The Meaning of Life
Published on 2022-03-17
Issue Details
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?
Featured Stories
Welcome to Issue 7 of DreamForge Anvil
For Issue 07 of DreamForge Anvil, we have a story from Grant Carrington, who began publishing SF with "Night-Eyed Prayer" for Amazing in May 1971. We think you’ll find Grant’s “The Sweet Apocaly...
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 lo...
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Our DreamCaster writer’s group is working on a writing challenge we’re calling the Great DreamCaster Bakeoff. (Visit our website's News page for more info.) We’ve come up with a pattern for a s...
Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS: “Write Smart Dialogue!” Moon exclaimed emphatically.
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 Bob...
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 i...
Fantasy, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fantasy
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...
Science Fiction, Far Future
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. B...
Science Fiction, Robots & AI
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 th...
Fantasy, Magical Realism
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 ci...
Science Fiction, Far Future
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 fir...
Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy
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. ...
One Shot at Aeden | Line Edits
It’s not unusual for us to fall in love with a story that has some problems. They could be flaws of logic, plot holes, unanswered questions, or sections of confusing dialog. When it looks like our c...
Science Fiction
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...
Fantasy, Mythic
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 th...
Thank You Anvil Issue 7
We have so many people to thank! Founders, Kickstarter Heroes, Contributors, Friends, Family, and First Line Readers.
Sci-Fi Saturday Night
Join The Dome, Commander Cam, Kriana, and Zombrarian as they discuss scienciction, science fact, fantasy and whatever they think is cool, in between celebrity interviews.
If This Goes On
A podcast featuring Cat Rambo, Alan Bailey, Graeme, and Diane Morrison interviewing writers, artists, activists, and gamers.
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Space & Time Magazine
Space & Time Magazine features the best of semi pro horror, science fiction, and fantasy fiction and poetry.
Chatting With Sherri
Join Sherri as she chats with writers, actors and other artists about their work. A fun relaxing chat with all kinds of amazing exciting creative people.
