From birth forward I was surrounded by my father’s love of all things fantasy and sci-fi. Raised around stacks of OMNI, Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and even Heavy Metal (Metal Hurlant if you want to be a purist about it), I had always known a world full of strange aliens, alternate dimensions, and a fiction that vibrated with imagination. No matter how fantastical the worlds, no matter how magical the science, one thing always remained. Heart. Speculative fiction wasn’t just about techno-fetish or about word count, it was about the human condition. Conflict, growth, and victory. Always vesselled in wonder, but at its core it was us. No matter the time, no matter the distance, it was always about us. Which is the reason why sci-fi and fantasy has always been popular, and how it has continued to grow over our history. Shockingly, in some cosmic accident, I am now a part of shaping that history. Now I find myself back into it, this time from the other side of the desk.

This week I was awarded the title of “Editor-in-Chief” for the publication Beyond Fantasy. Blessed with the chance, and honoured by the opportunity. I am intimidated by the footsteps of those who came before me, and I do love a challenge.

As a child I had always dreamed about the future. Now the future is here, and now I am an adult. Suddenly it’s my turn to do the same thing for the next generation. As I was inspired, now I get to inspire. I get to pay it back, by paying it forward. It’s a big beautiful universe out there, and now I get to play tour guide. Hundreds of writers, artists, and designers have filled my tiny little mammal brain with such grand and amazing visions. The head is a garden, and we’re ready to harvest. I am thankful for all who came before me, I sincerely hope I can keep up. I have a legacy to maintain.

The dream has come true; time to make new dreams.