From Modern Mythcraft to Magical Surrealism

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Jul. 2021 (Issue 69)

In this issue’s short fiction, Lulu Khadim keeps loved ones close even beyond the veil in “A Softness of the Heart,” and Benjamin C. Kinney takes us through delightfully layered visions in “I Would”; for flash fiction, Dustin Katz brings the horror and the tension with “To My (Final) Girl,” and in “There Will Be a Question and Answer Period After Your Inevitable Demise” Marika Bailey challenges tropes that reach far back into history; for poetry, we have “How to Find Yourself Again” by Beth Cato and “Paladin” by Lisabell Tay. Plus an interview with The Return of the Sorceress and Velvet Was the Night author Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Enjoy!

Cover art by Thana Wong / Adobe Stock Image

In This Issue: Jul. 2021 (Issue 69)

Nonfiction

Editorial: July 2021

by Arley Sorg and Christie Yant

CY: How is it July already? This month I’ll be teaching at the Cascade Writers Weekend, along with Wendy Wagner, who our readers know and love as the editor of our sister magazine, Nightmare. Wendy and I have been friends for more than a decade—we read at each other’s weddings! Years go by without us getting to see each other in person. While the Cascade workshop is online this year, I’m so excited that we get to teach together.

Flash Fiction

To My (Final) Girl

by Dustin Katz

You wanted to buy the house. Could you at least admit that? You looked at the dark wooden floors and the bay windows, and you said, “This is the one.” You didn’t mind at all that our neighbors refused to approach the property, would only wave from across the street as they jogged by. It didn’t even slow you down when our agent got around to disclosing what had happened in the house before we lived there. That has nothing to do with us, you said.

Nonfiction

Editorial: July 2021

by Arley Sorg and Christie Yant

CY: How is it July already? This month I’ll be teaching at the Cascade Writers Weekend, along with Wendy Wagner, who our readers know and love as the editor of our sister magazine, Nightmare. Wendy and I have been friends for more than a decade—we read at each other’s weddings! Years go by without us getting to see each other in person. While the Cascade workshop is online this year, I’m so excited that we get to teach together.

Fiction

A Softness of the Heart

by Lulu Kadhim

Aunt Violet had been sick for a long time before she died. The doctor said cancer, but Louise’s Aunt Sinna said it was a soft heart. Louise was inclined to agree, knowing little of this cancer business. Anyway, Aunt Sinna never, ever lied.

Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight: Lulu Kadhim

by Veronica Henry

I always saw the ghosts as a kind of nuisance that you live with but shake your head at. Like the stray cat on your street—okay, you’ve put out food for him once or twice when he looked worse for wear, but whenever he looks healthy, you’ll shoo him off and then moan about him peeing in your garden every chance you get.

Poetry

How to Find Yourself Again

by Beth Cato

decide, in the ignorant way of children / that now’s the time to grow up / fold away your dreams / along with your wings

Poetry

Paladin

by Lisabelle Tay

Shrive me, beloved, / for I have exhausted / the bellows of / this particular life.

Flash Fiction

There Will Be a Question and Answer Period After Your Inevitable Demise

by Marika Bailey

We hope the manner of your death has been pleasing to you. You’re confused, perhaps. Uncomfortable? This period of adjustment is necessary—optimal—for your full post-life experience. Contrary to your expectations, there are no angels here, no mead hall with feasting warriors.

Fiction

I Would

by Benjamin C. Kinney

Author spotlight

I had only one defense against a woman who knew me. “Fine.” I layered venom into my voice, to make her think it a hard-won concession yet again. “I’ll prophecy for you.” Queen Iroda stood alone by the parapet, a dark silhouette against the mountains. The scant light caught the gold embroidery on her robe and the perfect braids of red and silver that draped down her chest like chains.

Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight: Benjamin C. Kinney

by Phoebe Barton

In this world, all magic comes from faith, which provides a great story engine because it forces power and purpose to stay intertwined. Somewhere along the line I created the North Star, goddess of prophecy, hope, motivation, and travel-towards. This story was my chance to give the North Star her moment in the light, elusive but clear.

Nonfiction

Interview: Silvia Moreno-Garcia

by Arley Sorg

My books are very different, and I think for someone who has only read one type of story from me it can be a bit shocking to see how much things can change from one book to the other. Velvet Was the Night is absolutely a noir set in a time and place most people don’t know about. This is the era when the Mexican government is torturing, killing, and beating activists. The CIA is assisting the government because they want to fight communists in Latin America. It’s a grim, dingy setting, full of conflict.