I must confess I’m just enjoying a gratifying experience using Google’s NotebookLM functionality. While I was processing some interesting academic studies about the future, I wondered: what about my own fiction?

I just picked one of my favourite science fiction stories: Historias Columbia, an award winning speculation about time travel. I just uploaded it to a new notebook, and Boom! The first 100 words summary is absolutely brilliant. I’m not going to reproduce it here to avoid spoilers. However, with only a minor iteration, here you have a brief:

Francisco J. Jariego’s “Historias Columbia” explores the allure and implications of historical theme parks. The short science fiction story explores the nature of reality and simulation (augmented reality), and whether actions within the park can be truly isolated. 

In a world where historical theme parks offer immersive experiences, a seemingly innocuous holiday to “Historias Columbia” leads to unexpected complications for Susana and Rudyard. Susana, an academic, is fascinated by the potential of these parks to shed light on historical enigmas. Rudyard, on the other hand, simply seeks a relaxing getaway. Their trip to a park simulating the early 16th-century Yucatán takes a strange turn when Rudyard suffers disturbing hallucinations, and Susana experiences an immersive encounter during the simulation.

A committee is convened to evaluate her case. Susana reflects on Carlyle’s theory of history, which suggests that some events occur within “bubbles” and have no lasting impact on the broader course of history, while others can have far-reaching consequences. The committee’s verdict, delivered with surprising speed, places the responsibility squarely on Susana.

She contemplates the potential impact of her decision, wondering if her actions will ripple through history or remain confined to a historical sterile bubble. The story culminates in a poignant moment of revelation.

The epilogue offers a glimpse into a distant future, where Nova Columbus becomes a pivotal figure in interstellar exploration.

Do you want to read the story? You can do it in Spanish HERE. In English? Just contact me!

Bonus track. NotebookLM also generates an audio interview about the story #LOL