About This Issue

From our earliest days, we learn that if someone says, "Once upon a time," we should listen carefully. A story is coming. Maybe some adventure, some laughter, some excitement. Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and for this reason, storytellers are revered across societies.

In this issue, you'll hear tales of a metaphysical journey ("Companions" by Mark Joseph Kiewlak), a haunted computer game ("The Spirit of the Game" by Rik Hunik & Jo McKee), and a boy with undiscovered potential ("The Boy Who Could Fly" by Sharon Blasiar). You'll hear a classic fairy tale from another point of view ("The Golden Thimble" by Susan Phillips), and learn about the consequences of bad behavior ("Karma" by Nicholas Chittick).

Through poetry, you can listen to everyday stories from city life ("On the Metro" by Lyn Lifshin, "Purgatory in an Airport" by Jill Charles), stories about relationships ("The Barber" and "The Handkerchief Marriage" by Marina Rubin), and a revisiting of Peter Pan ("Drowning Wendy" by Brenda Hammack).

As always in this issue, you can also find coverage of international film festivals by Rada Djurica, a plethora of interviews with figures in the arts, and a sampling of art and photography.

So sit back now and listen. The storytellers are about to begin. Once upon a time...

Wild Violet editor, Alyce Wilson