Short fiction treasures

In a strange fit of synchronicity, yesterday I was whining about how long it was taking for Say Magazine issue #5 to come via media mail, only to return home and find it in my mailbox.

At WFC I heard Janni Lee Simner janni read the opening of her story "Practical Villainy" and knew I needed to buy the magazine to find out how it ended. Alas by the time I managed to a) make it to the dealer's room and b) remember why I was there, they were sold out.

I attempted to order a copy from Project Pulp, but they were also sold out. Casting around, I checked with Neil at Clarkesworld Books clarkesworld, who didn't have it in stock but was gracious enough to point me to someone who did, so I was finally able to order a copy.

And then I waited. And waited. And remembered just why I detested media mail, in this age when priority mail is too slow and overnight is better.

Finally it came, and it was worth the wait. Janni's story was delightful--humorous and just when I thought I knew where she was going, she pulled another twist and took me by surprise.

And as a bonus the issue also included Larry Hammer lnhammer's "Paul Bunyan and the Photocopier" story. Larry has a wicked sense of humor, and he captured the language and rhythm of an old tall tale perfectly.

It's been years since I read short fiction regularly, or subscribed to one of the genre magazines. These two stories reminded me of just how much I'm missing. My TBR stack is overflowing, and in my Christmas shopping somehow I've acquired even more books that I may never have time to read, but it may be time to add some short fiction to the pile.

ETA: If anyone else is looking for a copy of SAY Magazine, you can find it via LCRW at http://www.lcrw.net/nonlcrwpages/fow/index.htm