Finally, after 18 months of lurking in the shadows, it is my pleasure to announce that Shadowed Realms has been recognised by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Association of America (SFWA) as a Qualifying Professional Market. The good news for writers is that stories sold to Shadowed Realms* will go towards your claim as a recognised 'professional'. The great news for readers is the guarantee that you couldn't be in better company when searching for quality in your darkest delights.

However, this positive development does not seem to have influenced the ambience of the stories within. In fact, I'd suggest quite the opposite. The emergent theme of this issue verges on sheer futility; any false hopes I may have held for a pot-o-gold at the end of the rainbow have been firmly, and decidedly, slammed!.

Establishing their right as Shadowed Realms regulars, Greg Beatty and Kurt Newton each demonstrate the futility of religious fervour, one taking, the other giving. Their unique styles never fail to deliver a twist of dark weird. Nathaniel James Parker marks his second contribution by reinforcing his distinct psychotic prose of Professional Responsibility.

Newcomers to our bleak corner, Ivan Belachich, Lon Prater, Nathan Burrage, and Brian Rappatta, add to the distinct futility of this issue. Ivan searches for a life in death, Lon lays bare the glory of God, Nathan flees in the face of choices, and Brian ensures the nightmares continue.

At this stage, I would usually invite you all to read and enjoy ... but what's the point?.

Angela Challis, Editor.



*Short stories must have a word count that commands $US 50.00 (or more) to qualify.

   SFWA Active membership requires a minimum sale of 3 stories with a combined minimum sale of $US 250.00.