When Alori finds herself pregnant on a ship years away from her non-human mate, she struggles to find a solution to keeping her mate involved and mentally healthy. It is not easy when a large part of ...

Amazon.com: Interstellar Refugees Omnibus: A First Contact Trilogy eBook : Ellrick, Daniel: Kindle Store

Rae Zalopany, author of “The Trident-Tailed Water Monster” in _The Future Fire_ #76, is with us today for a microinterview about her story, monsters, writing and water. * * * ** --- Art © 2026 Toeken TFF: What does “The Trident-Tailed Water Monster” mean to you?** **Rae Zalopany** : Florida’s landscapes have always felt to me like they hold something ancient and half-hidden. I’m interested in what might be living just out of sight in the swamps and springs, and this story became a way to follow that imagination while also processing political anxiety. **TFF: Who is your favorite groundbreaking woman author?** **RZ** : Right now I’ve been reading a lot of Sayaka Murata. I think most writers return to a few core questions or obsessions, and Murata does a great job of revisiting hers in unexpected and precise ways. **TFF: What are you working on next?** **RZ** : I’m currently working on _Water Bug_ , a collection of flash fiction set around swimming pools that explores bodies and transformation. * * * **Extract** > Here is the dream that led her here: > > An owl was the size of a petite man perched on the post office roof. He wore Spanish moss like a lei around his brown, freckled neck. A sign in red Sharpie was taped to the banister that said _WET PAINT_. > > Natalie took a step, then another toward him. His blank eyes, the color of the moon, bored down onto her. > > “Can you tell me where to find the springs?” * * * **Reminder: You can comment on any of the writing or art in this issue athttp://press.futurefire.net/2026/05/new-issue-202676.html.**

We’re joined by Christine Amsden, author of “Believe Me” in _The Future Fire_ #76, for the first of this issue’s microinterview series. * * * ** --- Art © 2026 Toeken TFF: What does “Believe Me” mean to you?** **Christine Amsden** : Many of us have experienced symptoms being misinterpreted and pain being ignored by medical professionals. Certain extreme cases have made the news in recent years, inspiring me to write this story. It’s not _my_ story, not exactly, but I can relate. It took nearly fifteen years for me to get a fibromyalgia diagnosis... fifteen years of pushing myself to try harder in physical therapy, fifteen years of taking antiinflammatory medication until I got an ulcer, fifteen years of wondering if it was all in my head. FIfteen years... until one person finally believed me and helped me get the diagnosis I needed. **TFF: What is your favourite real or imaginary monster, and why?** **CA** : My very favorite monster has to be Grover. One of my favorite books growing up—and then enjoyed reading to my own kids—was _The Monster at the End of this Book_. It's a fantastic take on how fear creates our own worst enemy. **TFF: What can you be found doing when you're not creating/writing?** **CA** : I enjoy knitting, chess, role playing, and a good cup of tea. * * * **Extract** > “There’s an alien in my brain.” The words sound clear in my head, but they come out slurred, more like, _S’an aleen mbain._ > > They don’t believe me. They never do. * * * **Reminder: You can comment on any of the writing or art in this issue athttp://press.futurefire.net/2026/05/new-issue-202676.html.**

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Here's some good news - my scifi short story Foreverest is now free. I love giving stuff away whenever I can, so this is something I'm happy to share on a random Wednesday. My little brain tacos are the gift that keep on giving, so I'm happy to share them with other SF nerds like

Be the first to discover Fantasy and Sci-Fi’s Rising Stars! New tales, endless horizons—start your new journey here. (Limited-time offer)

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: End of a Girl (Folio 55 Book 1) eBook : Sinjorina, Nia: Kindle Store