Silence and Starsong

03/04/2025

🚨🚨More announcements!🚨🚨

Announcement the First: Submissions!

We will be open for submissions for our next issue starting next Monday, April 7, until Wednesday, May 7. We must receive your submission no later than 11:59pm Pacific Daylight Time on May 7.

For the full submission guidelines please see our website since they have changed slightly. The high-level guidelines about theme and content remain the same, but we've adjusted our target word count (though we still allow a little wiggle room on the margins) and we've also given a little more detail about poetry submissions and the payment structure for that.

Announcement B: Publishing Schedule/Timeline of Events

Obviously, you just got the most significant part of our timeline (submissions), but we also want to give a little update on what we're planning for the near future too.

Submissions will close in May, but that's also when we plan to launch our next supporter/fundraising campaign. Pre-funding the magazine (author payments, artwork, etc.) really took some of the pressure off last time and seems like the best model to keep doing what we're doing for the future. So keep an eye out here, on other social media, and on our website for more information about that.

Once we have all the submissions in, we'll hunker down and start reading through those in May and June. This will let us send decisions to authors in July, which will be ample lead time to get the next issue live and ready to go by our planned release date of October 31, 2025.

Announcement 3: Other Endeavors

You already know about Silence & Starsong Radio (in both video and audio formats), but we have some feelers out to expand that and get it to a larger audience. In addition, we can't give you a lot of details just yet, but we're having some discussions about potentially bring you some full-length novels in addition to the magazine.

Announcement IV: Profit???

We pray always for Solon.

25/03/2025

Wishing a eucatastrophe on this Tolkien Reading Day to those who celebrate.

18/03/2025

The winner of our sketch contest: "Copy #3355" by Alex Lattanzi.

13/03/2025

Tonight's Episode -- Nemo Point: An Eldritch Horror
In the not-so-distant future oil has suddenly become scarce. Desperate mega-corporations become bloody rivals, and all of them are harboring a secret as dark as the ocean depths. We hope you enjoy this suspense-filled action-packed season finale episode!

Script by T.R. Alexander
Howard Carter played by Carson Spratt ()
Miranda Coleman played by Lauren Dorman ()
Officer and guard by Top Kek Des
Captain Orleans by Dave Kolhoff ()
Audio Production by Dave Kolhoff
Intro, commercial, and outro Narration by: Dave Kolhoff

13/03/2025

07/03/2025

Another new story today as we give you the winner of our recent flash fiction contest, “Song of the Dead Sparrow” by Dave Kohlhoff!

“Sammy ambled without direction, his cold blue eyes—hardened by the solitary winter—scanning Chicago’s cracked pavements, gravel-strewn expanses, and overgrown fields. Summer’s lush grasses, once teeming with vermin, lay parched and sparse, their golden blades brittle underfoot. Encountering another soul would be a miracle.”

Go to the Stories section of our website to read the rest.

20/02/2025

📢📢Announcements incoming 📢📢

We hope that prospective authors are polishing up their entries for our flash fiction and sketch contests, but we also have something bigger on the agenda this time.

So far in our short existence we've put out a print issue of the magazine about once every six months. We'd love to do even more than that, but the reality of the market for short fiction (as friends like Cirsova Magazine and others have pointed out) is such that we really can't keep doing things the way we've been doing them. That means that rather than putting out another issue this spring, we're going to hold off on opening submissions until closer to the summer in order to put out a single issue in the fall (with a very tentative release date of October 31). For the foreseeable future we will have an annual release schedule.

(Send letters of condolence to Editor Joseph who is the most disappointed about the change)

However, we're very hopeful that the old saw that "less is more" will prove true in a couple of ways. First, it gives us more time to pre-fund each issue (as we did last year). That means (hopefully) more supporters and more and better perks. Second, more time to focus on a single issue each year will give us the flexibility to expand each issue in terms of the number of stories included and the amount of artwork. Where previous issues might have one or two illustrations (or none!) we want to create more opportunities for those with talents in the visual arts. Where previous issues might have had two or three good stories that we just couldn't include for lack of space, we'll be able to give readers a greater variety of talented authors to enjoy or discover for the first time.

This marks a new phase in the life of Silence & Starsong Magazine, but for an idea that started with some guys shooting the breeze in some random group chats, we're glad to se how far it's come and excited to see where it can go from here.

Now here's the Grok AI’s idea of what it would look like if we sent the S&S Intern into the woods with a sandwich board to make sure that Bigfoot knows about the new release schedule:

05/02/2025

This isn’t our definition, but if people want to say they’re “writing in the tradition of Tolkien or Lewis” we hope this is pretty close to what they mean.

04/02/2025

🚨🚨🚨S&S is pleased to announce our first sketch contest. 🚨🚨🚨

Rules:
Draw a sketch from one of the following genres: sci-fi, fantasy, alt history, horror, or surrealism.

The winner will receive a paper copy of our magazine (issue of their choice). Please keep your images PG-13 or milder.
The best sketches will be featured (and credited) on our website and x account).

DUE DATE: MARCH 5TH

Send to: editor [at] silenceandstarsong [dot] com

23/01/2025

Flash fiction contest time!

Prompt: "For want of a nail . . ."

The course of history often hinges on seemingly insignificant events. In the spirit of this old proverb, send us a story of no more than 1,000 words that focuses on a small, pivotal moment with far-reaching consequences.

Your story could explore battles won or lost by a single misstep, alliances formed or broken over chance meetings, or the ripple effects of decisions that seemed trivial at the time. Marriages that did or didn’t happen, letters that were sent or never written, and assassination bullets that hit—or missed—are just a few of the endless possibilities.

Whether your tale delves into the mundane or the miraculous, the historical or the fantastical, show us how one minor event can shift the axis of a world. Surprise us, move us, and leave us pondering the power of the small.

The deadline for submissions is **February 20** Along with having their story published on our website, the author of the winning story will receive a complimentary issue of Silence & Starsong magazine.

Our usual guidelines for the content of submissions can be found on our website. Feel free to ask questions here and share with friends who might be interested.

Send a message to learn more

20/12/2024

A new episode of Silence & Starsong Radio is out today in both video and audio format.

Download "Daring Adventures in the Holy American Empire" today in your favorite podcast app or visit our YT channel.

26/11/2024

Release day is THIS Friday, November 29!

Our Indiegogo supporters have been receiving their copies over the past couple weeks and we know you'll be as excited as they are to dive into the stories inside this issue, including the conclusion of "The Copper-Wight" (which inspired the cover art).

Can we do some announcements? Yes, let's.

First, cover art.

Guy Corleone absolutely knocked it out of the park (again!) with a concept based on Jim Waters' "The Copper-Wight." You'll find the conclusion of that story and ten others in the pages of Volume 2 Issue 1.

See below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

1. First up is "Cold Truth" by Gaius Warner. A tiny submersible carries three scientists into the icy, unexplored waters of the Antarctic. What will they uncover? Check out Gaius' channel: https://t.co/40MJ8xq8cl

2. Next is "The Cripple's Field," a fairy tale of an old cripple and his faith the size of a mustard seed by Phillip Stankus. You can sample his work on YouTube as well: https://t.co/v9TvTz9vIU

3. In the not-too-distant future, care for the elderly isn't the only thing transformed by technology. We know you'll enjoy "Angel 2.0" from returning author S. Kirk Pierzchala. See what else she's been up to at https://t.co/ZmkdujT1yt

4. To Tony, the mall was a home away from home. What will he do when a mysterious danger threatens it? "Fade Away to Anywhere" with this fantastic story from JD Cowan. If you visit https://wastelandandsky.blogspot.com you can be sure to find plenty more of JD's work.

5. At Dr. Proust's Magisterium a customer's unusual request upsets the proprietor's routine. We could say more, but "Shrive" by Christian Leithart is a story you really *have* to read. You can subscribe to Christian's newsletter and find his other projects at https://christianleithart.com, including a full, stage version of "The Scarlet Pimpernel."

6. The courage of Her Majesty's infantry is put to the test in the mountains of Afghanistan. Aaron D. Schneider returns to our pages with "Men of Renown," a story of action and adventure. There's plenty more of Aaron's work to see at https://t.co/AmHUEZhccg

7. In the future you’ll be able to talk to the departed via the Kloud Phone ... but you won't want to. Silence & Starsong newcomer J.B. Wetherington will make quite an impression on readers with "Reach a Hand to the Kloud."

8. Bonsart Bokel's signature style and unique settings mark their second appearance in Silence & Starsong with "House of the Future." An elite group of special agents regulates the use of technology in this tale of an alternate past. You can find the author's Steampunk Beginner's Guide and more at https://youtube.com/

9. On the frontier of an imagined history, lancers will fight against a rising barbarian horde and taste death itself to keep the torch of civilization lit. Enjoy this excellent entry from James Simakas.

10. Connor Mackay, sleuth of the unusual, teams with a park ranger to investigate mysterious sounds in the woods of Tennessee. "Screams in the Night" marks Jason McCuiston's fourth consecutive appearance in Silence & Starsong and we know readers will enjoy this story just as much as his others. You can find "The Last Star Warden" and a host of his other work at https://amazon.com/-/e/B07RN8HT98

11. Last, but certainly not least, is our cover story: The Copper Wight, Part 2. Cutter discovered more than just copper on his latest expedition across the Martian landscape, but can he return to safety and protect his special find? Find out as Jim Waters brings his story to its thrilling conclusion.

PS: We're also excited to be running our first ever book review by Benjamin Espen (https://www.benespen.com). He gives his insightful thoughts on a book that's widely regarded as a classic of the SFF world.

19/11/2024

Silence and Starsong is proud to present episode 5 of our anthology series (link in comments): Nemo Point

"In the not-so-distant future oil has suddenly become scarce. Desperate mega-corporations become bloody rivals, and all of them are harboring a secret as dark as the ocean depths. We hope you enjoy this suspense-filled action-packed season finale episode!"

01/11/2024

The Kindle version of Silence & Starsong Mazazine, Volume 2 Issue 1 is available for pre-order NOW and releasing on November 29. Paperback and hardcover editions will be available on that date too. See the comments.

This issue's cover is a full wrap and we think it turned out great!

01/11/2024

Can we do some announcements? Yes, let's.

First, cover art.

Guy Corleone absolutely knocked it out of the park (again!) with a concept based on Jim Waters' "The Copper-Wight." You'll find the conclusion of that story and ten others in the pages of Volume 2 Issue 1.

See below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

1. First up is "Cold Truth" by Gaius Warner. A tiny submersible carries three scientists into the icy, unexplored waters of the Antarctic. What will they uncover? Check out Gaius' channel: https://t.co/40MJ8xq8cl

2. Next is "The Cripple's Field," a fairy tale of an old cripple and his faith the size of a mustard seed by Phillip Stankus. You can sample his work on YouTube as well: https://t.co/v9TvTz9vIU

3. In the not-too-distant future, care for the elderly isn't the only thing transformed by technology. We know you'll enjoy "Angel 2.0" from returning author S. Kirk Pierzchala. See what else she's been up to at https://t.co/ZmkdujT1yt

4. To Tony, the mall was a home away from home. What will he do when a mysterious danger threatens it? "Fade Away to Anywhere" with this fantastic story from JD Cowan. If you visit https://wastelandandsky.blogspot.com you can be sure to find plenty more of JD's work.

5. At Dr. Proust's Magisterium a customer's unusual request upsets the proprietor's routine. We could say more, but "Shrive" by Christian Leithart is a story you really *have* to read. You can subscribe to Christian's newsletter and find his other projects at https://christianleithart.com, including a full, stage version of "The Scarlet Pimpernel."

6. The courage of Her Majesty's infantry is put to the test in the mountains of Afghanistan. Aaron D. Schneider returns to our pages with "Men of Renown," a story of action and adventure. There's plenty more of Aaron's work to see at https://t.co/AmHUEZhccg

7. In the future you’ll be able to talk to the departed via the Kloud Phone ... but you won't want to. Silence & Starsong newcomer J.B. Wetherington will make quite an impression on readers with "Reach a Hand to the Kloud."

8. Bonsart Bokel's signature style and unique settings mark their second appearance in Silence & Starsong with "House of the Future." An elite group of special agents regulates the use of technology in this tale of an alternate past. You can find the author's Steampunk Beginner's Guide and more at https://youtube.com/

9. On the frontier of an imagined history, lancers will fight against a rising barbarian horde and taste death itself to keep the torch of civilization lit. Enjoy this excellent entry from James Simakas.

10. Connor Mackay, sleuth of the unusual, teams with a park ranger to investigate mysterious sounds in the woods of Tennessee. "Screams in the Night" marks Jason McCuiston's fourth consecutive appearance in Silence & Starsong and we know readers will enjoy this story just as much as his others. You can find "The Last Star Warden" and a host of his other work at https://amazon.com/-/e/B07RN8HT98

11. Last, but certainly not least, is our cover story: The Copper Wight, Part 2. Cutter discovered more than just copper on his latest expedition across the Martian landscape, but can he return to safety and protect his special find? Find out as Jim Waters brings his story to its thrilling conclusion.

PS: We're also excited to be running our first ever book review by Benjamin Espen (https://www.benespen.com). He gives his insightful thoughts on a book that's widely regarded as a classic of the SFF world.

04/10/2024

We're happy to announce episode 4 of our anthology radio show for Silence and Starsong is live now on YouTube and Spotify. Check it out. Press the "like" button to boost our signal for the YouTube algorithm.

PLOT: "Mighty Sigurd returns home bearing news of the death of the gods. Now with his faith in ashes, he must summon his people for a desperate fight against the forces of the dammed."

**The video features several pieces of concept art that an approximation of the story.**

We're always working to improve the quality of our productions so if you have any praise or tips, shoot us a message or leave a comment.

Mighty Sigurd returns home bearing news of the death of the gods. Now with his faith in ashes, he must summon his people for a desperate fight against the fo...

28/08/2024

A new episode of Silence & Starsong Radio!

Tonight’s Episode takes listeners back to the Old West. Sheriff C.R. Moultrie and his trusted Deputy, Deke Piebald keep law in the little town of Bracton on ...

26/08/2024

Here's the final story from our recent flash fiction contest, "The Cleaner" by Phillip Stankus.

Here is the third and final selection from our July 2024 Flash Fiction Contest, “The Cleaner” by Phillip Stankus.