While it may not look like Spring out here in the prairies, we know it really is just around the corner for us here in Canada.  The animals and birds know it, at least. And many of us are also celebrating the holidays that our faiths hold dear, even if there are workarounds to keep a safe distance from fellow celebrants. Our families may be apart from us, but I trust we’ll be secure in the knowledge they are safe.

And our issue #113 of On Spec has been printed and delivered to the mailing house! Subscriber copies will be in the mail sometime next week, and of course I have a box of copies sitting ready at my side, to fill any new subscription or single issue orders that may come in.

This issue has stories by writers new to us as well as some we’ve published before. Great to see Kate Heartfield,Matt Moore, Mike Rimar, and Lisa Carreiro back, along with returning poet Josh Pearce ; and we welcome authors  Aeryn Rudel, E.E. King, Steve DuBois, Audrey Hollis, as well as poet Steve Wheat to our On Spec family.  You’ll see a new ‘Bot from Lynne Taylor Fahnestalk, and a cartoon, too. And we are happy to present Montreal artist Renée Cohen, also new to our group.

During this difficult time in our lives, we find that reading a good story is something solid we can rely on. So relax, sit back with your wine or coffee of hot cocoa and enjoy what we bring to you with issue #113 of On Spec.