Triangulation: 2003

A Confluence of Speculative Fiction

Introduction:

You hold in your hands a book based upon the concept that people residing in one area of the planet Earth can be intrinsically talented at writing science fiction, fantasy and horror. Who’d buy a book based on the author’s zip code? Someone who wanted original stories full of zing and depth, who seeks the final answer, and is dying to know what’s behind the curtain. What danger lurks in the heart of women during the full moon? Where is the Eighth Street Bridge? Why is the Golden Harp crying? Who’d turn down an easy million? What do Pirates do in the off-season? And, most of all, where can I get fishnet stockings like that? 

Welcome to PARSEC Publishing, the newest venture of PARSEC, Pittsburgh’s science fiction and fantasy association (incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). A new, original genre anthology is planned for release each summer. PARSEC holds meetings open to the public every month, usually at the Squirrel Hill Branch of the Carnegie Library. Since the 80’s, authors, editors, scientists, musicians, poets and gamers have given talks about their connection to and interest in the genre. Two stories in this volume are from students of the 2002 Alpha SF/F/H Workshop for Young Writers, another PARSEC endeavor. You’ll see most of the Triangulation authors at Confluence, Pittsburgh’s yearly literary conference.

PARSEC sponsors a no-fee, genre short story contest with cash prizes and set themes; this past year’s theme was “The Alien Wore Fishnet Stockings.” Hundreds of contest submissions have been received from around the world. Some of the highest-ranked entries have been included in this volume; all the other Triangulation stories came from card-carrying PARSEC members. Next year’s contest theme is “Hard Port.”

Enjoy!

Diane Turnshek
July 8, 2003