HIRAETH PUBLISHING’S
SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWSLETTER
September is upon us. Two-thirds of the year has gone by. Tempus fugit.
I think it was Anne Murray (yes, a Canadian. So?) who sang a song about needing a little good news today. There’s not a lot to go around these days. War in Ukraine—not only can we not stop it, but it threatens to expand to other countries. War in Iran—poorly conducted, in my view, because you don’t cease hostilities to negotiate; in war, as MacArthur said, there is no substitute for victory. Winners declare the terms. The defeated adversaries get to nod their heads, sign their names, and thank whatever deities they worship that the terms were not worse. Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is rather specific on this.
Taxpayers are being defrauded of billions in tax money, with (so far) little to no accountability, and with little hope of incarceration for the perps. We have discussions (the term loosely applied) of whether those who break our laws actually commit crimes in doing so.
I frequently receive submissions in which the contact person is (for example) “John Smith (he, him)” (and sometimes “his”). Okay. I’ve no problem with that; I’ll use them when appropriate. But I’m curious. Those referential pronouns are grammatically third-person. In other words, they are used when two or more
people are talking about Smith, not to Smith. In 99.44% of such instances, Smith is nowhere to be seen. He’s around the corner, down to the next block, and up on the third floor. So how is he going to know whether someone is using the referential pronouns he prefers? Like I said, just curious.
There’s more, and I’m sure our readers are aware of a major topic that’s missing. Truth is, I don’t even know where to begin a discussion of the topic, which is odd, as I have written a number of novels and stories in which LGBTQ++ (oops, I said it) is presented positively and favorably (e.g., Tagalong. It’s in our shop; just do a search, or simply look below in this newsletter for the listing, then buy a copy, and enjoy). For a storyteller, orientation is of course simply a characteristic, like hair or eye color, courage or cowardice, and so forth. Stories are almost always about characters, and how they deal with the plot difficulties the writer puts them through. Put another way, a story is not about the ray gun. It’s about how folks deal with a milieu in which there are ray guns. Sexual orientation has precious little to do with that; it is more or less appropriate to interpersonal relationships, which yes, can be significant.
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So I Babylon. But here is the biggest problem (not issue; an issue is a copy of a magazine). Generally we do not talk to one another nowadays; we are adversarial. If we do exchange words, it’s more on the order of something meaningless, such as, “The math teacher sucks,” or “I didn’t order butterscotch pudding,” or “She’s so stupid.” A couple decades ago, Deborah Harry with Blondie sang “Rip Her to Shreds,” in which a few young ladies are discussing the finer qualities of another young lady who is not and never will be in the group. One line goes, “red eye shadow, green mascara, yick! She’s too much!”
We need to talk with, not to or about, one another. Who’s willing to take the first step?
THIS IS A NEWSLETTER, SO NOW WE MUST RETURN TO OUR REGULAR PROGRAMMING…
HUNGUR CHRONICLES 2026 UPDATE
A new editor and submissions address have been posted. The editor is Alan Ira Gordon. It is vital and necessary (pardon my redundundancy) that you read the guidelines, for there are other changes as well.
Second, and just as important: If you have submitted work to The Hungur Chronicles and have not received a reply—well, if you’ve been following the newsletters, you should know why: the previous editor has been taken seriously ill. If this applies to you, here’s what to do: submit that work to the new
submissions address. We’ll read as fast as we can.
DRABBLE CONTESTS UPDATE
A new editor has been assigned to the contest, and a new submissions address will be established in October. Again, you know why we are making this change. The new editor is Richard E. Schell. A former dentist, he was the role model for Steve Martin in “Little Shop of Horrors.” (just kidding). His work as an artist and as a storyteller appears frequently in our publications. (Rick did the cover art for Veiled Kalis, see in the listings below) More specific information will be published in October, including a new contest.
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UNTOLD TALES OF THE ROUND TABLE
Now taking submissions for a new Arthurian anthology of original stories about adventures never heard before. Send us your stories and art about Arthur and his knights, but tell us something never touched on before. Check the guidelines for more information. Untold Tales Guidelines | Hiraeth Publishing
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DIGITAL STORE REMINDER
We have two digital stores, one for PDFs, the other for ePubs. This is the link to our digital store: https://www.hiraethsffh.com/digital-store Come check out our titles! We add more each month! And we are not nearly as expensive as that place run by Bezos.
SCIFAIKUEST AUGUST 2026 ONLINE EDITION
Edited by t.santitoro
This edition is not the same as the print edition. Come read and enjoy! Here’s the link: https://www.hiraethsffh.com/scifaikuest-online
STORE SALES:
Next up, and at the risk of being somewhat repetitive, because we want our storytellers and poets to be read, and our artists to be seen:
THE NEVER-ENDING SALE!!!
BUY ALL THE BOOKS YOU WANT AND USE THIS 20% DISCOUNT CODE:
BOOKS2026
THIS DISCOUNT CAN BE USED AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WISH, SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!
GO TO OUR SHOP AT WWW.HIRAETHSFFH.COM
LASTLY, BOOKS MAKE GOOD PRESENTS…
NEW RELEASES: WHAT’S NEW?
PARABNORMAL MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026
parABnormal Magazine features stories that focus on the paranormal, including ghosts, spectres, witchcraft, the afterlife, and the occasional bit of dark magic. This issue also include three articles related to paranormal activities. Read this magazine with all the lights on…
Stories
The Gift-Giver by Tim Babbitt
Chattering Teeth by George Larson
It’s Better Not to Know by Melissa KacLeod
Exterminator in a Floral Dress by Jerome Newsome
The Thing About Tom by Scott Wilder
Chalcaster Hall by Lina P O’Bresly
The Asylum Investigation by DJ Tyrer
We Have a Problem in 201 by Sylvia Son
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Poems
A Quiet Retreat by Renee Cronely
Breathe by AP Ritchey
La Llorona by Susan Cannavo
The Boy Next Door by Gabriele Micozzi
Articles
Diving deep into Flaxman Low, the 19 th century Occult Psychologist, The Story of the Spaniards, Hammersmith by Sonali Roy
Press Release for Paranormal Raw
Spook Hill: Where Gravity, History, and Legend Meet
Illustrations
Bathed in Your Protective Light by Paula Hammond
Shadowy Presences Between the Psyche and Macabre Presences by Concetta Franciamore
Fantasmas by Aurora Braga
Cover Art: Shatter and Fall by Shawn Howe
Ordering links: PRINT; PDF; EPUB
IN THE SHADOW OF THY WINGS
Most but not all of the stories and poems in this volume are influenced in some way by Psalm 63: 7. They deal in matters in which protection is afforded by God in life events and interventions. The subject matter
includes works about finding yourself protected or aided by God against danger or temptation; or taking you through a near-death experience.
The impetus for this volume came from a hymn titled “On Eagle’s Wings” and specifically the line that reads “And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings.” In reading Psalm 63 you will find “in the shadow of thy wings I sing for joy.” Adding those two lines together gave root to this present volume.
We hope you find something of meaning in these works, perhaps some subject on which to meditate. You may even find yourself able to relate to an event in the stories and poems. And if nothing else we hope you enjoy reading this anthology.
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Stories
Whimpering Angels by Toby Campbell
Cosmic Sidespin by David Lee Summers
Not Today by Toby Campbell
The Gifted by Toby Campbell
Grace & Gus by Robert J. Krog
Flash Fiction
Dear Friend by H David Blalock
Poems
The Inconceivable Guest by Darrell Lindsey
Broken Pieces by M. R. Williamson
Deny Thy Brother by Peter MacQuarrie
Vision in the Chapel by M. R. Williamson
Illustrations
Stella & Ted by Sandy DeLuca
Against the Wind by Christina Sng
Sorrow by Sandy DeLuca
Ordering links: PRINT; PDF; EPUB
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VEILED KALIS: A TASTE FOR BLOOD
Vowing revenge for her mother’s murder at the hands of slave traffickers, Amaria Hoban undergoes three years of intensive training by her father, a highly skilled assassin now retired. Her father works for Temmen, a criminal organization with a conscience, and arranges for Amaria to do courier work. She begins to wear a veil, and she arms herself with a short sword; for an identity she adopts the name Veiled
Kalis. All too soon, she is introduced to the seamier side of a malignant slave-trafficking organization. She believes this will lead her to learn the identity of her mother’s murderer, and she goes underground in the slave pipeline to reach the man responsible. The path is fraught with perils, attacks, and betrayal, and at times she even doubts herself. Then a young slave girl, whom Veiled Kalis freed and then adopted, proves good skill as an artist. Among her sketches drawn from memory of her slave time is the face of the murderer.
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Ordering links: PRINT; PDF; EPUB
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COSMIC CRIME STORIES September 2026
Crimes of some form will be with us as long as there are laws to break. Technology helps solve those crimes. But those solutions will always be found by the ones who get down and dirty—the detectives. Come see what the future holds for the dark side of law & order.
Short Stories
The Long Way Around by Gustavo Bondoni
Agent of Mayhem by Lisa Timpf
The Last Museum by Kellee Kranendonk
Flash Fiction
The Crescent Moon by Richard E. Schell
Poetry
How the Solar System Lost Its Fifth Planet by Tyree Campbell
Tankas by Tyree Campbell
Illustrations
The Eye by April Lefleur
The Crescent Moon by Richard E. Schell
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Ordering links: Print; PDF; EPUB
ICYMI
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JUPITER’S EYE AUGUST 2026
Jupiter’s Eye features science fiction and fantasy stories, art, articles, and an occasional poem. This issue includes stories of coming of age on another world and an astronomy article, plus lots more.
Feature
When Evolution Meets the Accelerating Power of Technology by Richard E. Schell
Novelette
Seeds of Doubt by Lisa Timpf
Short Stories
Personal Best by Mike Adamson
Blackout by Barbara Candiotti
A Man’s Place by Eric Choi
Mother Was an Asteroid by Edward H. Parks
Poems
A Dilemma by Greg Fewer
My Eye’s On You by Lauren McBride
Tomorrow by E. P. Fisher
Braving New Worlds by John H. Dromey
Ordering Links: PRINT; PDF; EPUB
SHELTER OF DAYLIGHT JULY 2026
Shelter of Daylight features uplifting stories and poems in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Although some may start out down, they all finish in the sunlight at the end.
Novelette
The Forbidden Library by Nyki Blatchley
Short Stories
The Search for Barr’s Creek Billy by Lisa Timpf
Bleed-Through by Barbara Candiotti
An Indenture Fulfilled by F. P. Wilson
Poetry
Itinerant by Tyree Campbell
Scifaiku by Tyree Campbell
Ordering Links: PRINT; PDF; EPUB
SCIFAIKUEST AUGUST 2026
24TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!!
Scifaikuest is a quarterly digest of minimalist poetry, such as haiku, scifaiku, tanka, cherita, fibonacci, haibun, senryu, gogyoka, saturne, and others. Also included are articles relevant to poetry and to minimalist poetry.
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Featured Poet: Banks Miller
The Nicholas De Martino Page
The Robbie Coburn Page
Plus: Herb Kauderer, Lauren McBride, Yuliia Vereta, and much more!
Ordering Links: PRINT; PDF; EPUB
A DISTANT DUTY BY D. L. R. FRASE
When the Highland Kingdom is threatened by a horde of invaders from the east, King Werner comes seeking aid from the Flatlanders. King Konr assembles an army and rides to assist. Lorens’ skill as an archer is relied upon heavily during the battle, and he discovers that he can hunt men as well as deer when needed. The battle is finally won, but at the cost of both kings.
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Torgeir, newly-crowned Highland King, must return Konr’s body to Konr’s widow, his sister Henna, and tell her that their father has perished. He also presents an ancient scroll, a supposed prophesy that foretells of her son Aryk. She must decide whether to believe it or not, and, if so, how to tell her son. With Konr gone, Aryk is now Flatland King, and she is regent until he comes of age. She enlists the aid of Lorens and Ivor to train Aryk to become a man and king.
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As Ivor continues training Aryk, he develops a close relationship with Henna, and she confides in him the contents of the prophecy. They are faced not only with the task of training Aryk to be a king, but with deciding how and when to tell him about the prophecy as well.
Ordering Links: PRINT: PDF: EPUB
RAVEN UNBOUND BY TYREE CAMPBELL
On an archeological dig in the Yucatan, Raven finds a small statue of Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of blood and death. The spirit of the god enters Raven, and forces her to set up a shrine in her apartment and gather blood for him. At first this comes from blood banks, but the god demands blood from live victims. Able to morph into a black panther, Raven begins hunting, placing the blood she gathers in the chacmool in the shrine for the god to ingest. Still, she tries to fight the hold the god has on her—with painful results. Freedom seems impossible; she must continue to kill.
Her crimes draw the attention of the police. Detective Tonya Smith is assigned the case. Her initial interview with Raven is odd, but not suspicious. Nevertheless, events gather to point a finger in her general direction. But how to detain a woman who can morph at will into a black panther or a raven? And what will happen when the attempt is made?
Ordering Links: PRINT: PDF: EPUB​​
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FLASH DIGEST JULY 2026
Science fiction, fantasy, ghost, romance, and spooky stories, all served up in small and easily-read portions. Thrill, chill, and don’t spill your wine or beer as you go through this potpourri of adventures.
Stories
Snapshot by Rosie Oliver
Broken by H. David Blalock
Awaiting Further Instructions by Richard E. Schell
Rose and Thorn by Jason Derr
Birdie by D. Thomas Minton
One Afternoon on Lilith Lake by Tom Duke
Poetry
Scifaiku by Richard E. Schell
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Tyree Campbell
Illustrations
Art by Sonali Roy
Awaiting Further Instructions by Richard E. Schell
The Muses of Summer by Sandy DeLuca
Cover Art by Richard E. Schell
THE FUTURE ADVENTURES OF TAGALONG
Abducted from Roswell by aliens, Deepak Dale (called Deedy) winds up on Navalle, a slave planet, performing agricultural work under harsh treatment and severe weather conditions. When an opportunity to flee arises, he takes it, and tries living on his own. When the slaveholders decide to close down the compound and kill the slaves, Deedy manages to unite a few of the slaves, and together they seize a spaceship. Only one slave has any experience on other worlds, and she leads the others into a smuggling career. When a young princess seeks asylum with them, diplomacy leads to confrontation and hostilities, whereupon the ship’s computer, Tagalong, steps in to help. Which of course makes matters worse. Buckle up…
PRINT: FUTURE ADVENTURES OF TAGALONG by Tyree Campbell | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: FUTURE ADVENTURES OF TAGALONG by Tyree Campbell | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: FUTURE ADVENTURES OF TAGALONG by Tyree Campbell | Hiraeth Publishing
THE DARK SIDE OF GREEN by t.santitoro
Being green on the planet Croy puts you in the minority. But that minority is capable of great telepathic feats. Tarragon Blackwater, born a green Crojan, was raised on Hades, with no idea of the powers he possesses, or how to control them. When he goes home to his planet of origin seeking his birth parents, hell comes to Croy. It’s the second novel of its kind. It won’t be the last.
PRINT: DARK SIDE OF GREEN by t. santitoro | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: DARK SIDE OF GREEN by t. santitoro | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: DARK SIDE OF GREEN by t. santitoro | Hiraeth Publishing
HORNED JACK AND THE MANTIDS by M. R. & Connie Williamson
Munford is a town with a shapeshifting deputy sheriff named Jack. He’s a Nephilim—a Watcher—who uses his powers to protect the townsfolk. On the surface, he’s quite a nice-looking young man with a family. He has a pit bull named Banjo. But he also has Woo, a little bat-girl who can “see” things he can’t, and an adviser who’s a shaman. And when Jack’s eyes turn red, criminals beware.
Complicating Jack’s life and work this time, however, is a montage of supernatural creatures who show up at opportune times, saving Jack’s life. Although he has Nephilim powers, he needs help to capture the evildoers. There’s Woo, and Zee, and Chee…and there’s even a dragon. And then there’s Bree, who can show up anywhere, as anyone. Who is Bree? More like a what.
Now Jack and his fellow officers find themselves confronted by the evil Mantids from another world, and it’s all the police force can do to keep up with events. Has Jack finally met his match? The Mantids are at least as powerful as he is, and have more to gain by a successful invasion of Earth.
PRINT: HORNED JACK AND THE MANTIDS by M. R. Williamson | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: HORNED JACK AND THE MANTIDS by M. R. Williamson | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: HORNED JACK AND THE MANTIDS by M. R. Williamson | Hiraeth Publishing
YOTS
They live among us now, those who seek the power to tell us what to think, what to say, and what to do, and to enforce those rules. The arc of history seems to bend toward them. So what happens when they succeed beyond their wildest dreams?
This is that story. Yet even in the most vicious repression there are pockets of resistance. Storytellers pass around their stories privately. Mothers risk their lives by taking their children out of school. A few grow flowering plants on their balconies as a proclamation that some things still live. And an unknown organization passes out fliers with the only viable solution to the horror that has become the United States of America; it says “Die With Dignity.”
But is death the only alternative to the re-education camps, the language police, the indoctrination, and the epidemic shortages? Welcome to Orwell’s worst nightmare.
Ordering links:
PRINT: YOTS by Tyree Campbell | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: YOTS by Tyree Campbell | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: YOTS by Tyree Campbell | Hiraeth Publishing
VERMILLION HIGHWAYS
Two of the finest minds in the genres have combined their resources and imaginations to come up with some of the gothiest (and, sometimes,) goofiest vampire short fiction this side of Transylvania. David Lee Summers, of Tales of the Talisman and Scarlet Order fame, and Lee Clark Zumpe, mild-mannered reporter for a daily metro-Floridian newspaper and author of the Lovecraftian anthology Whispers from the Intoxicating Abyss, take you on a journey through tales that fit everywhere between Type O positive and Type AB negative. Vermillion Highways is a must-read even if you don't care for the suckers.
Ordering links
PRINT: VERMILLION HIGHWAYS by Zumpe & Summers | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: VERMILLION HIGHWAYS by Zumpe & Summers | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: VERMILLION HIGHWAYS by Zumpe & Summers | Hiraeth Publishing
FLIGHTS & SHADOWS BY SCOTT VIRTES AND TERRIE LEIGH RELF
Dark and fantastic short fiction, poetry, and art that will take you beyond the magic and the Gothic and into worlds where you have to negotiate your way through the darkness. A bit off-beat, a bit pithy, and always entertaining, Scott Virtes and Terrie Leigh Relf have collaborated in a collection of fiction that will take you everywhere in the Universe, and shine a little light on the questions we have and the answers we seek.
Order copies here:
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/flights-shadows-by-scott-virtes-and-terrie-leigh-relf
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/flights-shadows-by-scott-virtes-and-terrie-leigh-relf-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/flights-shadows-by-scott-virtes-and-terrie-leigh-relf-2
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Without further ado, then: browse, read, buy, enjoy. If you have any questions or comments, send them to us at hiraethsubs at yahoo dot com. See you in October!
Tyree Campbell
Storyteller and Managing Editor
September 2026
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