Here in the southern hemisphere, spring starts today. We’ve been busy bees at SQ working to put together Issue 4, and I hope it shows.

We’re so proud to have two amazing writers donating their stories to us this edition. Jay Lake, who is a well-known steampunk and fantasy writer and Gary McMahon, an urban horror writer on his rapid way up.

In a first for SQ Mag, we also have interviews with Jay Lake, who gives all his answers with brutal honesty. Daniel I Russell, who is author of Creeper from SQ Mag Edition 2 and Editor of Midnight Echo, the Australian Horror Writers’ Association’s magazine, has also had a chat with us about his work and horror/dark fantasy.

Our fantastic cover is by Greg Chapman, a bit outside of his usual genre of horror, but drop by and visit his website here. We love his steampunk cover, so to tie in, IFWG’s Gerry Huntman has donated a story and I have reviewed a novel of the genre to pay homage, The Court of the Air.

Mysti Parker, our amazing reviewer has tackled A Discovery of Witches, a fantasy novel receiving a lot of press. We’re so grateful she joined our team, because she has great insight and feel for speculative fiction narrative.

Most importantly, we have some great stories from across the globe. We’re rich with dark fantasy this issue and have an interesting take on zombies.

We really hope you’ll enjoy this edition, as much as we did when we put it together.

Fight the good fight with your writing and we will see you in November.

Sophie Yorkston
Editor, SQ Mag