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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine
@havenspec.bsky.social
3.8K followers 180 following 340 posts
Online SFF magazine featuring stories for the 21st century! We publish six issues a year, two of which are focused on the climate crisis. Editor: Leon Perniciaro. HavenSpec.com
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · Jul 9
Our ✨July 2025 Issue✨ is now free to read online!

Find it here:
www.havenspec.com/issue-twenty

Or get the PDF and EPUB:
ko-fi.com/s/b837a91596
Haven Spec Magazine, Issue Twenty, July 2025. Cover and table of contents. The issue is now free to read, and its contents are as follows: Cover Art by Saleha Chowdhury. Fiction: Visions of Althea by Alex Woodroe, Fish Upon A Star by AR Frederiksen, Brother, What Is Your Name? by Leanne Howard, and Restaurant Space for Lease by Vivian Chou. Poetry: she brings me waves, she brings me wind by Angel Leal, Anchor Spindrift by Elizabeth R McClellan, and Cryptid Sister by H.V. Patterson. Nonfiction: Letter from the Editor, Ya Herd? By Leon Perniciaro.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 4h
ICYMI, we're open to submissions by authors of historically marginalized backgrounds for this entire month!

We want to read more works by Black writers, Indigenous writers, disabled writers, gay and lesbian and trans writers, and other folks whose voices must be heard!

www.havenspec.com/submit/
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
jessgofton.bsky.social
Jess Gofton @jessgofton.bsky.social · 5d
"The Saint of Nothing at All" is in Issue 15 of @havenspec.bsky.social and can be read online here: www.havenspec.com/the-saint-of..., for those of you who like a side of Catholicism with your guilt 💀 #NationalPoetryDay
A grey skull sits in the bottom left corner of a black background. White text reads: "I am a vertebra crowning Sevilla's ghoulish horde. Ribs on a chandelier in Prague. Ten fingers twitching in ten churches. "The Saint of Nothing at All" Jess Gofton Haven Spec Magazine, Issue 15"
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
jessicapeter.bsky.social
Jessica Peter @jessicapeter.bsky.social · 6d
I'm thrilled to join Haven Spec as Poetry Editor! Excited to dig into the beautiful mountain of spec poetry - the vivid, the emotional, the lyrical, the strange, the dark, the climate-conscious, the bittersweet, the idea-driven, the magical, the otherwordly, the weird. . . and everything else!
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 6d
We're over the moon to announce that Jessica Peter / @jessicapeter.bsky.social has joined us as our new Poetry Editor!

Welcome! Welcome Welcome Welcome!
Image shows a snippet from the Haven Spec website of Jessica Peter's bio and image. The text reads as follows: Jessica Peter writes dark, haunted, and sometimes absurd short stories, novels, and poems. A social worker and health researcher, she lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Her writing can be found in Apparition Literary, The NoSleep Podcast, Flame Tree, and Cosmic Horror Monthly, among other places. She also co-edited Howls from the Scene of the Crime: An Anthology of Crime Horror (Howl Society Press, May 2024). You can find her on Bluesky at @jessicapeter.bsky.social, or at www.jessicapeter.net.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 6d
We're over the moon to announce that Jessica Peter / @jessicapeter.bsky.social has joined us as our new Poetry Editor!

Welcome! Welcome Welcome Welcome!
Image shows a snippet from the Haven Spec website of Jessica Peter's bio and image. The text reads as follows: Jessica Peter writes dark, haunted, and sometimes absurd short stories, novels, and poems. A social worker and health researcher, she lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Her writing can be found in Apparition Literary, The NoSleep Podcast, Flame Tree, and Cosmic Horror Monthly, among other places. She also co-edited Howls from the Scene of the Crime: An Anthology of Crime Horror (Howl Society Press, May 2024). You can find her on Bluesky at @jessicapeter.bsky.social, or at www.jessicapeter.net.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 6d
When I just loaded the page on a new computer it had the old (closed) page, but it updated when I refreshed! So, it might just be a local cache issue. Is it working now?
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 7d
Haven Spec Magazine is now open to submissions by authors of historically marginalized backgrounds only!

We want to read more works by Black writers, Indigenous writers, disabled writers, gay and lesbian and trans writers, and other folks whose voices must be heard!

www.havenspec.com/submit/
Haven Spec Magazine, Submission Page
Fiction and Poetry for the 21st Century!
www.havenspec.com
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 7d
Haven Spec Magazine is now open to submissions by authors of historically marginalized backgrounds only!

We want to read more works by Black writers, Indigenous writers, disabled writers, gay and lesbian and trans writers, and other folks whose voices must be heard!

www.havenspec.com/submit/
Haven Spec Magazine, Submission Page
Fiction and Poetry for the 21st Century!
www.havenspec.com
1 38 39
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 7d
I've read this post a dozen times, and somehow I've only just noticed my typo?
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 8d
We're sad to announce that Danai Christopoulou / @danaiwrites.bsky.social is leaving us as Poetry Editor, but we so appreciate the work they've put into magazine over the years!

Let's wish them a fond farewell, and don't forget to check out their novel VILE LADY VILLAINS when it's out in April!!!!!
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 12d
Like what we publish? Why not subscribe through 🎈Patreon🎈!

Subscribers get each issue earlier than anyone else, and they have the satisfaction of knowing that they're supporting more fiction and poetry being out in the world! And honestly, don't we need more?

Subscribe:
Get more from Haven Spec Magazine on Patreon
creating a science fiction and fantasy magazine!
buff.ly
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 14d
Please join us in welcoming our newest associate editor, ghazal (@bugsighs.bsky.social), who is pitching in to read all of your delightful stories!

Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah!
Bio of ghazal, Haven Spec's newest associate editor, which reads: ghazal is an Iranian writer and translator. They are a puppetry postgrad and an avid fan of books, fashion, horror, and cats (big animal enthusiast overall). They've worked with several magazines based in Iran and are now trying to get their grubby little hands on THE WORLD. You can find them never checking instagram on @sighbugs. Also included is their image, which shows them looking down studiously as if in concentration.
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
hvpatterson.bsky.social
H.V. Patterson @hvpatterson.bsky.social · 17d
Check it out now! "Cryptid Sister" and the rest of this amazing issue are free to read now!
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 18d
👀Poetry Highlight👀

ICYMI, the poem "Cryptid Sister" by @hvpatterson.bsky.social is free to read!

Fill your grief with dead and crawling things and embrace the weird in this poem of what's lost and what's found.

Poem:
buff.ly/7gERvR1

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: H.V. Patterson Title: Cryptid Sister Excerpt: The summer Mom died, I summoned you From vulture feathers, From discarded cicada husks, From car-wrecked armadillos, Legs surrendered to the eternal, burning sky.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 18d
👀Poetry Highlight👀

ICYMI, the poem "Cryptid Sister" by @hvpatterson.bsky.social is free to read!

Fill your grief with dead and crawling things and embrace the weird in this poem of what's lost and what's found.

Poem:
buff.ly/7gERvR1

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: H.V. Patterson Title: Cryptid Sister Excerpt: The summer Mom died, I summoned you From vulture feathers, From discarded cicada husks, From car-wrecked armadillos, Legs surrendered to the eternal, burning sky.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 19d
Shout out to @ajvanbelle.bsky.social for having their poem Star Stitcher included in the Year's Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction anthology!
ajvanbelle.bsky.social
AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo @ajvanbelle.bsky.social · 20d
So completely thrilled that my poem STAR STITCHER (@havenspec.bsky.social) will be in the Year's Best Canadian F&SF alongside this incredible lineup!

What amazing company it's in. Can't wait to read everyone's wonderful work in this year's collection.
ourmankoto.bsky.social
Stephen Kotowych 🇨🇦 @ourmankoto.bsky.social · 20d
I need a timeline cleanse. How about a table of contents announcement! That’s right—despite the world being on fire, it’s time to reveal the TOC for Year’s Best Canadian F&SF Volume 3! It was VERY hard to narrow the list down but it's all killer, no filler. The book launches October 14. Enjoy! 1/2
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
ajvanbelle.bsky.social
AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo @ajvanbelle.bsky.social · 20d
So completely thrilled that my poem STAR STITCHER (@havenspec.bsky.social) will be in the Year's Best Canadian F&SF alongside this incredible lineup!

What amazing company it's in. Can't wait to read everyone's wonderful work in this year's collection.
ourmankoto.bsky.social
Stephen Kotowych 🇨🇦 @ourmankoto.bsky.social · 20d
I need a timeline cleanse. How about a table of contents announcement! That’s right—despite the world being on fire, it’s time to reveal the TOC for Year’s Best Canadian F&SF Volume 3! It was VERY hard to narrow the list down but it's all killer, no filler. The book launches October 14. Enjoy! 1/2
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
vivianhchou.bsky.social
Vivian Chou @vivianhchou.bsky.social · 20d
Thanks again for the opportunity! 💕
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 21d
👀Fiction Highlight👀

ICYMI, the short story "Restaurant Space for Lease" by @vivianhchou.bsky.social is free to read!

Come meet some shady realtors, make a pact with ancient evils, and learn how to make calamari the hard way!

Story:
buff.ly/UV4fzpN

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: Vivian Chou. Title: Restaurant Space for Lease. Excerpt: I get my killer recipes from my Vietnamese mom, and my distrust of people from my Chinese dad. Maybe it's not healthy, but least it kept me out of the crypto craze. "For the last time, Clarissa, this space is not cursed," Tanya says. "But it's the only affordable space in this overpriced town." Her words echo through the restaurant space, empty of furniture save for the built-in bar and hostess station.
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 22d
👀Poetry Highlight👀

ICYMI, the poem "Dawn Witching with Crows" by @devzmiller.bsky.social is free to read!

Join the birds and cast your spells in this sapphic poem about witchy crows from our March issue!

Poem:
buff.ly/sJ8pVxr

Issue:
buff.ly/A4NJnnk
An excerpt of the poem "Dawn Witching with Crows" by Devin Miller, slated for Haven Spec Magazine, Issue 19, March 2025. The text reads: Softly lift the tools of your secret witching. Make no noise your mothers will hear, no telltale scrape of knife on stone; keep your setup silent. Answer no questions. The background is the issue's cover art, titled Daydreamer, by Abi Stevens Art.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 21d
👀Fiction Highlight👀

ICYMI, the short story "Restaurant Space for Lease" by @vivianhchou.bsky.social is free to read!

Come meet some shady realtors, make a pact with ancient evils, and learn how to make calamari the hard way!

Story:
buff.ly/UV4fzpN

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: Vivian Chou. Title: Restaurant Space for Lease. Excerpt: I get my killer recipes from my Vietnamese mom, and my distrust of people from my Chinese dad. Maybe it's not healthy, but least it kept me out of the crypto craze. "For the last time, Clarissa, this space is not cursed," Tanya says. "But it's the only affordable space in this overpriced town." Her words echo through the restaurant space, empty of furniture save for the built-in bar and hostess station.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 22d
👀Poetry Highlight👀

ICYMI, the poem "Dawn Witching with Crows" by @devzmiller.bsky.social is free to read!

Join the birds and cast your spells in this sapphic poem about witchy crows from our March issue!

Poem:
buff.ly/sJ8pVxr

Issue:
buff.ly/A4NJnnk
An excerpt of the poem "Dawn Witching with Crows" by Devin Miller, slated for Haven Spec Magazine, Issue 19, March 2025. The text reads: Softly lift the tools of your secret witching. Make no noise your mothers will hear, no telltale scrape of knife on stone; keep your setup silent. Answer no questions. The background is the issue's cover art, titled Daydreamer, by Abi Stevens Art.
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
popelizbet.bsky.social
Space Witches, Esq. @popelizbet.bsky.social · 24d
this is my notional ekphraksis of @seananmcguire.bsky.social s IN THE SHADOW OF SPINDRIFT HOUSE, but you can share and enjoy even without knowing the book.
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 24d
👀Poetry Highlight👀

ICYMI, the poem "Anchor Spindrift" by @popelizbet.bsky.social is now free to read!

Nothing lies beyond the ocean's reach in this tale of hope and heartache as inevitable as the rising tides.

Poem:
buff.ly/KTg9O5p

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: Elizabeth R McClellan. Title: Anchor Spindrift. Excerpt: When they carved the desk, a necessary place to keep paper from molding and aging, they cried as they stripped curves from the world. Flat surfaces repelled their sodden flesh like oil vomiting out water. A necessary compromise with
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 24d
👀Poetry Highlight👀

ICYMI, the poem "Anchor Spindrift" by @popelizbet.bsky.social is now free to read!

Nothing lies beyond the ocean's reach in this tale of hope and heartache as inevitable as the rising tides.

Poem:
buff.ly/KTg9O5p

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: Elizabeth R McClellan. Title: Anchor Spindrift. Excerpt: When they carved the desk, a necessary place to keep paper from molding and aging, they cried as they stripped curves from the world. Flat surfaces repelled their sodden flesh like oil vomiting out water. A necessary compromise with
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 25d
👀Fiction Highlight👀

ICYMI, the short story "Host" by @catherinemccarthy.bsky.social is free to read online!

Hear the whispers and discover the circle of stones, but be careful not to lose yourself in this story from our March issue!

Story:
buff.ly/OBx4dXE

Issue:
buff.ly/A4NJnnk
An excerpt of the short story "Host" by Catherine McCarthy, published in Haven Spec Magazine, Issue 19, March 2025. The text reads: This morning the golden hour is a quantum leap, each wave a time-lapsed sequence, each colour shift, through violet to red, over in a heartbeat. He sits at the foot of the tallest megalith, digs his heels in firm among the pebbles, and leans back, spent. The tide rolls in ever closer, until it licks at the stones, causing those at the water’s edge to decrease in height with each surge. An act of slow drowning. He watches...and waits. The background is the issue's cover art, titled Daydreamer, by Abi Stevens Art.
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Reposted by Haven Spec Magazine
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 26d
👀Fiction Highlight👀

ICYMI, the short story "Brother, What Is Your Name?" by @leannehoward.bsky.social is free to read!

A sisterhood of brewers and their magic beer await you on the mountaintop. Find yourself again with every drop you drink!

Story:
buff.ly/SBhFiBf

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: Leanne Howard Title: Brother, What Is Your Name? Excerpt: The publican greets me warmly; perhaps I am the first monk he's seen in a long time. But I decline his offer of a brew. I'm sure it's come from up there, from the mountain, from the Sisterhood. People say their beer makes princes cry. People say their beer can do a lot of things.
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havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 26d
👀Fiction Highlight👀

ICYMI, the short story "Brother, What Is Your Name?" by @leannehoward.bsky.social is free to read!

A sisterhood of brewers and their magic beer await you on the mountaintop. Find yourself again with every drop you drink!

Story:
buff.ly/SBhFiBf

Issue:
buff.ly/sTRxEtv
Image shows Saleha Chowdhury's art of a dark figure over a red background, their organs made up of strange animals. Superimposed on the image is an excerpt from issue twenty of Haven Spec Magazine, published July 2025. Author: Leanne Howard Title: Brother, What Is Your Name? Excerpt: The publican greets me warmly; perhaps I am the first monk he's seen in a long time. But I decline his offer of a brew. I'm sure it's come from up there, from the mountain, from the Sisterhood. People say their beer makes princes cry. People say their beer can do a lot of things.
2 4
havenspec.bsky.social
Haven Spec Magazine @havenspec.bsky.social · 27d
👀Fiction Highlight👀

ICYMI, the short story "Coming Home to Leviathan" by @saganyee.bsky.social is free to read online!

Fall back into your memories, but be careful not to dive too deep lest you sink forever in this piece from our March issue!

Story:
buff.ly/nzZvcls

Issue:
buff.ly/A4NJnnk
An excerpt of the short story "Coming Home to Leviathan" by Sagan Yee, published in Haven Spec Magazine, Issue 19, March 2025. The text reads: Kath stands barefoot in the surf, staring out over a calmly rolling sea. The sun blazes over the long stretch of beach, with its half-naked tourists lounging about on rainbow bath towels and collapsible loungers. She’s wearing a skimpy bikini because she knows it will piss off the woman behind her. Everything is just as she remembers it, and more. It’s amazing how much detail the tripper can pull out of a hacked memory. The background is the issue's cover art, titled Daydreamer, by Abi Stevens Art.
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