When I was a young man, Asimov's published "The Last of the Winnebagos" by Connie Willis. I remember reading it, and immediately calling up my best friend who was also a subscriber wanting to discuss it because, as I said at the time, "I feel like I missed at least as much as I got."

One of the things I love about SF/F is how it echoes our reality, changing it in ways that let us examine the real world from a different perspective. This story struck me right away as both topical and timeless.

This is another one that isn't what I usually go for as a reader or an editor, but I remember being taken in by the great character work. It's a short piece, but one I think you'll remember.

I was trying to avoid working in solidarity with the people of Minnesota on Friday, and I apparently never cycled back to hype last Friday's story. And it's a good one.

We would just like to casually point out that the @sfwa.org Recommended Reading List currently contains Hell Itself stories by @rachiea.bsky.social, @crboltz.bsky.social, @deborahldavitt.com, @reggiekwok.bsky.social, @gerrileen.bsky.social, @tedmorrissey.bsky.social, @ktwagner.bsky.social, and more!

I find drag rhetoric fascinating. Humor, but in the style of the legendary court jester: getting laughs by speaking uncomfortable truths and not being afraid to offend. It's definitely a challenging piece. I hope you like it as much as I do.

ICYMI, "The Goblin on My Shoulder" is free to read with @hellitself.bsky.social. This is a story about invisible disabilities. I wrote it before my pain had a name, before I knew what I suffered was real and not "all in my head." I sincerely hope no one can relate, but if you can: I see you.

I will admit that I'm not generally a fan of the short-short. When I like one enough to publish it, it's because I think it's extraordinary. @cjtavares.bsky.social definitely delivered the extraordinary in this one, managing to create a world in 1,000 words without it feeling under-developed.

I've had editor's block lately. I have half a dozen great stories accepted, but none felt like the right story to start 2026 with. Then I looked at the submissions queue, and this one charged my fence. @rajivmote.bsky.social was very good about letting me rush him through editing. Here's to 2026.

@reggiekwok.bsky.social is the sort of writer we need right now: Someone with a distinct and unique voice. I generally enjoy his work, but when this one was submitted I knew we had to publish it. It's entertaining and timely. And maybe just a bit symbolic. I hope you like this one as much as I do

hellitself.com/pala/ Go check this out. It's my latest published short story, and it's free to read. :)

I was absolutely ticked when I saw @gerrileen.bsky.social has sent in a story. I was even more tickled when I read this one and loved it. I'm very glad to have it in my little webzine.

I was told if I wanted to post what they seem to call a rant, I had to do it on my own account. I now have my own account, and I can post a rant if I want to.

I also need to apologize to @marthawells.com for stealing her cover art for my user icon, but I've been signing my editorials "—ART" for so long that I couldn't resist the urge to use an image of Perihelion.

Greetings, all. I have no idea how much I'm going to use this, but the kids said I need my own account if I'm going to get on soap boxes online.