Podcast

Fantasy

For the next few weeks Delia wrestled with hope. She walked the Island talking with Rainbow, who always lashed the tube to her back and stuffed cornbread in one pocket and a peach in another. Delia didn’t show Rainbow the hidden valley, just the inhospitable perimeter. An occasional ship passed in the distance. Nothing got close to the Island.

In Jul. 2015 (Issue 62)

Fantasy

Saltwater Railroad (Part 1)

by Andrea Hairston

Author spotlight

Miz Delia’s Island was protected by deadly reefs on the Georgia/Florida side and nine hundred feet of jagged cliffs on the other. Indians called it Thunder Rock, a place where the wind and sea played rough and tumble. Spaniards named it Ghost Reef because of whirlpools, deadly fog, and wailing drowned folk who wouldn’t rest. English sailors claimed that Delia was a vengeful slave haint, howling demon talk and luring men to a bloody death.

In Jul. 2015 (Issue 62)

Science Fiction

Crazy Rhythm

by Carrie Vaughn

Author spotlight

George was about to declare his undying love for Annabell when the front of the train station fell over. Ross, the actor playing George, yelped and dashed away, his army cap flying off. Arlene — Annabell — merely put her hands on her hips and glared at the offending backdrop, a piece of dressed-up plywood that looked very much like the front of a train station, until it collapsed and revealed the braces behind it.

Illustrated by Reiko Murakami

In Jul. 2015 (Issue 62)

Science Fiction

Red Run

by AMJ Hudson

Author spotlight

Hinahon didn’t belong in that hotel. On that Monday, she should have been at her apartment on East Bradford Street preparing to meet Natalie at a cozy restaurant downtown. It was their two year anniversary, and she was expected in a few hours.

Illustrated by Elizabeth Leggett

In June 2015 (Issue 61)

Science Fiction

Madeleine

by Amal El-Mohtar

Author spotlight

Madeleine remembers being a different person. It strikes her when she’s driving, threading her way through farmland, homesteads, facing down the mountains around which the road winds. She remembers being thrilled at the thought of travel, of the self she would discover over the hills and far away. She remembers laughing with friends, looking forward to things, to a future.

2015 Nebula Award Finalists 2016 Award Finalists 2016 Locus Award Finalists Illustrated by Orion Zangara Locus Award Finalists Nebula Award Finalists

In June 2015 (Issue 61)

Science Fiction

The Astrakhan, the Homburg, and the Red Red Coal

by Chaz Brenchley

Author spotlight

“Paris? Paris is ruined for me, alas. It has become a haven for Americans — or should I say a heaven? When good Americans die, perhaps they really do go to Paris. That would explain the flood.” “What about the others, Mr. Holland? The ones who aren’t good?” “Ah. Have you not heard? I thought that was common knowledge. When bad Americans die, they go to America.”

Illustrated by by C. Bedford

In June 2015 (Issue 61)

Science Fiction

Nothing is Pixels Here

by K.M. Szpara

Author spotlight

“System Error ahead. Please turn around,” the Concierge’s voice speaks over the metallic growl of my dirt bike. I rev the throttle and lean into the warm wind. My seat bounces as mud ricochets up around me. Ahead, knobby limbs and crisp leaves dissolve into broken pixels. The SimGrid mutes as the soft voice fills the space between my ears, again. “System Error ahead. Please turn around.”

Illustrated by Isabel Collier

In June 2015 (Issue 61)

Science Fiction

Black Holes

by RJ Edwards

Author spotlight

“What do you think it would feel like to die in a black hole?” Joey asked, then immediately added, “Not being morbid.” Kant laughed. He had a loud belly laugh that made the bare bedroom feel full and bright. The mattress they were lying on had no bed frame, and, at the moment, no sheets. The only set not being used as makeshift curtains were drying in the basement.

Illustrated by Elizabeth Leggett

In June 2015 (Issue 61)

Science Fiction

Melioration

by E. Saxey

Gramophone music crackles out over the quad. “Read that last part again, Jay,” Professor Norris says. I raise my voice. “‘They’ has been used as a singular pronoun since Chaucer: whoso fyndeth hym —” A champagne cork pops, the drinkers cheer. I can’t compete. “Oh, for goodness’ sake.” “You don’t approve?” asks the Prof. “This college isn’t a theme park.”

Illustrated by Steen

In June 2015 (Issue 61)

Science Fiction

勢孤取和 (Influence Isolated, Make Peace)

by John Chu

Author spotlight

Jake acquired his target as soon as he stepped into the cafeteria. For the good of the war, he had passed without a trace through forests and mountains to reconnoiter and assassinate. For the good of the subsequent peace, Jake now needed to have lunch with a random stranger and emulate a human being.

Illustrated by Odera Igbokwe

In June 2015 (Issue 61)