I’m not sure what’s more exciting for me as an editor—publishing authors I know and love, or new, emerging voices (some with their first professional sale) that blew us away in the slush? How about both! We have four new stories in this issue. “Aridstar” by Gretchen Tressmer is what I’d call a weird western, in the vein of Victor LaValle’s Lone Women—creepy, hopeful, and surreal. “Auguries” is by Jennifer R. Donohue, a bit of dark magical realism filled with hallucinations, prophecies, and strange rabbits. Serena Jayne shares with us, “Attachment Theory,” which shows us that in the near future our minds, and hearts, may not be our own to use (or give). And “Break It” by Brooke Brannon involves a vintage circus poster that calls to us in dark iterations. We have two excellent reprints. The first is “Black Powder” by Maria Dahvana Headley. Such a powerful, original, and unsettling story. This blend of dark fantasy, western, and horror is captivating from the jump. And “Consider This An Opportunity” by J. A. W. McCarthy is a heady mix of sibling rivalry, trauma, and science fiction, with echoes of Black Mirror. We have an original essay by Cassie E. Brown, entitled “Marginalia,” that speaks to the power of the written word, family, and perseverance. And a reprint of Brian Evenson’s powerful panel at AWP, entitled “Truth or Consequences in Non-realist Fiction: What Are We Reading For?” If anyone can speak to the battle between realism and the surreal, it’s Brian Evenson. And our two poems this month are both by Janna Layton—“Dying Near Water” and Agate Beach, Bolinas.” Both are moving, original, haunting poems. I hope you enjoy this issue. Tell your friends, and come back for more!
—Richard Thomas
Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director
