DreamForge Anvil #7 is FREE ONLINE, with 8 great stories and essays on writing, science as fiction, and the meaning of life.

When you see the words “The Meaning of Life,” does it call to mind the purpose of humans in the universe? Was there a meaning for Homo habilis? Is there one for the hyacinth in our backyard? For the populations of chemolithotrophic bacteria found in deep sea hydrothermal vents? Is the meaning of life to further the existence of life itself?

Enjoy our new issue and great illustrations too!

Free Online – at https://bit.ly/DF-Anvil-7

Hope Notes – The Meaning of Life

Whatever the meaning of life might be, there is no doubt many people believe it has something to do with revealed knowledge and obeying the will of God. Or maybe it has to do with the suffering and love, or with exploring, discovering, and understanding. Maybe it’s up to you— and that biofilm in your shower.

Wulf Moon’s SUPER SECRETS: “Write Smart Dialogue!” Moon exclaimed emphatically, by Wulf Moon

Dialog can be deadly dull or crisp and engaging. You know it when you see it, but can you write it? Can you bring your characters’ tongues to life? From the Dangers of Saidisms to “As You Know Bobs,” Wulf Moon points out the landmines of bad dialog and gives you the super secret to delightful character conversations.

Science as Fiction, by C.J. Peterson

We often brag about inventions that have been delivered to us right out of the pages of science fiction, everything from the cell phone to virtual reality. Today’s SF may even be driving technical innovation, as young fans grow to be talented engineers and find ways to bring their favorite fictional technologies to life. Is our march forward being driven by entertainment? Is there really a need for hypersleep? Sometimes, fandom may be leading us down some unproductive and dangerous paths.

The Hole in the Hedge, by Tammy Komoff

Every step we take, every decision made, results in a path not taken. These realizations are often difficult for us, bringing regret and a longing for the chance not taken. Even more difficult to bear is the day our children escape into a future filled with a multiverse of failures and pain.

The Sweet Apocalypse Travelling Medicine Show & Gypsy Caravan, by Grant Carrington

The Sweet Apocalypse was headed for the rift, where some worlds had been cut off from humanity for generations. But they still remembered their Speare and maintained an appreciation for a good show. Beneath the tents of Apocalypse there were pieces of Elizabethan England, Old New York, Tokyo, Rio, and a dozen others, times and places…

The Peculiar Constraints of Peacetime, by Michael Zahniser

Em One escorted the high value asset to and from school each day. During the war, Em One could have taken on a tank regiment and very possibly won. Here there were only young civilians, with one of them his own special charge to protect and serve. How could one prepubescent bully be such a problem?

A Properly Spiced Gingerbread, by David Hankins

Humans often think of themselves as a spirit in a body. Demons also seek a physical form to join our world and will take any opportunity that presents itself to a malevolent spirit. Given the right circumstances, a bad batch of gingerbread could prove terrifying.

The Meaning of Life, by C.J. Peterson

We belong to a species whose roots stretch back for millions of years. The heights we reach may yet stretch eons ahead. Someone chipped the first stone edge, put together our first words, made the first symbol… the first rocket. Yet with certainty, many moments charged with meaning are never known and little appreciated on the day they change our destiny.

One Shot at Aeden, by Crystal Crawford

Given one shot at redemption, how much would you be willing to risk? Fadehounds, wraiths, and archnephs stand ready to take your soul, but there’s a mission and your kid sister waiting at the end. You may try to figure it out as you go, but soon there’s nothing left to do but fight.

Love in the Time of Con Crud, by Elena Pavlova, Translated from the Bulgarian by Elena Pavlova and Kalin M. Nenov

Love looks on the past with different eyes. If it could, it would reach back in time to ease the suffering of its love, to make the days of pain be known for joy instead. Time travel stories are often about changing future outcomes, but journeys in time can also find the roots of endearment and compassion.

Between Oak and Acorn, a Sunset Waits, by Marisca Pichette

On any given day, an idle exploration may lead you to a new path, one that doesn’t seem so far from your own front door. You might be able to follow it before your coffee cools, or it may be that three thousand steps are not enough. By the time you get home, the world itself may seem a different place.

Purchase Your eBook Copies here: https://bit.ly/DF-Anvil-eBook-7

Kickstarter 2022

Look for our 2022 Kickstarter announcements next month in April.