Fusion Fragment Newsletter - November 2024
It’s been four long months since the last FF newsletter and so there’s a lot to catch you up on!
Fusion Fragment #22 Released
FF#22 was released back on August 28th and if you haven’t picked up your copy yet, you should know that this issue has some great stuff in store for you: The future of tech support in a world of consumer AI! Homesickness in the aftermath of nuclear disaster! Wondering if it hurts to be teleported! The downfall of society, as narrated by monthly community newsletters! Visiting other worlds through a hallway in the basement! Self-determination in the face of a de-humanizing mental health system! Hatching a galaxy from an egg! Alternate history crime documentaries about high school girls committing wire fraud! Going to extreme measures to become part of the group!
You can get your free copy right here: https://www.fusionfragment.com/issue-22/
Open Submissions for FF
Submissions are still open to originals (as they have been since January) with no plan to close in the future. As I write this, the reading queue is down to 35 stories, and first-round responses are going out within 2-4 days.
I expect to re-open to reprints in early 2025.
Full submission guidelines are here: https://www.fusionfragment.com/submissions/
Saros Speculative Fiction Launches / Saros #2 Open Reading Period
Back in August we announced the creation of Saros Speculative Fiction, a sister magazine designed to let prospective editors gain experience in running a short SFFH mag. Each issue will be run by a different guest editor (initially coming from FF’s talented reading team) who will be responsible for deciding on the submissions call, reading submissions, selecting stories, proofing/editing, and design/formatting/layout.
The response has been fantastic, with Saros #1 receiving over 400 submissions during its 2-week reading period!
Saros #2, edited by C.A. Kane, is currently open until November 18th for cocktail-themed short stories and drabbles. Submission guidelines are here: https://sarossf.com/submissions/
Submitter Survey Results
In August, I published the first set of results from the submitter’s survey, looking at the most common subgenres received by FF and the most common traits of each. You can read the full post on the FF website here: https://www.fusionfragment.com/submission-stats-content-and-genre/
I’m currently hard at work on another post analyzing submissions by story elements. So far, the numbers tell me that my perfect story would be an epistolary piece featuring workplace politics, an unhappy romance, and grief.
New Patreon Perks! (and the FFer Publication List)
You can now find the monthly FFer publication list over on Patreon. Better yet, if you’re a paid member, you can win free stuff! More details here.
Fusion Fragment #23 and Saros #1 Approach
FF#23 is on its way soon—expect it to arrive in late November! This one’s got four incredible novelettes—some big stories for you to really sink your teeth into through the winter months.
Also on the way is Saros #1! Story selection by editor Megan J. Kerr just wrapped, and the issue will arrive at the start of next year.
Obligatory Photo of Associate Editor Henry
