Issue 34

NewMyths.com

A quarterly ezine by a community of writers, poets and artists.

Issue 34, March 2016

Dear Readers,

It's always a pleasure to work with Deborah Cher. She makes my job so easy that I can basically sit back and enjoy the issue--much as you all get to do--without worrying about everything that makes it come together. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Enjoy,

Scott T. Barnes, Editor

I’m not going to sugar coat it— this issue is pretty dark, much like these past few weeks of winter. You might have to look a little harder to find the points of light, and that’s part of what I love about New Myths. It’s a place for stories that plumb the depths and aren’t afraid to explore unknown, sometimes scary, territory. You’ll find this issue is equal parts magic, mysticism, science, and horror, and sprinkled with just the right amount of AI-enhanced fun.

This year, I adopted a rambunctious little puppy, and so was especially drawn to the intelligent police dog from Into the Ring and the smooth-talking canine in The Redesign. In these virtual pages you’ll find robots that require love and friendship as much as any organic life-form, gritty goddesses of death, a secret story-telling ‘spell’ of sorts, terrifying living planets, demon-conjuring chambermaids, and mythical birds – and to top off all that great fiction there’s an amazing history of blacksmiths and a frank essay on sex and androids that’s as fun to read as it’s informative. All these works gripped me and left me feeling satisfied, and I think you’ll enjoy them as much as I have.

Enjoy the ride!

Deborah Cher, Editor

@debzmic

Table of Contents

Fiction

Chasing the Cortilane by Kathryn Yelinek

A glint of light caught the corner of Mena’s eye. She twisted in her saddle, scanning the evening sky over the rolling hills and solitary trees to her left. She thought she’d seen—there! A spark against the yellowing sky, like sunlight off a train carriage, though she was weeks away from any rail lines.

Common Magick by Jordan Taylor

“Of course, Miranda,” the demon said, “I could give you your heart’s desire.” His voice was low and silky-smooth. I licked my lips. “You could help me speak to my mam?” I asked again. He smiled and spread his hands. “Yes. I could make that possible.”

Into the Ring by Lisa Timpf

The buzz of conversation rising from the lips, snouts and muzzles of hundreds of audience members filled the cavernous space of the fight chamber. My previous bouts had been witnessed by crowds perhaps three-quarters this size. But tonight, I was part of the feature card.

Io Asunder by Michael Cummings

Brantov stared at Gwen across the table of the Norvanoss bar. “Tell me again. Where you want to go?” he asked, leaning in as he took another sip of Martian vodka.

The Redesign by Mark Pantoja

It was dark out the morning we left. Ella and I said our goodbyes to House in the backyard.

Flash Fiction

Scouting Goldilocks by Jason Lairamore

Waking from cryo to blaring claxons wasn't good, especially while traveling on an experimental spacecraft through unknown space.

Cestrum Nocturnum by Izzy Todd

The ancient robot had exposed wiring where its outer casing had been pulled off and had rusted away in flakes.

NonFiction

Master of Flame and Iron by Linda Leary

In his younger days, my father was a blacksmith, and because of this I became curious about the legends and superstitions that surround the craft.

Sex and the Single Android by Patrick S. Baker

Implications of Human-Robot Sex as Presented in Film and Television

Poetry

A Travelling Age by Toby MacNutt

Scheherazade by Mack W. Mani

Stellar Trapeze Artists by John Reinhart

The Masticating Dead by Anastasia Stelse