The first time I encountered Locus is a memory lost to time—like many of us, I don’t recall the exact moment I discovered language, but rather, I became aware that it had always been there. Similarly, Locus entered my life gradually, and over time, it became a fundamental part of my engagement with the speculative fiction world.
I began writing fantasy and horror on another continent, far removed from the epicenter of the English-speaking speculative fiction industry. From this distant vantage point, I was an outsider, gazing longingly at the thriving community. Locus became my window to this world—a telescope through which I could catch glimpses of book deals, convention reports, and author interviews. These articles not only deepened my understanding of the works of authors I admired but also fueled my dream of one day appearing in the pages of this esteemed journal.
More than just a window, Locus became my guide. Its thorough reviews and coverage of speculative fiction journals directed me to the many magazines where I could submit my stories. The moment I saw my name on the Locus Recommended Reading List for the first time was indescribable. To have my story chosen from among thousands of others, deemed worthy of special mention by a Locus reviewer, was an honor I will never forget. When my collection Jackal, Jackal was published in 2023, it received two positive reviews from Locus, including a prophetic prediction that my work would soon appear on award ballots.
Over time, I have found myself geographically and metaphorically closer to the heart of the English-speaking speculative fiction community. Yet, even as my connection to the field has grown, Locus has remained a constant presence in my life. At the 2024 World Fantasy Convention in Niagara Falls—where that very prophecy came true for the fourth time—I had the privilege of meeting some of the wonderful people behind Locus: Arley, Liza, and Fran. It was a joy to share conversations and laughter with them. Then, in January 2025, I opened Locus to find my smiling face staring back at me—a surreal moment for an aspiring writer who once dreamed of seeing such a spread.
Locus holds the distinction of being the oldest and longest-running journal in the science fiction and fantasy genre. It has survived and thrived thanks to the unwavering support of the community it serves. But this support must continue if Locus is to remain the vibrant force it is today. The journal’s caretakers pour their passion and dedication into its pages, and it is up to us to offer our love, care, and support in return.
I urge everyone who cherishes the speculative fiction community to support Locus’s fundraiser in any way they can. Our community is what makes this field so special, and Locus is at the very heart of it. Let us ensure that this flame continues to burn brightly for generations to come.
