Diane Walton of On Spec magazine invites us to “push the envelope” of the sci-fi genre
Diane Walton is the managing editor of On Spec, a Canadian Sci-Fi magazine. She co-founded the publication 20 years ago as an antidote to U.S. sci-fi mags that demanded neat endings and heroic protagonists. Diane tells us how the urge to help others’ improve their writing keeps her interested in short story submissions.
On Spec review – fairy tales for grown ups, with many an uncertain ending
Contained within “The Canadian magazine of the Fantastic”, you’ll find fairy tales for grown ups, dark and eerie, with many an uncertain ending. The stories and poems unfold on the edges of shores, in woods, between everyday cities and dreamland, with inspiration drawn from myths and legends from a plethora of cultures.
Frank Ludlow of Albedo One describes how a well-written story can traverse writing genres
Frank Ludlow is one of five editors working on Albedo One, a lit mag specialising in fantasy, horror and science fiction. When he’s not wading through submissions, Frank lectures at Trinity College Dublin and teaches at Dublin City University. Frank tells us how Albedo One hunts out stories that have been rejected elsewhere.
Albedo One review – one of the most broad-reaching literary mags around
Despite branding itself as a magazine of speculative fiction, Albedo One is one of the most broad-reaching literary magazines around, claiming to publish anything that captures the imagination of the five editors involved in creating the monthly publication. This is a magazine that offers escapism and exploration in equal measure.
Paul Sutherland of Dream Catcher tells us how to improve our chances of seeing our words in print
Paul Sutherland is the founder and editor of Dream Catcher magazine, which started life in 1995 as a publication for the students of York University but now attracts submissions from writers across the world. Paul talks about the small presses’ struggle for survival, and what attracts him to certain poems and short stories over others.
Dream Catcher review – designed to linger in your mind
Each issue of Dream Catcher offers up a collection of poetry, short stories, art and reviews that seemed designed to linger in your mind. The contents require some effort on the part of the reader, which is no bad thing, rewarding our concentration with a collection that deserves a space on a bookshelf, to be read time and again.
Mike French, editor of The View from Here, explains the magazine’s niche in the writing marketplace
After following an unconventional career path through banking, optical engineering, being a stay-at-home-Dad and writer, Mike French established The View from Here, a print and online literary magazine with author interviews, reviews and original fiction with a unique voice. He tells us how the magazine aims to inspire writers to test their talent.
The View from Here review – a fresh and invitingly informal tone
Energy exudes from the pages of The View from Here magazine. Graphics scatter across pages with gleeful abandon, illuminating the writers’ voices and adding a more colourful means of interpretation. It’s a great magazine to leaf through for diversion and inspiration, and the informality of the tone is fresh and inviting.
