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FOREWORD

Here is the second set of stories rewritten specifically for this volume and appearing in print for the first time. The mix is a bit different from that of “Touches of Wonder and Terror.” There is a poem, two novelettes, and a couple of psychodramas for your consideration. The poem “Night Demon” was inspired by the fondness my wife and I had for the TV series Beauty and the Beast. “Moon-Man” sold to Eldritch Tales, “Following the Rain” went to Owlflight, but neither appeared in print before the magazines folded. “Social Security” was sent to a couple of mystery magazines and lay forgotten in my files for many years until now. The rest of the stories were near-misses in the magazine market, and I have used useful comments by editors such as Kris Rusch, A. J. Budrys, and Dean Wesley Smith to do the rewrites. Some rewrites have been extensive. “Cold Sleep” in its present form is thirty percent shorter than the previous draft. And, in response to comments on “The Depths of Love” by Kris Rusch, the entire story has been changed.

Rewriting the stories in this volume has been an educational experience for me. Rewriting is necessary, but difficult. In the heat of publishing efforts, a piece can often be sent out too quickly before an author can see what work remains to be done. On the other hand, it’s possible to rewrite a story to the point where no life is left in it. A balance must be found, and I have tried to do it here. I would appreciate reader comments on these stories. Please send them to my web site at www.sff.net/people/jglass/ and, if nothing else, at least let me know which stories were your favorites.

My hope, of course, is that you enjoy all of them.