NEWS & COMMUNITY

A Staff Column by C. Alexander | September 2026

The 2026 Hugo Award winners just announced...

Best Short Story: “In My Country” by Thomas Ha (Clarkesworld, Issue 223)

Best Novella: The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (Tordotcom; Arcadia UK)

Best Novelette: “Never Eaten Vegetables” by H.H. Pak (Clarkesworld, Issue 220)

Best Novel: The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (Tor US; Tor UK)

Best Graphic Story or Comic: A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel, written by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted and art by Fred Fordham (Clarion Books; Walker UK)

Best Game or Interactive Work: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, published by Kepler Interactive

Best Semiprozine: Uncanny Magazine, publisher and editor-in-chief: Michael Damian Thomas; managing editor Monte Lin; poetry editor Betsy Aoki, podcast producers Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky

For the full list of award winners, click below.

Source: https://www.thehugoawards.org/2026/08/2026-hugo-awards-results/

 

William Gibson's Neuromancer hits Apple TV in Jan 2027...

A monumental pioneering work in the world of science fiction, and sure prime mover of the cyberpunk subgenre, Neuromancer has long been held in the highest regard within the community. Now, it’s time for a mainstream endeavor. In January 2027, the Apple TV production will be released on its platform to eager viewers across the globe.

Source: https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/07/apple-tvs-highly-anticipated-cyberpunk-series-neuromancer-hacks-into-san-diego-comic-con-with-first-ever-teaser/

 

E.J. Swift's When There Are Wolves Again won the 2026 Arthur C. Clarke Award...

The Arthur C. Clarke Award is still going strong in its 40th year. The 2026 award for the best science fiction novel published in the U.K. goes to When There Are Wolves Again, by E. J. Swift. Swift's novel surrounds climate change and social conflict, while delivering a story precisely at the intersection of literary and speculative fiction. You can acquire a copy here: https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/e-j-swift/when-there-are-wolves-again/9781529436471/

Oh, and she beat out Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl... so there's that.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/aug/12/ej-swift-wins-the-2026-arthur-c-clarke-award-for-science-fiction

 

Literary Magazine of the Month...

Elastic 

Self-described as a "print magazine of psychedelic art and literature," Elastic is this year's "Best Debut Magazine" winner of the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses' Firecracker Award. Think: trippy, wild, dreamlike, arresting, and sharply vivid. A conventional take on genre? Absolutely not. You'll find no less than genre-blurring amalgamations here. Give it a read.

Source: https://www.elasticmag.com/

 

Throwback Recommendation of the Month...

Tokyo Ghost, an Image Comics publication, by Rick Remender and Sean Murphy

As we're coming up on the 10 year anniversary of the release of the second volume, I thought it might be time to remind others of this absolute gem. Or, perhaps, introduce a new group of curious readers to what is one of the quintessential, contemporary cyberpunk graphic novels on the shelves today. STILL. Give it a read. And do brace yourselves... it's an homage as well as a reinvention. I thought the Neo Tokyo concept was simply played out, but boy, was I wrong. For fans of the heavy hitting and ultraviolent, and with a desire for electric, unrestrained, social commentary, this is your read.

Source: https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/tokyo-ghost

 

Featured MFA Programs...

 

Emerging Writer Opportunities...

 

Discover Literary Magazines…

 

Community Spotlight…

While we are an online publication aimed at readers far and wide, we’re also an organized effort based out of Matthews, North Carolina—a small town just outside of Charlotte. We aim to feature literary news and writer opportunities for Charlotte, but also the greater area, including the Piedmont, Appalachian, and Coastal regions of the state.

This month, the spotlight is on:

The North Carolina Writers Network Fall Conference, hosted by the NCWN

When: Nov 6-8  Where: Asheville, NC

  • over 200 writers and publishing pros scheduled to attend
  • a full weekend of workshops, readings, panels, and more
  • from their August 31st post: "This Fall Conference will feature more classes on genre craft than ever before, with “Mastering Genre: Writing Beyond the Trope” with Van Jensen, “Uncanny Language: Crafting Voice-Driven Horror” with Taylor Sykes, “Writing for the YA Audience” with F. T. Lukens, and “The Character of Horror” with Jamieson Ridenhour, who also will lead a class on “Creating Audio Dramas.”"
  • direct registration link: https://www.ncwriters.org/ncwnsecure/reg/fallConferenceForm2026.php

Source: https://www.ncwriters.org/news/network-news/registration-now-open-for-2026-ncwn-fall-conference/

 

    Coming Soon...

    October is just around the corner, and that means the spooky season is nigh! It also means that alchemical will be one month closer to the release of its very first issue! Check back soon for more updates. Or, join our mailing list, and never miss a beat.

    • Fall issues abound! Literary magazines you need to know about
    • Halloween contests! Whether you are an emerging writer or an aspiring writer, we'll have some new opportunities for you
    • New book releases! Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, slipstream, and amalgamations of all varieties

    And of course, send us your subs! We are currently open to submissions for our inaugural Spring 2027 Issue! Click here for more details.