Special Issue ’24

Author Alan Moore said it well: “Life isn’t divided into genres. It’s a terrifying, romantic, tragic, comical, science-fiction cowboy detective novel.” And yet, like many others, Mr. Moore publishes exclusively in genre. Such is the truth of modern fiction—it echoes our dreams and fears best when treated with specificity.

As genre Lovers—capital “L” intended—the HamLit editors agree that any opportunity to herald the minoritized genres must be taken. Thus, our Special Issue series was born. (Day jobs be damned! We wanted the frenzy of publishing three issues in 2024!)

Special Issue ‘24 is our inaugural leap into corners of story that are often overlooked by the mainstream. And where better to start than in the deep, dark of the literary night? The strange, the scary, the spooky, really, any work that led hearts, minds, and libedos into the belly of the beast was requested. And how beautiful was this growing community’s response. After Dark saw the largest number of overall submissions and features the most contributions of any issue to date. 

Our brave authors and poets answered the call with a scream that echoes back twelve distinct takes on what comes alive under the moon: An ominous white skull. The rub of opening night. When one bite is not enough. Why vengeance outlives us. How fermented fear freezes. The expense of a fresh start. Wee-hour moves that don’t win trophies. Always hooked on hunger. When reality hits different. A heavy, bleeding faith. When a story has a story. One small light.

Away from theme and into niche, this issue begs for your attention, your safety, your pulse. Content warnings are available, yet optional. A racing heart is requisite. Your genre feast awaits.

With continued gratitude to past and present editors, designers, authors, and readers; the PNW would not have this Issue, or HamLit, without your partnership.