearth the remarkable Homo naledi fossils, now faces a different kind of discovery. A creature of myth and legend, the Grootslang, guards a hidden world beneath the Richtersveld - a land of stark beauty and ancient whispers. As Thandiwe ventures into the Wonder Hole, she must use her unique skills and deep respect for the land to protect the Grootslang and the fragile ecosystem it calls home. But when greed threatens to shatter the peace, Thandiwe must find a way to bridge the gap between science and folklore, becoming a guardian of both the past and the future.Winner in the @SapphireStoriesAwards for most unique supernatural being, see here: Sapphire Story Awards: https://www.wattpad.com/story/375800999-sapphire-stories-awards-judging-phaseJudge @_wordswitch feedback: The Grootslang is a masterfully crafted supernatural entity that blends mythology, conservation, and emotional depth. Its unique appearance and characteristics captivate the imagination, while its role as a guardian conveys a powerful message about the balance between humanity and nature. The creature's connection to the Richtersveld's culture and environment ensures it is deeply integrated into the story, adding layers of meaning and resonance. By further expanding on its lore-particularly its origins and the mechanics of its guardianship-the Grootslang could become an even more iconic figure in the realm of fantasy and supernatural storytelling. Nonetheless, it stands as a remarkable example of how mythological creatures can transcend mere narrative tools to embody universal themes of coexistence, respect, and responsibility. A truly unique and unforgettable entity.…

CarolKnox2

[The Shorty's Short List 2024 - Short Story] In the heart of South Africa's Karoo, a land steeped in ancient legends, Dr Aria Thorne's routine geological survey takes an extraordinary turn. As the earth trembles beneath her feet, Aria discovers that the Karoo harbours secrets far beyond the realm of science. Ancient creatures from San Bushmen legends, long thought to be mere myth, begin to stir from their millennia-long slumber, awakened by the disharmony between man and nature.Among these beings are the enigmatic Karoo Mermaid, whose haunting song echoes through the Meiringspoort canyon, and the wise Mantis, a legendary hero said to have planted the seed of humanity. Thrust into a world where science meets myth, Aria must navigate between two realms: the pragmatic world of her research and the fantastical realm of these primordial beings.As she strives to understand the creatures' cryptic messages and their connection to the land's ecological balance, Aria realises that she alone can bridge the gap between humans and these ancient guardians of the earth. With time running short and the delicate equilibrium of the Karoo at stake, Aria must convince both her sceptical colleagues and the ancient beings that harmony between progress and preservation is not only possible but essential.In this race against time, she'll discover that the true symphony of the Karoo lies not in its silence, but in the delicate balance of all living things, a melody as old as the Bushman paintings that adorn the canyon walls.The cover image was created with the help of Playgroundai.com established 2023.…

CarolKnox2

In this contemplative piece, a single dewdrop becomes a lens through which to view the entire cosmos. Drawing from the Buddhist concept of Indra's Net, where each jewel in an infinite web reflects all others, the narrative explores how individual moments contain universes of meaning. The story moves seamlessly between morning light catching spider silk to the birth of stars, weaving personal experience with cosmic perspective.This piece will resonate with readers who enjoy thoughtful explorations of existence and consciousness, particularly those drawn to works that blend scientific understanding with personal revelation.…

CarolKnox2

[Poetry Winner The Shortys 2024] Whispers of the Karoo is an acrostic poem that spells out its title vertically. It paints a vivid picture of South Africa's Karoo region, depicting its vast, arid landscape and the mysterious sounds that emanate from it. The poem weaves together themes of ancient history, hidden secrets, and the surprising vibrancy of a seemingly desolate place. It captures cultural references such as to the gumba-gumba sound and the idea of a landscape that is anything but silent.…

CarolKnox2

This short-form digital piece reimagines the myth of Sisyphus as a contemporary motivational framework for Gen-Z audiences (18-25). Through strategic integration of digital elements, emoji as metaphorical anchors, and generational vernacular, it transforms classical philosophical concepts about life's inherent challenges into an accessible modern format.It encourages readers to embrace life's challenges, find meaning in their personal struggles, and persevere through difficulties. The piece emphasises the importance of acceptance, endurance, and personal growth in the face of life's absurdities.Camus, A. (1955). The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Vintage Books.Cover image created with the assistance of Playgroundai.com. 2023.…

CarolKnox2

The Red Cult exposes the dark side of conformity. From historical tragedies to modern-day cancel culture, this piece challenges us to embrace individuality and resist the pressure to conform.…

CarolKnox2

This personal essay explores the author's lifelong aversion to sports and physical education, tracing their experiences from traumatic PE classes and swimming lessons to a deliberate rejection of sports culture in adulthood. The writer candidly shares their discomfort with the social aspects of sports, their brief foray into martial arts, and ultimately, their contentment in embracing a life removed from mainstream sports enthusiasm. Throughout, the essay offers insightful observations on the social and psychological aspects of sports in society.Cover image created with the assistance of Playgroundai.com. 2023.…

CarolKnox2

This essay explores the search for meaning and authenticity in contemporary life, using T.S. Eliot's poem The Hollow Men as a starting point. It draws parallels between Eliot's imagery of empty, straw-filled figures and the modern experience of feeling disconnected and unfulfilled despite being constantly connected through technology.The piece examines how our focus on external validation, material success, and curated online personas can lead to a sense of emptiness or what philosopher Viktor Frankl called an "existential vacuum." It argues that true fulfillment comes not from what we do or own, but from understanding who we are at our core.The essay encourages readers to break free from societal pressures and performative living, instead seeking genuine connections, embracing vulnerability, and aligning their lives with their authentic selves and values. It concludes by challenging readers to resist the "hollow life" and find meaning through self-discovery and genuine human interaction.…

CarolKnox2

A lyrical reflection on life, death, and human creativity, inspired by Alan Turing's morphogenesis drawings and Maria Popova's writings. This brief essay explores the interconnectedness of science, art, and philosophy, pondering the patterns of existence and the enduring nature of human expression.…

CarolKnox2

A poetic exploration of sadness, framing 'blueness' as an art form of emotional authenticity and depth. This piece delves into the complexities of sorrow, reimagining it as a transformative experience rather than a state to be avoided.…

CarolKnox2

In a world where pigs suddenly take to the skies, everything changes! Follow the adventures of these flying porkies as they spread love, fight climate change, and show us the true meaning of animal friendship. This whimsical tale will make you laugh, think, and maybe even sprout wings of your own!…

CarolKnox2

Feeling stuck in a mental maze? 🤯 This quick read offers a teen-friendly escape route through mindfulness. In just a few breaths, learn how to transform chaos into calm. Perfect for stressed students, overthinking texters, and anyone navigating the twists and turns of teenage life. Discover your inner #MazeRunner and find your way to a clearer mind. Ready to breathe easy? Dive in! ✨🧘‍♀️ #MentalHealthHacks…