cover art by Erin Casteel

It’s coming up on our first birthday and, in the tradition of hobbits and magazines, we have got you some great presents. The first present, the one you knew you were getting but should still be excited about, is new science fiction. Our lead story this month, “Last Words” by Chester Burton Brown (whose artwork has previously appeared in AE) brings a beautifully natural Bukowskian voice to an all too recognizable future. Later in the issue, alongside excellent pieces by writers and artists new to AE, you’ll get a chance to hear from Silvia Moreno-Garcia again, in a poignant tale of the forgotten and powerless.

And remember last time when we promised you eBook editions? Well, they’re here. AE #1 and AE #2 have been lovingly packaged in ePub and Kindle formats, ready to be enjoyed on almost any device. AE #3 and AE #4 will be ready shortly. The eBooks will be available for purchase from major retailers within a few weeks. In the meantime, those who have donated enough to qualify for an electronic subscription will be given the exclusive opportunity to get their hands on the eBooks early. It’s not too late to get in on this, by the way: If you make a donation of $30 or more before the eBook store goes live, you too can get in on the sneak preview. You’ll also get free admission to the big party at SFContario next month.

“Wait,” you say, “what party?”

AE is turning one and, if that weren’t reason enough to party, Matt Moore’s phenomenal “Touch the Sky, They Say” is up for a Prix Aurora Award (the winners to be announced at SFContario) and we want one last chance to wish him luck, and so we will be throwing a party concurrent with the convention. On that note, if you haven’t yet cast your vote in the Auroras, you are running out of time. “Touch the Sky, They Say” very much deserves your support.

As if all that weren’t enough, we have also been working behind the scenes to bring you a redesigned website. You can expect the new design to debut later this month and bring with it some convenient new features.

I know, that’s a lot of presents. But you deserve them. We couldn’t have asked for a better and more supportive readership and community. It’s been an absolute pleasure to spend this first year with you. Here’s looking forward to many more.

—D.F. McCourt
Editor