Writing a short story about a multiverse is hard. Short stories, are, well, short. There are only so many things you can do within the confines of a few thousand words, and generally, scoping out the heady reaches of multiple universes would not be one of those things. @angerbda's The Beginning of a New Day does not explore all the ramifications of interdimensional travel; it references the idea of parallel universes that spun off a single, original, but does not explore the implications. The story is too short for all of that. No, this short story focuses on the experiences of a single character.
The Beginning of a New Day throws the reader into the narrator's accidental displacement in time and space. He doesn't know where he's been sent, he isn't sure if it was accidental, and he certainly doesn't know whether he can get back home. Nonetheless, he's a sympathetic, reflective person, and he gives the reader hints about both his original world and the new one in which he has found himself.
@angderbda's author's note claims that this story was a first attempt attempt at writing fiction. For a first story, The Beginning of a New Day is a pleasant surprise – well-written, with an intriguing premise and a satisfying twist. There are occasional missteps, but on the whole the story feels like it was written by an experienced author. I think most of us wish own first efforts had been as strong as this!
Check out The Beginning of a New Day – it's short, fun, and well worth a few minutes of your time!
YOU ARE READING
Tevun-Krus #26 - Alternative Universe
Science FictionJoin the crew of the good ship @Ooorah as they take on the often confusing world of Alternate Universe SF! Short stories, articles and reviews abound. Plus further adventures from Smith & Jones and as usual, our infamous caption contest! Buckle...
