Well, there is a reason for it, so bear with me... 

I've decided that the 'zine could use a content boost -- the most common comment that we received on the first issue was "I've already read these stories"...  This issue is better in the respect that we have several new stories, but we won't always receive new stories.  To that end, I'm looking for feedback -- what do you want to see in the 'zine?  I've already taken suggestions from a few people...some of their suggestions are writer interviews, essays on why we think G/B works, and issues showcasing the works of one author... 

These are great, but I'm a greedy bitch, and I want more!  Any suggestions will be accepted, and duly considered, and if the 'zine uses your idea, I'll be sure to give you credit.  To that end, I'd also like to say that any and all challenge ideas will be accepted, and again, if the 'zine uses it, you get credit... 

Phew!  Now that the 'gimme, gimme' part is over, there are a few other things... 

I'll be offline for a few weeks, so that I can move (to Seattle); this is why this issue is slated to be on-line until the end of January.  All challenge replies should still be sent here, but a copy should also be CC'd here as well.  This way we can be sure that nothing is lost along the way... 

I want to say thank you to the people who did comment on the last issue (both on and off the guestbook); your insights made this issue easier to put together, and hopefully it's better. 

At this point, I don't have much else to say, except Happy Holidays...and 'See you next year' 

Heather 

p.s.  Below are some announcements...feel free to submit anything that you think should be here as well... 

p.p.s. Yes, I know that there are thirteen stories in this issue, but I'm not superstitious...but I'm crossing my fingers just in case!