Issue of July 28, 2025

In the Woods, Where Monsters Wait by David Sebek — Cover story fiction horror

David Sebek was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and spent his early childhood traveling between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres before settling in Houston, Texas. As a writer, he explores the darker edges of imagination in short stories that blend realism with the uncanny.

Parker's Coin by Blake Wickham — Fiction horror

Blake Wickham is a Technical Writer from the Chicagoland area. He writes horror and science fiction in the company of his wife and their two cats.

The Price of Peace by Rajeshwar Mittapalli — Fiction life

Rajeshwar Mittapalli is a Professor of English with more than thirty years of teaching experience at universities across Asia, Africa, and Europe. He is also active as a creative writer and translator.

The Problem by Amita Basu — Flash fiction

Amita Basu’s fiction appears in more than 85 venues. She’s contributing editor at Fairfield Scribes Micro, and sustainability columnist and interviews editor at Mean Pepper Vine. She lives in Bangalore, and works at a climate action thinktank.

There by Stephen Kingsnorth — Poem

"...we trusted Trust, as taught to do..."

When the Ship of Companionship Capsizes or Veers Off by Ndaba Sibanda — Poem

"...a voluntary tie that bonds together..."

An Empty Box by D. Marie Fitzgerald — Poem unrhymed

"...it reminded him of home..."

Cinderella Lives On by Supatra Sen — Poem unrhymed

"...Time’s running out..."

Graveyard of Memories by Rajnish Mishra — Poem unrhymed

"...Moments, long past and forgotten, came to life there..."

Of Crystal Castles and Crashing Waves by Scott Thomas Outlar — Poem unrhymed

"...Love is a blank check/an IOU theory..."

The Morality of Fin, Feathers, and Fur by Linda Imbler — Poem unrhymed

"...Their time is not long..."

They came by Yucheng Tao — Poem unrhymed

"...like a poisonous flower..."

Ngongo Chronicle 03 by Ron Singer — Serial fiction

Off to university, Pierre's political education immediately begins...