Katherine Forrister's latest update for Curio Citizen
Jun 20, 2017
Hello all!
Curio Citizen remains in 2nd place! However, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th place contenders are gaining pre-orders just as fast as we are, if not faster. I could really use your help to ask others, one-on-one, to please pre-order a copy. If you are following these updates and have not pre-ordered, now is the time I could really use your help! There are only 5 days left! The contest ends on June 25th! Thank you! Just $10 could change my life and be the start of my writing career!
Click HERE to pre-order!
Here’s today’s look into the world of Curio Citizen:
Electrolocation:
The paz have inherent biological features known as electrolocation and electroreception. They can send electrical signals outward from their bodies to detect the locations and shapes of objects around them, and through electroreception, they can interpret the electrical signals of other people or animals nearby. This ability was originally developed for the species to hunt, but as they evolved to be a naturally peaceful species, their electrical abilities altered in function. Now, paz use these electrical signals to understand the physical manifestations of others’ emotional states so they can better approach an upsetting situation and resolve it. They also use electrolocation to calm others by sending a small, soothing electrical pulse through them.
Electrolocation and electroreception have become key elements to the paz culture. Their formal, friendly greeting, for example, consists of individuals clasping forearms and putting forth a small amount of electrolocation to show peace. Paz also use electrolocation to calm their children or to show affection. In extreme cases, electrolocation can be used in a stronger form to temporarily stun an unruly paz or animal, but only those in law enforcement or animal handlers tend to use this ability.
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Curio Citizen remains in 2nd place! However, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th place contenders are gaining pre-orders just as fast as we are, if not faster. I could really use your help to ask others, one-on-one, to please pre-order a copy. If you are following these updates and have not pre-ordered, now is the time I could really use your help! There are only 5 days left! The contest ends on June 25th! Thank you! Just $10 could change my life and be the start of my writing career!
Click HERE to pre-order!
Here’s today’s look into the world of Curio Citizen:
Electrolocation:
The paz have inherent biological features known as electrolocation and electroreception. They can send electrical signals outward from their bodies to detect the locations and shapes of objects around them, and through electroreception, they can interpret the electrical signals of other people or animals nearby. This ability was originally developed for the species to hunt, but as they evolved to be a naturally peaceful species, their electrical abilities altered in function. Now, paz use these electrical signals to understand the physical manifestations of others’ emotional states so they can better approach an upsetting situation and resolve it. They also use electrolocation to calm others by sending a small, soothing electrical pulse through them.
Electrolocation and electroreception have become key elements to the paz culture. Their formal, friendly greeting, for example, consists of individuals clasping forearms and putting forth a small amount of electrolocation to show peace. Paz also use electrolocation to calm their children or to show affection. In extreme cases, electrolocation can be used in a stronger form to temporarily stun an unruly paz or animal, but only those in law enforcement or animal handlers tend to use this ability.
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“’Get me out,’ I said, flicking my eyes to the window and back again. ’Get me out,’ I repeated. ’Help me.’
His face fell with sympathy, and he reached out to touch me. I stiffened. His hand stroked my forehead, and two of his firm fingers pushed lightly against my skin. I closed my eyes in surprise. A subtle pulse emanated from his fingers, and the muscles of my forehead smoothed. The pulse continued in a low, comforting wave of soothing euphoria. I blinked a few times as I waded through the brief experience.
He removed his hand. His black eyes were consoling and carried a promise.
’Are you going to get me out?’ I whispered, testing his supposed resolve. I felt the smoothed muscles of my forehead twitch back into being, and the furrows reformed as I waited for him to answer."
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Fun fact, duck-billed platypuses use these same abilities through electrical organs and sensors in their "beaks" (snouts), and many fish and invertebrates have similar abilities. While writing Curio Citizen, I knew I wanted the paz to be able to have some sort of ability like this, but it wasn’t until the research phase that I discovered this particular biological adaptation used by many animals on Earth. It fit in perfectly with my aims for the book, and is one example of how I love to incorporate actual science into my science fiction!
’
His face fell with sympathy, and he reached out to touch me. I stiffened. His hand stroked my forehead, and two of his firm fingers pushed lightly against my skin. I closed my eyes in surprise. A subtle pulse emanated from his fingers, and the muscles of my forehead smoothed. The pulse continued in a low, comforting wave of soothing euphoria. I blinked a few times as I waded through the brief experience.
He removed his hand. His black eyes were consoling and carried a promise.
’Are you going to get me out?’ I whispered, testing his supposed resolve. I felt the smoothed muscles of my forehead twitch back into being, and the furrows reformed as I waited for him to answer."
---
Fun fact, duck-billed platypuses use these same abilities through electrical organs and sensors in their "beaks" (snouts), and many fish and invertebrates have similar abilities. While writing Curio Citizen, I knew I wanted the paz to be able to have some sort of ability like this, but it wasn’t until the research phase that I discovered this particular biological adaptation used by many animals on Earth. It fit in perfectly with my aims for the book, and is one example of how I love to incorporate actual science into my science fiction!
’
You are all so amazing! Thank you for continuing to help. I hope these updates are ramping up your excitement for Curio Citizen! Hopefully I will be able to share it with you in published form. 5 days will reveal whether or not that happens! Until then, we’ve got to keep working for more pre-orders!
--Katherine
--Katherine