In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Dan Hartland speaks with writers and critics Octavia Cade and M. L. Clark about writing in hard times. How and why is speculative friction written in contexts of defeat, despair, or decay? They discuss climate change and artificial intelligence, systems political, biol…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, editor Kat Kourbeti chats to author Debbie Urbanski about her 2018 Strange Horizons publication and the 13 years of submissions it took to get accepted, writing in the gray areas between genres, and what it means to be artistically honest in your work. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday me…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Angela Liu's 'Time is an Ocean' read by Emmie Christie. You can read the full text of the story, and more about Angela Liu ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, editor Kat Kourbeti talks to Mary Robinette Kowal about the fractal nature of story structure, , and writing to please the teenaged version of you. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click ⁠here to record an audio message⁠, and ⁠here for video⁠. Join our ⁠Patreon⁠ for early episod…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Dan Hartland speaks with reviewers and critics Rachel Cordasco and Will McMahon about science fiction in translation (SFT), and specifically about those books appearing from small presses based in the US. They discuss recent news on NEA grants to these publishers, the …

In the third episode of Writing While Disabled, Kristy Anne Cox and Kate Johnston sit down with author Donyae Coles for a frank and candid discussion around adjusting one's life and writing processes around one's disability, finding support to help with the tasks that become difficult, and how genre can lend itself to telling disabled stories authe…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Ariel Marken Jack's 'Sister, Silkie, Siren, Shark' read by Emmie Christie. You can read the full text of the story, and more about Ariel Marken Jack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Content Warnings…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents R.B. Lemberg's A City on It's Tentacles' read by Jenna Hanchey. You can read the full text of the story, and more about R.B. Lemberg ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ Content Warnings: Disregard for pers…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, editor Kat Kourbeti talks to Nghi Vo about how Strange Horizons kickstarted her publishing journey, her weird and interesting life before writing took off, and the fearlessness it takes to make a writing career happen. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click ⁠here to record an au…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Elle Engel's 'Half Sick of Shadows' read by Emmie Christie You can read the full text of the story, and more about Elle Engel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Content Warnings: Disregard for personal autonomy B…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, editor Kat Kourbeti talks to Naomi Kritzer about her non-linear writing journey, imagining positive futures, and how to deal with the world catching up to your near-future specfic. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click ⁠here to record an audio message⁠, and ⁠here for video⁠. Jo…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Kat Kourbeti reads Premee Mohamed's Hugo Finalist Novelette 'By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars'. You can read the full text of the story, and more about Premee Mohamed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Content Warnings: Blood Child abu…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, editor Kat Kourbeti talks to Charlie Jane Anders about her Strange Horizons publications dating all the way back to 2002, charting her journey as a writer and her experience with the magazine over 20 years, as well as her love for community events and bringing people together. Links and things: Want to lea…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Lowry Poletti's 'BRIDE / BUTCHER / DOE' read by Emmie Christie You can read the full text of the story, and more about Lowry Poletti ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Content Warnings: Abortion/miscarriage Animal c…

In the second audio episode of Writing While Disabled, hosts Kristy Anne Cox and Kate Johnston welcome Farah Mendlesohn, acclaimed SFF scholar and con-runner, to talk all things hearing, dyslexia, and more ADHD adjustments, as well as what fandom could and should be doing better for accessibility at conventions, for both volunteers and attendees. S…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Samantha Lane Murphy's 'Reprise' read by Emmie Christie You can read the full text of the story, and more about Samantha Lane Murphy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Content Warnings: Blood Death/dying Drug use Menta…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, we present a soundscaped reading of Jordan Kurella's poem, 'this tree is a eulogy', and afterward Kat Kourbeti chats to Jordan about his writing process, the wonders of New Weird fiction, and the magic of writer friendships. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click ⁠here to record…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Holli Mintzers 'Tomorrow is Waiting' read by Emmie Christie You can read the full text of the story, and more about Holli Mintzer, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

In this special episode of Strange Horizons at 25, Kat Kourbeti sits down with fiction editors Hebe Stanton and Kat Weaver, as well as poetry and administrative editor Romie Stott, to talk about some of the work we published last year, just as the Hugo nominations deadline draws close. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Cl…

In the first audio episode of Writing While Disabled, Kristy Anne Cox is joined by author Kate Johnston to talk about her experiences and challenges as a disabled writer. Show notes: This episode was produced and hosted by Kristy Anne Cox, and edited, mixed, and transcribed by Kat Kourbeti. The theme song, "Funky - Upbeat Loop" by ispeakwaves, is l…

In this episode of Strange Horizons at 25, Kat Kourbeti sits down with longtime friend and Seattle Worldcon Poet Laureate Brandon O'Brien, chatting all things speculative poetry, TTRPG design and actual play streaming, and the impact of markets that have many readers and editors—hey wait, that's us! Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthd…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Alexandra Munck's 'Sandrine' read by Claire McNerney You can read the full text of the story, and more about Alexandra Munck, ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Content Warnings: Ableism Disregard for personal autonomy Death/dying…

In this episode of Strange Horizons @ 25, editor Kat Kourbeti sits down with SFF critic and writer Bogi Takács for an in-depth conversation about the role of criticism in the SFF space, plus an overall look at their varied career. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click ⁠here to record an audio message⁠, and ⁠here for vid…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Michelle Kulwicki's 'Bee Season' read by Emmie Christie You can read the full text of the story, and more about Michelle Kulwicki, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠Content Warnings: Blood Body transformation Death/dying Drug use Spi…

In this episode of Strange Horizons @ 25, producer Michael Ireland sits down with acclaimed SF author John Scalzi to discuss his 2001 story Alien Animal Encounters, which just so happens the only story he ever submitted anywhere, plus his long and decorated career in the SFF genres. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Samantha Murray's 'Coming Through in Waves' read by Jenna Hanchey You can read the full text of the story, and more about Samantha, ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠Content Warnings: Abortion/miscarriage Disregard for personal auto…

In this special episode of SH@25, editor Kat Kourbeti narrates 'Little Brother' by Bruce Holland Rogers, originally published on 30 October 2000. Hosted by producer Michael Ireland, with warm holiday wishes from the entire SH Editorial Collective. Read the story on the SH website. Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click ⁠here to record an …

In this episode of SH@25, Editor Kat Kourbeti sits down with Vivian (Xiao Wen) Li to discuss her foray into poetry, screenwriting, music composition and more, and also presents a reading of her two poems published in 2022, 'Ave Maria' and 'The Mezzanine'. Links and things: Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click here to record an audio mes…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents E.M. Linden's 'A Cure for Solastalgia' read by Jenna Hanchey You can read the full text of the story, and more about E.M Linden, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠Content Warnings: Disregard for personal autonomy Cancer Sexism/gender di…

In the 5th episode of SH@25, editor Kat Kourbeti sits down with author E.M. Faulds to chat about her 2022 story, Broken Blue, combining Eldritch horrors with mundane moments, writing female characters, and bigging up your crew when you have the chance. Want to leave us a happy birthday message? Click here to record an audio message, and here for vi…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Susannah Rand's' 'Little Lila' read by Claire McNerney. You can read the full text of the story, and more about Susannah, ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠SpotifyContent Warnings Animal cruelty/death Body transformation Murder self_harm Shaming V…

In the 4th episode of SH@25, Editor Kat Kourbeti sits down with tabletop game designer and SFF critic Kyle Tam, whose young career has taken off in the last few years. Read on for an insightful interview about narrative storytelling from non-Western perspectives, the importance of schlock and trash in the development of taste, and the windows into …

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Nelly Geraldine García-Rosas' 'Embroidery of a Bird's Heart' read by L.W. Salinas. You can read the full text of the story, and more about Nelly, ⁠here⁠. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠Spotify Content Warnings: Animal cruelty/death Blood Death/dying Scars…

In the third episode of SH@25, editor Kat Kourbeti sits down with author Arkady Martine, for an in-depth interview on her multifaceted career, her review writing, and the history that inspired her two-time Hugo Award winning Teixcalaan Empire series. We also present a reading of Arkady's poem, Cloud Wall, which marked her Strange Horizons debut, an…

In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents KT Bryski's "Folk Hero Motifs in Tales Told by the Dead" read by Devin Martin You can read the full text of the story, and more about KT, here. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: Spotify Content Warnings: Body transformation Child death Death/dying Drug use…

In the first guest interview of this series, editor Kat Kourbeti sits down with author Kate Heartfield, whose 2015 story 'Limestone, Lye, and the Buzzing of Flies' marked a turning point in her publishing career. Follow Kate on social media @kateheartfield, or sign up for her newsletter on her website: https://kateheartfield.com For fuller show not…

A Recipe for Life, A Tonic for Grief was originally published in the May 13th 2024 issue of Strange Horizons and is read by Emmie Christie. You can read the full story here. Content Warnings: Animal cruelty/death Blood Cancer Death/dying Drug use Chris is a palliative care physician by day and a writer by night. He is a dad (cat and human), by his …

Podcast Editor Kat Kourbeti and Producer Michael Ireland announce our brand new podcast project, SH@25, a year-long interview and feature series that will delve into the Strange Horizons archives, celebrate the work of past contributors and staff, and highlight the contributions of Strange Horizons to SFF publishing and the wider community. A full …

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Aisha and Dan discuss the knotty question of "the canon": what is it, how is it formed, who is it for? They do so in conversation with the critic Abigail Nussbaum, whose new reviews collection, Track Changes, has just been published by Briardene Books.…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Aisha and Dan discuss genre boundaries in texts and criticism: how they're used, where they fall ... and what, if anything, they're good for. Is science fiction is more of a technique than a genre? Might it help to think about all texts as sitting across modes and cate…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Aisha and Dan discuss ⁠⁠a recent essay⁠⁠ by Jake Casella Brookins that appeared in the Ancillary Review of Books. "The vaunted prophylactic prophecy of science fiction—the ability to prevent an undesirable future by loudly predicting it—has consistently proven false," …

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Aisha and Dan talk to critic and poet CatherineRockwood about her new chapbook, And We Are Far From Shore , a set of poems about the television show Our Flag Means Death. Catherine reviewed the show for Strange Horizons less than a year ago, and discusses how reviewing…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, the critic and reviewer Paul Kincaid joins Aisha and Dan to discuss how and why critics persevere in their work, what changes about it as the platforms and delivery mechanisms that surround criticism shift, and the challenges that face those writers who seek to collect…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Aisha and Dan discuss what happens when books make you work. How does a reader know whether to persevere with a book when at first they're not sure of it? How can we decide if a book really isn't working on its own terms—or whether we're missing something and need to p…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, we air an interview with the reviewer, editor, and critic Niall Harrison which Dan conducted at Conversation, the 2023 UK Eastercon, at which Niall was a Guest of Honour. Through a series of books from various parts of his life, Niall talks about how he began reading S…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Reviews Editors Aisha Subramanian and Dan Hartland are joined by Abigail Nussbaum to tackle one of the thorniest issues in criticism: the negative review. What makes for a good bad review? Why do reviewers feel driven to write them? And are we now in an age where the h…

In this episode of Critical Friends, the Strange Horizons SFF criticism podcast, Reviews Editors Aisha Subramanian and Dan Hartland talk to novelist, reviewer, and Strange Horizons’ Co-ordinating Editor, Gautam Bhatia, about how reviewing and criticism of all kinds align—and do not—with fiction-writing and the genre more widely.You can read the epi…