What will you do when the water rises?

Water levels are rising everywhere and it is impossible to ignore, even in the lands of fantasy and fiction. It became obvious as soon as we began brainstorming topics for our themed issues that climate change needed to be addressed, and we are deeply excited to share with you what we’ve found.

Our September Issue contains five original short stories, four original poems, two new Each to Each pieces and much, much more. You’ll find stories about love and loss and rediscovery. Resilience, retribution, and resentment all have their moments alongside honesty, history, and healing. Explore the Xochimilco canals of Mexico City with Nelly Geraldine García-Rosas in her short story “Send Feet Pics,” understand the arrogance of urbanization in “Water Bites Back” by Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, and allow yourself to be consumed by Sarah Gailey’s “I Swim Up From Below.” “The Mermaid Speaks,” by Jose Luis Pablo tells the tale of mer evolution while “Mermaids of Alabama: An Environmental Assessment by Ellie Campbell dives into the history. “Selkie’s Bones” and “A Mermaid Reports from Okeanos” are missives of stubbornness and survival, streaked with sadness and storms.

Below you’ll find 19 pieces of mermaid magic that will help you navigate the question of “sink or swim?”