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The August 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Introducing the August 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

The August 2023 issue of Worlds of Possibility is now available to subscribers! This issue contains four stories, three poems, three original illustrations, and one drabble.

Guest Post: CD Covington introduces A Writer's Guide to Linguistic Worldbuilding

If you've ever tried to create a rich secondary world, perhaps you will be as excited as I am about this project by SF writer and linguist, CD Covington.

Cloud Zoo: A Story by Moriam E. Kuye

A soothing and wondrous story about the anxieties of parenthood.

Why Didn't You Just Leave has launched!

The anthology of ghost stories I am co-editing with the amazing horror writer Nadia Bulkin has just launched on Kickstarter!

Introducing the June 2023 issue of Worlds of Possibility

Happy Juneteenth! The June 2023 issue of Worlds of Possibility is now available for subscribers! If you would like to get a copy, you can subscribe at any time on juliarios.com and visit the June issue page to download it in ebook and PDF formats. Subscribers may also download

The June 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Poetry Submissions Now Open!

Calling all poets! The Worlds of Possibility Kickstarter reached a special stretch goal that means I get to choose two brand new poems to add to the anthology! Please go check out the guidelines and send me your poems! Submissions are open  through June 30th 2023!

LAST DAY to back the Worlds of Possibility Kickstarter!

If you have been waiting to back the Worlds of Possibility Kickstarter, now is the time! The campaign ends in just 22 hours! We've hit our funding goal, which means I will definitely be making this book! We've also reached our first and second stretch goals. The first goal gives

Purple/Magenta: a poem by Tiara Mica

This poem is from the February 2023 issue of Worlds of Possibility. I love its sense of mischief.

Things Most Meaningful: a story by P.A. Cornell

“It’s for whatever you like,” he said. “To place those things that are most meaningful to you inside.”

Of poetry and me: a poem by Jean Goulbourne

We are less than $1,000 away from the main funding goal for the Worlds of Possibility anthology, and to celebrate, here is a piece from the book!

Walpurgis Eve: A Poem by Laura Theis

Each year, come Walpurgis, Father bolts the gates...

Top Reviews of the Sweet Beauty Bakery, Home of Extraordinary Gender Reveal Cakes: A story by Jo Miles

If I could give Sweet Beauty Bakery more than 5 stars, I would.

Between the Storms: a story by Jennifer Hudak

The first storm always shook the stars from the sky; the second flung them back into place. Between the storms, stars glittered in the lake.

6 Must-Have Sentient Spellbooks (and How to Find Them) by Alexei Collier

We reached 25% of the Worlds of Possibility anthology Kickstarter funding goal on the first day, so here is a story!

The April 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Introducing the April 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

The April 2023 issue of Worlds of Possibility features 4 stories, 5 poems, and 3 original pieces of art.

The Worlds of Possibility Anthology Kickstarter is Here!

Hello! I have been somewhat quiet lately, but that's all about to change! then next few weeks are going to be a big party on this website and newsletter, including the April 2023 ebook issue, and some new free to the public stories and poems... Because... The Worlds of Possibility

Songs from Samarkand: a story by Khushbu Khushi

A lush and poetic story by Khushbu Kushi with an original illustration by Mariam Taufeeq.

Iori Kusano talks about their novella, Hybrid Heart

Today I have with me Iori Kusano to talk about their novella, Hybrid Heart, which is coming out from Neon Hemlock.

Introducing the February 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

The February 2023 issue contains 3 fantasy stories (2 original, and one brought back into print after being out of print for several years), 1 original science fiction story, 1 original poem, and three original illustrations.

The February 2023 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Elephant Doctor: a story by Tehnuka

This story originally appeared in the October 2022 issue of Worlds of Possibility.

Ex Marginalia Reading on Tuesday the 21st!

Ex Marginalia is a book of essays by BIPOC writers, and the table of contents is simply stunning.

After 10pm: a story by Natalie Anai Nowo Lydick

The sign on the fence read: Pool Area. Keep Gate closed. Hours: 7am-10pm.

3am Eternal: a story by Eden Royce

3AM Eternal is a story by Eden Royce from the October 2022 issue of Worlds of Possibility with an original illustration and an audio narration.

My 2022 Recap, and a glimpse of what's ahead

What I did in 2022 and what I'm working on in 2023!

Introducing the December 2022 issue of Worlds of Possibility

The December 2022 issue of Worlds of possibility is now available for subscribers!

The December Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Magic Lucha: a story by Pedro Iniguez

Héctor González narrates Magic Lucha by Pedro Iniguez, an exciting story of lucha libre, healing, and community.

RJ Theodore Talks About The Peridot Shift

RJ Theodore joins me to talk about their trilogy of swashbuckling books with airships and aliens, The Peridot Shift!

Spaceballs: the podcast! with JJ Lang and Julia Rios from Chessfeels

Listen to "Spaceballs the Podcast with Julia and JJ from Chessfeels" on Spreaker. Buckle up, because we're in for a WILD ride with not just one, but TWO Julias Rios! Julia's name twin, Julia Rios (AKA Dr. Chess Julia) and her cohost JJ Lang from the Chessfeels podcast join us

Spaceballs: The Transcript

For full show notes including links and audio, click here. 00:00.53 juliarios Welcome to This Is Why We're Like This, the podcast where we talk about things that are definitely going to cut your balls off or something, yogurt, giant hair dryers, and the movies that shaped our

Water and Glass: a story by Megan Baffoe

Water and Glass: A dreamy tale of self-acceptance by Megan Baffoe, narrated by Jennifer Mace, and with an original illustration by Ana Niki.

Upper Hand (art) and Interview with the artist, Cody Jimenez

Our featured artist for this issue is Cody Jimenez, and I invited him to do a little interview about his process.

The October 2022 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Introducing the October 2022 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

The note from the editor included in the ebook version of the issue, introducing the October 2022 contents of Worlds of Possibility.

Fencepost/Tree by Marc A. Criley and A Saturday Out by Lena Ng

Two drabbles by Marc A. Criley, and a flash story by Lena Ng. Original art by Julia Kim and Andrew Turok. These are part of the August 2022 issue of Worlds of Possibility.

Erin Roberts and Mario Ortegón talk D&D

Two of the writers from the D&D book, Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel join me to discuss the process of creating this adventure anthology manual.

Transcript for Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel

This is a transcript for the podcast episode, which you can find at https://www.juliarios.com/erin-roberts-and-mario-ortegon-talk-d-d Welcome to the OMG Julia! podcast where we discuss creative lives and processes. I'm your host, Julia Rios, and today I have two very special guests: Erin Roberts and Mario Ortegon, who

Cover Reveal for the October 2022 Issue of Worlds of Possibility

Introducing the cover and table of contents for the October 2022 issue of Worlds of Possibility.

Wheat Fields on Fire: art by Lesia Korol, and What it Takes to Stay Wild: A story by Die Booth

The second public post featuring content from the August 2022 issue of Worlds of Possibility.

Bidaai ki Chicken Curry: a story by Keyan Bowes

Bidaai ki Chicken Curry, a science fiction flash story by Keyan Bowes

Transcript for Bidaii ki Chicken Curry: a story by Keyan Bowes

Podcast transcript featuring Keyan Bowes reading her story and answering questions about it.

Worlds of Possibility: August 2022 Issue

News and Notes, August 2022

Dream Foundry Contests, a class I'm currently taking that you can take too, and news about Worlds of Possibility.

After These Messages: Canadian Commercials with Kelly

Kelly is back with the Can Con and now our podcast contains 300% more Canadian theme parks!

Transcript for After These Messages: Canadian Commercials with Kelly

To listen to this episode and see the commercials we watched, visit the main episode page. Geoffrey Welcome to this is why we're like this: after these messages, part 2 of our country bears jamboree jamboree, or I guess since the movie was called the country bears, This is just

The Country Bears with Kelly

This is a movie that is supposedly based on the Disney parks animatronic show, The Country Bear Jamboree. But … uh …

Transcript for The Country Bears with Kelly

For the episode and show notes, visit www.juliarios.com/the-country-bears-with-kelly/ Geoffrey Welcome to this is why we're like this the podcast where we talk about lying to children for their entire lives better head Dis track country music freestyle battles. And the movies and TV shows that probably made

Izzy Wasserstein talks about All the Hometowns You Can't Stay Away From

Izzy Wasserstein joins me to talk about her new short story collection, All the Hometowns You Can't Stay Away From.

After These Messages: Thingmaker with Chia and Dan

Chia and Dan talk commercials of their childhoods, including the Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker by Mattel, which Dan tells us led directly to him having a career in special effects!

Transcript for After These Messages: Thingmaker with Chia and Dan

Show notes with links to the commercials and the audio version of this episode. Julia Welcome to This Is Why We're Like This: After These Messages, where we talk about the possibility of maiming, dismembering, and otherwise hurting children. I'm your host, Julia Rios. Geoffrey I'm your other host, Geoffrey

Bridge to Elsewhere is here for everyone!

Bridge to Elsewhere, the exciting anthology of stories set on spaceships that I co-edited with Alana Joli Abbott, is officially available for everyone today!

The Book You Find When You Really Can't Afford to Get Pregnant: A story by Jeana Jorgensen

"The Book You Find When You Really Can't Afford to Get Pregnant" by Jeana Jorgensen, a gorgeous story about information, healthcare, and bodily autonomy.

OMG Julia, it's a podcast!

In this episode, I discuss: How an editor collaborates with a writer when editing stories, poems, and essays. How writers collaborate with the reader when they first sit down to write with a a reader in mind...

Maya MacGregor Talks The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester (part 2)

Part two of my discussion with Maya MacGregor about their process in writing The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester. This book is a delightful YA mystery/ghost story with an autistic and non-binary main character.

Maya MacGregor Talks The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester (part 1)

Maya MacGregor joins me to discus their process in writing The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester. This book is a delightful YA mystery/ghost story with an autistic and non-binary main character.

C. S. E. Cooney Talks Saint Death's Daughter (part 2)

This is part two of my interview with C. S. E. Cooney about her publishing journey for Saint Death’s Daughter.

Child of Glass with Chia and Dan

Friends of the pod, Chia and Dan, join us to discuss a movie Chia remembered as VERY ROMANTIC! Child of Glass is an adaptation of the first Blossom Culp novel, The Ghost Belonged to Me.

C. S. E. Cooney Talks St. Death's Daughter (part 1)

I invited the amazing C. S. E. Cooney to talk with me about her journey to publication (a journey that lasted 12 years!) for Saint Death’s Daughter.

Story Process: A Mind Map for "Xtabay"

I'm going to talk about my own process in writing one specific story, “Xtabay” which appeared in Shadow Atlas: Dark Landscapes of the Americas...

After These Messages: Hobo Kelly with Gwynne Garfinkle

Gwynne Garfinkle is back with us to talk about obscure children’s shows from her youth. Specifically, we talk about Hobo Kelly, the magical hobo clown...

Transcript for After These Messages: Hobo Kelly with Gwynne Garfinkle

Listen to "After These Messages: Hobo Kelly with Gwynne Garfinkle" on Spreaker. Geoffrey Welcome to this is why we're like this after these messages. I'm your host Geoffrey Pelton, sure and Begora Tis I. Julia Oh no! I'm your other host Julia Rios Geoffrey And joining us again today is

Zoom With Gwynne Garfinkle

Gwynne Garfinkle grew up to become a writer of novels, stories, poems, and more, and it all started with Zoom.

heat death: a poem by Jennifer Mace

In the last poll, paid subscribers voted for a poem! Here's one from the excellent Jennifer Mace.

Donald's Snow Fight

With a potentially historic blizzard in Boston, we present you this very on topic podcast episode about a 1942 Disney short starring Donald Duck.

All the Creative Work I Did in 2021

Here is a recap of my 2021. You can either listen, or read the transcript below, which I have also added links to! The TL;DR version is that everything I wrote and many things I edited are awards eligible. In addition to all the individual pieces being eligible for

The Dog Who Stopped the War/La Guerre des Tuques

It’s a new year! And we are starting it off on a super downer note with a movie about a dog dying… Uh. Sorry?

Happy New Year!

Here’s the last issue I edited of Mermaids Monthly with cover art by Lauren Raye Snow.

Stovetop Gods: a story by D. A. Vorobyov

Happy New Year! I've brought you a gift! It's a delightful story featuring family, a cat, and the ups and downs of trying to navigate accepting your true identity.

The Forbidden Door with Eugenia Triantafyllou

Eugenia Triantafyllou joins us again from Greece to talk about Greek television and a very specific episode of Storybook International: The Forbidden Door!

Bridge to Elsewhere

Bridge to Eslewhere is an anthology I’m co-editing with Alana Joli Abbott for Outland Entertainment, and it is full of stories about space travel!

Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House with Eugenia Triantafyllou

Happy Halloween! We have a special spooky treat for you! Eugenia Triantafyllou joins us from Greece to talk about Goosebumps!

Jim Henson's The Storyteller: The Soldier and Death

We’re back with another adaptation of Godfather Death, this time with Muppets!

Macario

Geoffrey brings us a Mexican film from 1960, which he once watched in Spanish class.

Speculative Fiction for Dreamers

Speculative Fiction for Dreamers is a stunning book full of stories, poems, comics, and short plays by Latinx creators.

After These Messages: Peter O'Toole, Pan Am, and G-g-g-ghosts!

This episode goes many places, and one of them is to the Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada.

Mid-Autumn Mice: art by Joyce Chng

I invited Singaporean writer and artist, Joyce Chng to create a Mid-Autumn Festival illustration.

High Spirits

High Spirits is a 1988 sex farce with ghosts, both real and fake. Also Peter O’Toole. Yes, really.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Geoffrey brought some episodes of the 1980s He-Man cartoon to the table.

After These Messages: Punky Brewster and She Ra with Kayleigh Shoen

Flash fiction writer Kayleigh Shoen joined us to talk about all things Punky Brewster.

The Perils of Punky with Kayleigh Shoen

Flash fiction writer Kayleigh Shoen joined us to talk about an episode of Punky Brewster that scared her as a child: The Perils of Punky!

When the Beautician Thinks of Herself as a Healer: A Poem by Michele Tracy Berger

This month I have a poem for you by the wonderful Michele Tracy Berger.

16 Poemas Después de la Muerte -- Poems by Héctor González

Poems in Spanish with English translations by Héctor González.

Shadow Atlas and Balticon

Check out this amazing cover for Shadow Atlas: Dark Landscapes of the Americas, illustrated by Aaron Lovett!

The Galaxy I Found in My Bowl of Phở -- A Story by Allison Thai

A heartwarming story about aliens and soup.

update

I am STILL sick. This has been over a month of illness and over three weeks of the part that involves breathing trouble.

Q&A with Ada Hoffmann

Million Year Elegies: Dimetrodon -- a poem by Ada Hoffmann

A poem from Million Year Elegies by Ada Hoffmann

A Free Story, Plus My Boskone Schedule!

Let’s start the Year of the Ox off right with a feel-good science fiction story! “How to Defeat Gravity and Achieve Escape Velocity” is a story by Miyuki Jane Pinckard that was sponsored by my patrons. Check it out for: *queer romance *spaceship problems *asteroid mining *crushing on your

How to Defeat Gravity and Achieve Escape Velocity: a story by Miyuki Jane Pinckard

Here is the second of two science fiction stories, preferably set in space! This one is by Miyuki Jane Pinckard, and it's a heftier story than the last one at 6,235 words. I hope you enjoy this ride as much as I did!

The Only Worthwhile Human Cargo: A Story by Valerie Valdes

Here is the first of two pieces I solicited and edited based on the paid subscriber theme choice of Science Fiction, Preferably Set in Space!

An Interview with Sam J. Miller

Here’s an awesome interview with Nebula and Shirley Jackson Award winning author, Sam J. Miller. We talk about his latest book, The Blade Between.

Patty Templeton talks creative process with me

Patty Templeton talks about the limited edition art she created, and about her half of a Mermaids Monthly Each to Each collaboration with her partner, Brett Massé.

Mermaids, Wizards, and a Confused Manatee

The newest episode of Wizard Seeking Wizard is out, and it has the report on the date my wizard Flora Bunnyhop went on!

Mershark! Plus how you can score a critique from me!

I’ve drawn a silly mershark.

Announcing Mermaids Monthly!

Mermaids Monthly is a digital magazine full of sea wonders

October Podcast Month: On Adaptations and the New Version of Rebecca

I just watched the new version of Rebecca on Netflix, and it got me thinking a lot about adaptations.

October Podcast Month: 100 Year Old Newspapers

I share a couple of gems including a Halloween ad from 1919 and a prediction for the future of skyscrapers from 1914.

October Podcast Month: Texture and History

We had a clothing historian come to see my great grandmother’s wedding dress

October Podcast Month: Field Trips

Moss has taken this week off of work, so we’ve been trying to do some fun vacation type activities.

October Podcast Month: A Celebration

Hurray! Speculative Fiction For Dreamers has funded! It’s going to be a real book! If you’re reading this before Wednesday morning, there are still a few hours left to back the Kickstarter and order a copy for yourself! Listen to "October Podcast Month: A Celebration!" on Spreaker.

October Podcast Month: How do we pivot all our creative events to virtual settings?

This episode is all about creative ways to hold social events and performances during a time when it’s not a great idea to go out and meet each other in person.

October Podcast Month: A Story Excerpt

I read an excerpt of "Alma y Corazón" from Speculative Fiction for Dreamers.

October Podcast Month: On Getting Off Track

Whew, I got a little sidetracked and missed a few days! This episode is all about that kind of thing, and how to deal with it when it inevitably happens to you at some point in your creative journey.

After These Messages: Pine Sol with LJ

Fun Fact: We went for Pine-Sol because LJ originally thought that the Vice President in charge of racing was the face of Pine-Sol before rewatching Motocrossed, but it turned out not to be the case.

October Podcast Month: Can we talk about candy corn?

Candy corn is one of those polarizing foods. People love it or hate it.

October Podcast Month: All About Podcasts

In today’s podcast, I talk about podcasts!

October Podcast Month: Caught in the Rain

In this fourth installment of my October Podcast Month challenge, I talk about getting inspiration for stories or other creative works by taking walks.

Motocrossed with LJ

Geoffrey’s improv partner LJ joins us to talk about an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night that takes place in a competitive sports context.

October Podcast Month: Visual Artists Are So Cool!

I’ve never been talented at drawing, but lately I’ve been getting to work with some amazing visual artists, and being around their creativity charges my own creative battery.

October Podcast Month: Taking Time Off

This weekend, I actually took time off!

After These Messages: Lands Before Time with Kenny Gray

Kenny Gray is back to talk all things tangentially related to The Land Before Time.

Happy October Podcast Month!

This is the first episode in my October weekday episode extravaganza.

The Land Before Time with Kenny Gray

Kenny Gray of Mess + Finesse joins Julia and Geoffrey to discuss one of his childhood faves: The Land Before Time.

Happy Birthday to Strange Horizons, Plus a New Poem!

It’s the 20th anniversary of Strange Horizons this month, and I wrote a poem for it!

Upcoming Appearances

Hello! Here are some places you can see me in the next few months. Comedy This week on Friday, I’ll be debating other comedians about Danny Devito in Pick A Side Stupid. You can watch that live on YouTube at 7:30pm Eastern time if you like. If you

Come see me at ReCONvene 2020

Hello, friends! It’s been a while. I hope you are safe and well wherever you are. I’ve been focused on recovering and then getting slowly back into work. Most of the work I have been doing is not very shareable (like a freelance editing job for a private

5 Common Mistakes in the Slush

Guided Writing Session Notes

Writing exercises and notes from a talk I did for the CIC

Come See and Hear Me!

Adrian and Matt, the hosts of Spectology, invited me to discuss a book with them. I chose The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard

Personal Update

I have been sick for the past couple of weeks. It started with a very mildly sore throat and a tiny dry cough.

Where to find me at Boskone

Hello! This weekend is Boskone, a science fiction convention in Boston, MA. I’ll be doing a bunch of things there, so please come say hello if you are attending! Here’s where to find me: Friday Reviving Printed Short Fiction Format: Panel 14 Feb 2020, Friday 17:00 -

Interview with C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez (part 2)

C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez on how to narrow your focus in order to finish projects, even when they’re really hard and you feel stuck.

Interview with C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez (part 1)

Here’s part one of a two part interview with authors, C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez! Listen to "Interview with C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez (Part 1)" on Spreaker. Claire and Carlos are both multi-talented creative powerhouses. Here’s a picture of some of their books:

Should You Pick One Thing?

Ancient Nubia, 2020 Julia

Where to find me in early 2020

Today, I am here to tell you where you can find me in early 2020!

Happy New Year!

After These Messages: Drinking Milk and Working Out with Katy

Friend of the pod Katy is back to talk commercials related to Troll 2! With a movie obsessed with pumping iron and special Nilbog milk, our commercial viewing choices were obvious. Listen to "After These Messages: Drinking Milk and Working Out with Katy" on Spreaker. We started with a milk

Troll 2 with Katy

Troll 2. This movie is epic. Notably, it is neither a sequel, nor about trolls.

The Experience of Getting Professional Photos

Why do you need an author photo? And how do you get one?

Interview with Marie O'Mahony, Photographer

An interview with Marie O'Mahony, the professional photographer who took my author photo!

Halloween Special Edition!

I’ve got a bunch of seasonally appropriate things to share with you today, including ghost stories I edited, and my new podcast!

Our First Episode! Shadowman

In our first episode, we’re discussing one segment of an episode of the 1980s Twilight Zone.

Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure with Christa Carmen

Horror author Christa Carmen joins us to discuss a staple of her childhood, Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure.

What Makes Horror Appealing?

The Paper Witch: a poem by Julia Rios

The Cast of Wonders Banned Books Week Showcase (my latest editing project!)

These are the stories I selected as guest editor at Cast of Wonders.

Let's talk about Mexican Independence

September is a great month to celebrate Mexicanx culture! And I decided to do that this year by inviting some Mexicanx creators to write stories and an essay...

Voice Acting, Narrating, and What it Takes to Read Aloud Well

My Story in A Larger Reality 2.0 - "Communicable"

I tell you about my inspiration and process for writing my A Larger Reality 2.0 story. I also read the story on this episode.

New work! Two free things, one paid

If you saw me read at Worldcon, you’ll know I read two different short things. Both of them are now available to everyone!

What a Worldcon Looks Like

Where You Can See Me in August

August is a packed month for me, both with my more serious creative side, and my sillier one. If you are in New England or Dublin, Ireland, come on out and say hello!

Interview with Dream Foundry's Anaea Lay

At Readercon in Quincy, MA, I spoke to Anaea Lay, one of the founders of Dream Foundry.

Humor, White Space, and the Unexpected

Where to find me at Readercon

This weekend is Readercon in Quincy, MA. If you’re there, come say hi! Here’s my schedule: Latinx Authors Tear Down the Wall Friday (today!) 2:00 PM Salon 4 Lisa Bradley (mod), Carlos Hernandez, José Pablo Iriarte, Julia Rios Isolationist governments portray immigrants (and citizens perceived as foreigners)

Celebrating Phenderson Djèlí Clark

On Saturday, “The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington” by Phenderson Djèlí Clark won the Locus Award for Best Short Story! Locus Magazine hosts the awards ceremony each year in Seattle, Washington as part of a weekend of workshops and panels. I’ve never been myself,