HIRAETH PUBLISHING’S
DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
PEACE ON EARTH?
Well, yes. But why on Earth? Surely the Universe is a far more violent place. Entire galaxies ravenously devoured by black holes. Stars themselves are nuclear blast furnaces, with thousands of nuclear explosions every second. Galaxies themselves collide with catastrophic results (check out NGC 4676 for the white mice). Stars are born everywhere in nuclear holocausts. Planets collide (just ask Uranus). Asteroids strike planets, as the Chicxulub crater and the dinosaurs can attest, to say nothing of the moon (just recently astronomers filmed such an impact on the moon).
The Universe is a freakin’ violent place. Period!
But the Universe has no choice in the matter. It is as it was meant/created to be, and it does what it was meant/created to do. Full stop.
Earth itself is a catastrophically violent place. Just ask Mount St. Helens, or Krakatoa, or those recent earthquakes in Afghanistan and Alaska. But again, volcanoes and fault lines and other geographical features just do what they do. They have no choice.
Aha! I think you’re getting it now…
Yup! WE have a choice. But what choices do we make?
We choose power and control over freedom.
We choose war over peace.
We choose territory over independence.
We choose euthanasia over youth in Asia.
We choose material things over ourselves. (You doubt this? Lock your cell phones and tablets and related communicative items in the garage for 24 hours. Or even one hour).
We choose bickering, backbiting, slander, calumny, criticism, squabbles, arguing, and…hating.
I could make a list. In fact, I just did. And I could add more to it. But I’ll spare you that.
Okay, here’s a simple thought. This is the Christmas season. We all know—or dang well should know—what that means. It doesn’t mean wrapped presents under slaughtered or artificial conifers. It doesn’t mean stockings hung by the chimney with care, or reindeer droppings on the rooftops. While I accept that there are other religious beliefs, Christmas is reserved for the birth of our Saviour. He was one of us, and specifically one of us the poor and the downtrodden. He was not born in Johns Hopkins. He was born in a glorified doghouse, a manger, where goats and sheep and horses and cattle and camels (no pigs, though) sought shelter from the elements. He was born for all of us, and was sent to Earth to die for all of us in expiation of all our sins, past, present, and future. Along the way, he gave us a few simple rules.
Worship God
Respect your parents and elders
Don’t kill.
Don’t steal (or loot)
Don’t tell lies (that means you as well, governments of the world)
Don’t loan your hearts out for a night (or a knight)
Be happy with what you have; it’s okay to strive for more, but obsessing over this causes dyspepsia.
Love God
Love your neighbors as yourselves…
But these rules are not just for the Christmas season. They are 24/7/365 (366 in leap years. You don’t get a freebie. Sorry).
(Inserting appropriate anecdote here)
One day I brought my wife home a box of See’s Candies. Grateful but puzzled, she asked what it was for. I told her, “Because it’s Tuesday.” (As if I needed a reason).
The candy is gone, and she passed in 2019. The memory will live on only a while longer, because nothing we do, nothing that happens, will last. Nothing. It may take millennia to be reduced to nothing (pyramids, e.g.). But fade to oblivion, they will. Only one thing will last forever: your soul (even if you don’t believe you have one). As for all the rest, Percy Bysshe Shelley had it spot-on:
“On the pedestal, these words appear:
‘My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!’
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
So did John Keats, in “Ode on a Grecian Urn”
“And, little town, thy streets for everymore
Will silent be; and not a soul to tell
Why thou art desolate, can e’er return”
Only one thing about you lasts forever, regardless of whether you think you have one.
So: Matthew 11:30 – take it to heart. It just ain’t that hard to do.
And always remember: God never asked for you to shine. He only said, “Child, you are Mine.”
Your mission, and I hope you decide to accept it, is…obvious. All you gotta do is do it. Your choice. Choose wisely.
Happy Christmas, you lot.
THIS IS A NEWSLETTER, SO NOW WE MUST RETURN TO OUR REGULAR PROGRAMMING…
NEW DRABBLE CONTEST IS STILL OPEN (thru the end of the year)
The theme is Earth’s Guidebook for Extraterrestrials. Guidelines are here. READ AND HEED THEM! PLEASE!
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.
MAJOR CHANGE IN PRICES FOR THE MARTIAN WAVE AND THE FIFTH DI…
We discontinued both publications this past year—it was time, after two decades. Now we’d like to clear some back stock. As of now, copies of print editions are $3.00 each, and digital copies are $1.99 each. Just go to the Shop and do a search for The Martian Wave and/or The Fifth Di. If you haven’t already read the stories, they’re still good, right? So don’t let the publication dates get in your way. Order two or three different issues; after all, you only pay postage for one.
Here's the Shop link (shop early, shop often). www.hiraethsffh.com/shop
New guidelines for Shelter of Daylight are posted at: https://www.hiraethsffh.com/shelter-of-daylight
The new submissions address is shelterdaylight@yahoo.com
New guidelines for Cosmic Crime Stories are posted at: https://www.hiraethsffh.com/cosmic-crime-stories-guidelines. The new submissions address is cosmiccrimestories@yahoo.com
Additional: Cosmic Crime Stories needs submissions…
JUPITER’S EYE
Jupiter’s Eye is a digest of science fiction and fantasy and (very few) darker short stories, poems, and art. It is published in April, August, and December. In general, there will be three stories, three poems, three illustrations, and one article in each issue, so competition will be intense. Editors are the Hiraeth Staff. We look forward to seeing your work. Guidelines are posted here: www.hiraethsffh.com/jupiter-s-eye-guidelines
COLOR INTERIOR ART
Printing in color can be prohibitively expensive. However, the current issues of Drabble Harvest #13 and the Summer (July) Illumen both feature color interiors. You’re invited to check them out. We expect to continue this process with Drabble Harvest, Illumen, and a few other publications, such as Flash Digest.
SCIFAIKUEST NOVEMBER 2025 ONLINE EDITION
Edited by t.santitoro
This edition is available on our site. It 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:
THERE’S A SALE GOING ON!!!
IT’S STILL GOING ON!!!
BUY ALL THE BOOKS YOU WANT AND USE THIS 20% DISCOUNT CODE: BOOKS2025
(AFTER 1/1/26 IT WILL BE 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
NO MASKS, NO WAITING, AND WE NEVER CLOSE!
LASTLY, BOOKS MAKE GOOD CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAY PRESENTS…
NEW RELEASES: WHAT’S NEW?
PARABNORMAL MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025
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…
Contents
Stories
By the Lake by Peter Fritsi
What Happened at Cedar Grove Hospital by Christian Emecheta
Death, Mélange by D. Winchester
Don’t Hang Up by Aaron Padley
Grandfather’s Clock by Catherine Cavendish
Night, Winter by William Reichard
Silvaticus by Harris Coverley
The Strange Happenings by George S. Larson
I Never Believed In Ghosts by Ghenrietta Von Bloome
I’ll Hear You, My Dear, at Twilight Time by Daniel R. Robichaud
The Obsolete Morgue Furnace by Shashi Kadapa
Poems
Another World by Eden Silverfox
Nightbird by Susan Cannavo
The Oracle’s Whisper by Diyora Kabilova
Wake Up, Ouija Wants to Play by M. E. Boling
Mists of Autumn by Scott J. Couturier
Articles
Why “The House In Cypress Canyon” Haunts Listeners … Especially Me by Denise Noe
Interpreting the supernaturalism in the dream-vision narrative Pearl- where the literal and the scriptural coincide…by Sonali Roy
Illustrations
Phantom Crossing by Warren Muzak
Impaired Vision by Warren Muzak
Bilingual by Sonali Roy
Ruined Portal by Sonali Roy
Cover art "Splinter" by toeken
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PRINT: PARABNORMAL MAGAZINE December2025 | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: PARABNORMAL MAGAZINE December 2025 | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: PARABNORMAL MAGAZINE December 2025 | Hiraeth Publishing
JUPITER’S EYE DECEMBER 2025
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; a Huxleyesque society of false perfection, and an astronomy article, plus lots more.
Feature
Silent Cosmos: What the Fermi Equation Really Tells Us by Richard E. Schell
Short Stories
Creatures of the Fifth Day by J. L. Royce
Mandate by Stephen C. Curro
The Worldwide Wood by Mark Patrick Lynch
Flash Fiction
Primal Scream by Mia Dalia
Poems
Some News Can Wait by Lisa Timpf
The Memory Trees by David McLachlan
Until We Go to Mars by Lisa Timps
Scifaiku by Denny Marshall
Plight of Neighbor by Denny Marshall
PRINT: JUPITER'S EYE December 2025 | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF: JUPITER'S EYE December 2025 | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: JUPITER'S EYE December 2025 | Hiraeth Publishing
DRABBLE HARVEST #14: THE WITCH’S BROOM
Welcome to a collection of 100-word tales of witches’ brooms. Our writers’ imaginations worked overtime on this one. Find out what really happens in the privacy of an automobile showroom. Learn the arcane secrets of the recorders of how to control contrary brooms. You’ll find humor and serious points in these stories. So take a load off and escape this world for a little while.
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/drabble-harvest-14-the-witch-s-broom
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/drabble-harvest-14-the-witch-s-broom-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/drabble-harvest-14-the-witch-s-broom-2
ICYMI:
SCIFIKUEST #90 NOVEMBER 2025
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.
Featured Poet: T. R. Jones
The Gary Davis Page
The Mark Hendrickson Page
Article by Robert E. Porter
Plus: Sharmon Gazaway, Elizabeth McFarland, James Machell, Shelli Jankowski-Smith…and much more!!
Cover art “Bumpy Landing” by Paula Hammond
Ordering Links:
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-november-2025
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-november-2025-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-november-2025-2
SPACEPORTS & SPIDERSILK OCTOBER 2025
Spaceports & Spidersilk features science fiction and fantasy for ages 9 to 99. It presents adventures on other planets and in imaginary worlds. Inside these pages you’ll find visitors from other worlds, dragons, magic, and strange friends.
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Stories
The Multidimensionality of Bakkie Venster by Aryan Kaganof
Master Alfie’s Shop of Weird and Wacky Things by Bernadette Harris
Progression by Norma Jean Lipert
Lexie and the Jacks by Denise Richardson
The Black Water Adventure by J. S. Apsley
Mysterious Uncle Augustine by Wendy Adams
Poetry
Halloween Nights by Nico Martinez Nocito
My House on Mars by Lisa Timpf
The Frost Giant by Brian Rosenberger
To Look Human by Lauren McBride
A Fantastical Alphabet by Erica Chester
Moms in Space by Debbie Feo
Good Morning! by Jono Mischkot
Illustrations
Fatted Squash by Vonnie Winslow Crist
One Easter by Vonnie Winslow Crist
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/spaceports-spidersilk-october-2025
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/spaceports-spidersilk-october-2025-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/spaceports-spidersilk-october-2025-2
FLASH DIGEST OCTOBER 2025
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.
Feature
Oddity: Movie review by Lee Clark Zumpe
Stories
Help Yourself to the Candy by Gary Davis
What Goes Unseen by Lee Clark Zumpe
Transmission 738 by Richard E. Schell
The Creator Speaks by t.santitoro
I Do by Ellis Murphy
Giftwrapped by Tom Howard
Illustrations
Crowded by April Lefleur
Inner Turmoil by April Lefleur
Cover art “Magic Harmony” by Sonali Roy
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/flash-digest-october-2025
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/flash-digest-october-2025-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/flash-digest-october-2025-2
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.
Ordering Links:
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
ELDER THINGS EXPEDITIONS
The latest in a series of Lovecraftian anthologies, Elder Things Expeditions is Lovecraftian horror at its finest. Antarctica holds secrets too terrible to face, yet face them the members of these expeditions must. You’ll encounter Old Ones, monsters, and even Cthulhu itself. Will anyone come back alive? And if they do, will they still be human?
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/elder-things-expeditions
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/elder-things-expeditions-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/elder-things-expeditions-2
L'ARTÉFACT MALÉFIQUE
Etienne Laurent is a Locater, he finds cursed objects for a client known only as 'The Collector'. He locates them, secures them, and ensures they are delivered to her museum of cursed objects. Each target presents its own challenges and dangers. Join the Locator as he travels the States in pursuit of the next 'l'objet malefique'.
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/l-artefact-malefique-by-herika-r-raymer
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/l-artefact-malefique-2
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/l-artefact-malefique-1
THE REBELLION BY CELINE ROSE MARIOTTI
For juveniles, young adults, and experienced readers:
Ginger Thompson, a precocious little girl who fights for her rights, is constantly battling with her teacher, Sister Agatha. Together with her grandfather and her Dad’s Robot, she started their own school. Her friends became students there, which did not sit well with Sister Agatha. Ginger and the Robot then befriend two aliens from Neptune, who also become students at the new school. Finally Sister Agatha takes Ginger to court, where the rebellion is at last resolved…but what will happen to Ginger’s new school?
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/rebellion-by-celine-rose-mariotti
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/rebellion-by-celine-rose-mariotti-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/rebellion-by-celine-rose-mariotti-2
IN THE HANDS OF MORPHEUS BY SHAWN VIMISLICKY
Dark and fantastic poetry that will take you beyond the magic and the Gothic and into worlds where you have to negotiate your way through the darkness. So hold up those lighters, turn the pages, and find your way to the dreams of Morpheus. But will you find your way out?
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/in-the-hands-of-morpheus-by-shawn-vimislicky
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/in-the-hands-of-morpheus-by-shawnvimislicky-2
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/in-the-hands-of-morpheus-by-shawnvimislicky-1
SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS FOR CHRISTMAS!
THE EDIBLE ZOO BY DAVID C. KOPASKA-MERKEL
The Edible Zoo features poetry for younger readers about combinations of animals and other food. For example, a horse-radish sandwich; a hot dog; a wood-chuck. These and other animals are presented in amusing recipes designed to make children (yes, and adults) laugh. Just wait till you find out what happens to lions and rhinos and bears, oh my! With color illustrations by Valerie Bodell.
Ordering links:
PRINT: EDIBLE ZOO by David C. Kopaska-Merkel | Hiraeth Publishing
PDF; EDIBLE ZOO by David C. Kopaska-Merkel | Hiraeth Publishing
EPUB: EDIBLE ZOO by David C. Kopaska-Merkel | Hiraeth Publishing
THE END OF INNOCENCE
A Yoelin Thibbony Rescue
Swept up in the interstellar slave trade, Yoelin Thibbony decides to go after the hierarchs involved as well as rescue as many children as she can who have been captured and put to forced labor. Along the way, she moves step by step closer to the hierarch at the top of the trafficking chain. Her suspicions grow after she opens a camp to put slavers themselves to work, for what she learns through interrogations sickens her. But now she has to know for sure who is at the top, even though the knowledge could well ruin her life forever.
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/the-end-of-innocence-by-tyree-campbell
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/the-end-of-innocence-by-tyree-campbell-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/the-end-of-innocence-by-tyree-campbell-2
POSTSCRIPTS FROM SPACE by TERRIE LEIGH RELF
Terrie Leigh Relf loves sending and receiving postcards from the four corners of the universe—and beyond! Postcards tell a story. They are mementos from friends and family—and from total strangers—and provide a glimpse into life’s journeys, observations, and adventures.
Sometimes an additional message is needed. Thus: Postscripts From Space.
PS. Here are some added notes on postcards from space, found aboard a derelict craft that crashed on an arid, lifeless world. The OSPS (Outer Space Postal Service) has delivered these messages to Terrie, who now presents them to you. This is what it is like out there.
PRINT: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/postcards-from-space-by-terrie-leigh-relf-print
PDF: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/postcards-from-space-by-terrie-leigh-relf-1
EPUB: www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/postcards-from-space-by-terrie-leigh-relf-2
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 next year!
Tyree Campbell
Storyteller and Managing Editor
December 2025