Thylacines Lost, poem, Issue 50, March 15, 2020

Linda Neuer is from Miami, Florida. Recently, some of her poems have been published in Utopia SF, BFS Horizons, Space & Time, Allegro Poetry Magazine, Jupiter, Abyss & Apex, Quantum Poetry Magazine, Sangam, Lily, and Astropoetica. She writes about science because the universe is wondrous. 

Still, It Pulls Me, Poetry, Issue 27, June 1, 2014

Annie Neugebauer (@AnnieNeugebauer) is a novelist, short story author, and poet represented by Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency. She has work appearing in over thirty venues, including Buzzy Mag, The Spirit of Poe, the British Fantasy Society journal Dark Horizons, and the National Federation of State Poetry Societies’ prize anthology Encore. She’s a member of the Horror Writers Association, webmaster for the Poetry Society of Texas, and president of the North Branch Writers’ Critique Group. She’s also a columnist for the Writer’s Digest award-winning website Writer Unboxed. You can visit her at www.AnnieNeugebauer.com.

Get to know Annie...

Birthdate? I was born on a Valentine's Day with a full moon.

When did you start writing? I've been writing since I was able, but I've been seriously pursuing it as a profession since I graduated from college.

When and what and where did you first get published? My first publication was two poems, "The Air in Our Apartment" and "Digital Implications," at a regional literary journal called The Wichita Falls Literature and Art Review in 2010.

What themes do you like to write about? I don't ever limit myself to one theme or genre, but I do tend toward the dark side of most. I love the poignancy of making terrible things seem beautiful through words.

What books and/or stories have most resonated with you as an author? Why? How do these stories and their characters find expression in your work? That's an almost impossible question for me to answer in a short space. If I had to choose my greatest influence it would have to be Edgar Allan Poe. He was and still is the master of the dark poem and the horror short story. I wouldn't be the writer I am today if I hadn't found him on my shelf when I was young.

Daro Waterseer, Poetry, Issue 29, December 1, 2014

Birthday? July 11, 1991.

When did you start writing? I have held a passion for writing stories since I was a youngin', but did not start getting into free verse until about 2 and half years ago.

When and what and where did you first get published? My first published poem was included in Emerge Literary Journal last September. It was called "Aubade", and was a surreal personification of intangible yearning.

What themes do you like to write about? A lot of what I write about comes from my background in Psychology, and my obsession with the perpetual evolution of "the self", and the definitions "the self" can hold.  

What books and/or stories have most resonated with you as an author? Why? How do these stories and their characters find expression in your work? The authors that come to mind are Hermann Hesse (Demian), Aldous Huxley (Island), and Albert Camus (The Myth of Sisyphus and The Fall). These authors got me started on my journey towards a deeper understanding of the written word, and its power. Their seamless melding of philosophy and narrative have always been, and continue to be, a profound influence.

On the subject of fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien (The Silmarillion), George R. R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire), and David Lindsay (A Voyage to Arcturus) have been my main influences. Struggling to balance a cohesive world within your mind is tiresome work, but the writing of these great authors give me great confidence as I attempt to write my own first fantasy novel, The Rise of the Grey Cat.

Biography

Joe Nicholas is an experimenter, experiencer, and editor of The Screaming Sheep. His work can be found in BOAAT, Driftwood Press, Mojave River Review, Profane, Willard & Maple, and other fine magazines. He enjoys wine, felines, puns, perpetual evolution, and all things bizarre. He can be found at 8rainCh1ld.tk.

Palpatine's Folly: The Mistakes that Defeated Star Wars' Evil Emperor, Nonfiction, Issue 64, Fall 2023

Andrew Nickerson is originally from Massachusetts, and has been a fan of military history/tactics/strategy for almost 30 years.  He started writing in high school with poems/short stories, moved to novellas while earning his BA in History (English minor) at UMASS Lowell and JD at Mass. School of Law, and never looked back. He has since self-published a novella on Amazon, printed 1 article apiece of Polygon, Anime Herald, Academy of Heart and Mind, and Pipeline Artists, recently printed a short story in Evening Street Review, and just had another article accepted by Ariel Chart.

Get to know Andrew...

What is your birthday?

My birthdate is October 13, 1984.

When did you start writing? 

I started writing with some poems in high school, mostly for my creative writing class.

When and what and where did you first get published? 

I was first published via Createspace in 2016; it was a novella called "War on Orion".

Why do you write?

I write because it's something I feel called to do. That's really the only way I can put it.

Why do you write Science fiction and fantasy?

I write sci-fi/fantasy because it's the ultimate genre for creativity. There's no limits outside of those in your own imagination.

Who is your favorite author? What is your favorite story?

My favorite author is Kathleen McGowan, and my favorite story of hers is  "The Expected One."

What are you trying to say in your fiction?

When I write fiction, I simply try and tell the kind of stories I loved growing up, all while infusing some of the fun facts I've picked up in my lifetime.

If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

Regarding my epitaph, I've never given it much thought, but I guess I'd want it to say "Knowledge isn't a goal, it's a life-long quest." 

Do you Blog?

I don't have a blog per se, but I do go on Twitter daily to continue a practice I've had for some time: analyzing pop culture characters via Sun Tzu, a medium that I still feel could make critical analysis that much greater.

Troubleshooter, Fiction, Issue 54, March 2021

R.K. Nickel works as a screenwriter in Los Angeles. His first feature film, Bear with Us, is available on Amazon Prime and DVD. He’s also the head writer for Arrowhead Studios’ upcoming video game and for the ed-tech startup Tappity. When he’s not writing, Russ is probably playing an escape room or some Magic the Gathering. Or drinking coffee. Mmm…coffee. For more, check out @russnickel on Twitter or www.rknickel.com.

Get to know R.K. Nickel...

When did you start writing?

I've been writing ever since I was wee! I think my earliest writing endeavor was running a newspaper about my cats that I would deliver to my parents. I'm sure the articles were very hard-hitting. 

When and what and where did you first get published?

My first sale was to Galaxy's Edge. I was lucky enough to meet the late Mike Resnick at Worldcon, and he invited me to submit. Yay, networking! I feel like short story publication is about as much of a meritocracy as there is, but relationships never hurt!

What themes do you like to write about?

I've got a lot of fears and doubts and generally not-helpful thoughts running around in my OCD brain, so I pretty much try to analyze which thoughts aren't useful, then try to turn them into a story. Like how I overvalue the past because I see it through the lens of nostalgia. Or how I have trouble enjoying whatever situation I'm in because I fantasize about what I might be missing. Or how I measure my value based on my output of writing, ignoring anything else that might give life meaning. Was that the sort of answer this question was looking for? :P

What books and/or stories have most resonated with you as an author? Why? How do these stories and their characters find expression in your work?

I recently read Lexicon, and I loved the idea that words have so much power. They can inject emotion straight into your brain. Phonemes literally hack our minds and force us to do things. Insane. As for short stories, my all-time fave is probably “Unsound Variations” by George R.R. Martin. Such a beautiful exploration of being obsessed with your failures. As for how my favorite stories end up influencing my work, well...I try to copy them as best I can! Steal steal steal! 

Indebted, Fiction, Issue 51, June 2020

Kalie Night has been writing novels, short stories, and poetry since her preteen years. Her work has been published in Daily Science Fiction and Deep Magic, among others. You can find updates on her writing and other adventures at kmdailey.com.

Get to know Kaylie Night...

Birthdate? 

June 12

When did you start writing?

I started writing seriously in 2013, and I picked up a love for writing short stories in 2017. Before that, I was the  kid who finished writing full-length novels and professionally self published and sold them in middle school. I can’t speak for the quality of those, though.

When and what and where did you first get published?

My first “real” professional publication was a flash piece in Daily Science Fiction, called “The Only One,” in May 2018. 

Why do you write?

I write because I think I have something to say. I’m always full of stories, and I can’t help but write. More recently, I’ve even started finding it fun.

Why do you write science fiction and/or fantasy?

Because it’s what I like to read. I also have a degree in physics, which means I’m thinking about science concepts and the future of technology and society all the time. I teach physics to high schoolers and I love sharing science fiction concepts with them!

Who is your favorite author? Your favorite story?

I’m still in love with Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card. Also, The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu.

What are you trying to say with your fiction?

Some of my stories explore what it means to be human. Some make suggestions about what love is and isn’t. Some remark on the nature of culture and progress. And some really are just to entertain. I’m happy to leave it up to the reader which of my stories are which.

If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

Soli Deo Gloria

Do you blog?

I have a blog at kmdailey.com, but I favor my vlog at https://www.youtube.com/snarkyphysicist.

One Who Does Not Sleep, Fiction, Issue 42, March 15, 2018

Detritus, Flash Fiction, Issue 46, March 15, 2019

After the Roses Have Faded Away, Fiction, Issue 53, December 2020

Chasing the Whirlwind, Fiction, Issue 65, Winter 2023

Wendy Nikel is a speculative fiction author with a degree in elementary education, a fondness for road trips, and a terrible habit of forgetting where she's left her cup of tea. Her short fiction has been published in Daily Science Fiction, Nature: Futures, and various magazines and anthologies. Her time travel novella series, beginning with The Continuum, is available from World Weaver Press. For more info, visit wendynikel.com

Get to know Wendy Nikel:

When did you start writing?

It's maybe cliche, but I've enjoyed writing since I first learned how to form letters and even have some of my very first attempts at fiction preserved in a folder my parents saved from when I was in kindergarten.

I started writing seriously as an adult after my second son was born. I'd done a lot of reading during the long hours when I was up at night nursing him and realized that writing was something I still wanted to try my hand at someday.

When and what and where did you first get published?

My very first publication was in our local newspaper when I was in second grade, as the winner of a community youth writing competition. I also got a savings bond as a prize, which is still on its way to maturity.

My first pro publication was "Sardines in a Tin Can," published by Daily Science Fiction in November 2014.

Why do you write?

For me, it's like a puzzle, and I enjoy the mental challenge of finding exactly the right word or phrase, aligning the plot elements, and putting everything together just right so that it's satisfying for the reader.

Why do you write Science Fiction and/or Fantasy?

I love asking "what if" questions, and SF/F lets me explore those questions with fewer limitations. I love being able to throw technological advances or magical elements into my stories that complicate the characters' lives and invite the reader to experience something new and completely different.

For Paul's bio please here

Where the Forgetfulness Lives, Illustration, Issue 30, March 1, 2015

Biography 

I was born in 1985 in Seville, Spain, in a middle class family who shared my love for arts and gave me unconditional support.

My passion for art, heritage and especially painting, led me to dedicate my life to them. I studied Fine Arts, with a major in painting and photography at the University of Seville and did specific training in areas such museum studies, heritage and teaching. Then I started to work as a full time artist working on advertisements, illustrations, book covers, portraits, .. because my dream is to be a small part of yours.

Get to know Magdalena...

Birthdate? 17/03/1985

When did you start doing artwork? When I was five years old , my brother used to bring me some books about old paintings and sketches of renaissance artists and I tried to copy them , also my mother taught me handcrafting. After that , when I was about thirteen, Other of my brothers started to paint and bought some oil paintings,brushes, ... and I also tried to paint with his materials at home. Art has been part of all my life.

When and what and where did you first get published? When I was a teenager, I worked free as an illustrator for a cultural magazine with other young writers from my city, it was a proyect of some teachers and scholars to help beginners.

Do you use reoccurring themes or images in your illustrations? I used to draw horses and portraits, but I like all kinds of painting and I would like to be a surrealist painter.

What media do you like to work in? Why? My favorite media is oil painting , because I started painting with them and the result it's the best. In my books illustrations I like the classical appearance you get using wood pencils, pastel and charcoal, the effect of strokes are more realistic and softer than paint.

What artist's work do you most admire? How has this artist's work influenced you? I've always loved the surrealist artists, Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, but every artists have something special and I try to know about classical and new artists, I check everyday websites, magazines .... I think it's very important to be updated and learn from others.

Voices in the Dark, Fiction, Issue 7,  June 1, 2009

From Silence, Song, Flash Fiction, Issue 62, Spring 2023

Brandon Nolta is a writer, editor, and professional curmudgeon living in the transportation-challenged wilds of north Idaho. His fiction and poetry have appeared in Stupefying Stories, The Pedestal Magazine, Every Day Fiction, Uncanny Magazine, and a cacophony of other publications. His novel Iron and Smoke was published by Montag Press in 2015; his second book, a collection of short fiction called These Shadowed Stars, escaped in 2020. 

Get to know Brandon...

Birthdate? You know that really horrible day in September, that date that is now a touchstone event for virtually all Americans? My birthday’s the day after.

When did you start writing? Around fourth grade or so.

When and what and where did you first get published? My first publication was in my university’s literary magazine in 1993; the first creative piece I was paid for would have been my poem “Dybbuk,” published in the May 1997 issue of Lynx Eye.

Why do you write? I never really saw it as a choice; the words bubble up, and out they come.

Why do you write Science Fiction and/or Fantasy? Science fiction/fantasy was my first love as a reader, and is still my first choice.

Who is your favorite author? Your favorite story? Harlan Ellison for the language, Isaac Asimov for the lucidity and knowledge. For stories, “Vengeance Is” by Theodore Sturgeon

What are you trying to say with your fiction? Depends on the story.

Do you blog? Where? I’m a paid blogger for Scribophile, but I don’t have a personal blog anymore.

If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say? I’d prefer just to reach my cold, dead hands out of my grave, grab hold of any visitors and tell them in person.

Living on the Sounds of Static, Poetry, Issue 35, June 1, 2016

A World of Questions about Forever, Poetry, Issue 64, Fall 2023

Baruch November is the author of Bar Mitzvah Dreams and Dry Nectars of Plenty (co-winner of the BigCityLit chapbook contest). His literary works have been featured in Paterson Literary Review, Lumina, The Forward, Jewish Journal, and others. His poem "After Esav" was nominated for a 2021 Pushcart Prize. Baruch November co-directs and organizes the JCC of Buffalo's Poetry Series. For more than 15 years, he has taught courses in Shakespeare, poetry, and writing at Touro College in Manhattan. He lives in Washington Heights, New York.  

Get to know Baruch...

Birthday? September, 1976

When did you start writing? My mother says she has a poem I wrote about a chicken from when I was in first grade. I believe her, but I have yet to see it.

When and what and where did you first get published? I had a poem published in a very small college paper. For some reason,

I did it anonymously, but I can't recall why. The first piece that meant something in its publishing is called the "White Plague" and it

was published in Lumina. It is a short apocalyptic story.

What themes do you like to write about? I like to write about themes related to love, history, Dystopia, Jewish spirituality and mysticism, but probably many others.

What books and/or stories have most resonated with you as an author? Why? How do these stories and their characters find expression in your work? I really loved "Winter's Tale" by Mark Helprin; language is a hero of that novel. Anything I really enjoy reading usually has that trait. I am mainly a writer of poetry, so that must make sense. In terms of poetry, I read the works of Adam Zagajewski. He is probably the greatest living poet, and he is not read as much as he should be.

I can't say in a concrete way how any writer resonates in my own writing. I know that I am influenced, though, especially by Zagajewski and others. When I was younger, I was more influenced by Yehuda Amichai and Rilke. I still go back to them, but I don't see them as much in my writing. I have more toward narrative poetry in many respects.

Overall,  I think the most we need to ask for from other writers is the ignition of a fiery desire to write in us.

J.A.C.K.

Below is a Facebook page for an organization that I started called J.A.C.K.: Jewish Advocacy for Culture & Knowledge. Our mission is to

bring diverse and mainstream audiences to Jewish artists, writers, & performers & to bring diverse artists of varied cultures to Jewish

audiences. We are an ambitious advocate for the arts, the intellect, and the pursuit of knowledge founded upon the Jewish spirit, but for everyone of this world. Thus far, we've had literary and artistic events in comedy clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and other great

venues. https://www.facebook.com/groups/315067675363981