Body, an anthology which explores, tenderly, the things a body can become, is Fiction Niche’s opening statement and entry into what will prove to be a good literary year for small Afrocentric magazines.
I thoroughly enjoyed developing this issue. We received a record number of submissions; so much it almost became overwhelming. It was clear to us that the theme “Body” had been a good pick from the moment we read the first submission.
We read bold, daring, unconventional works: some of which didn’t make it to publication. Each read, however, opened us to something beautiful; a realization that deep in the fabric of human nature is a peculiar kind of tenderness we often try to shy away from.
“People seek to learn about themselves.” One of our readers said. “They don’t know their bodies that well but want to know it.”
We believe you’ll be able to find yourself in a poem or a story as you read through this issue. We balanced the scales this time, publishing 5 poems and 5 stories.
Many thanks to our beautiful team of readers and editors. We are grateful, too, to our contributors who went through our vigorous editorial process without complaint.
You should watch out for every new contributor you notice here. As you may have seen in the past, we have an eye for stardom. You’ll find these writers someplace else, and soon, on bigger stages.
I am truly grateful to Mr. Effiong Nkanga, whose one time donation helped us move our website to a more secure server, pay our editors, and manage other logistics.
Many thanks to our advisors, too, and the amazing Jeremiah Priest, who never stops motivating me.
Feel free to support Fiction Niche’s work whenever you can. A $1 is enough if it is what you have. Go enjoy your read.