Triangulation 2003: A Confluence of Speculative Fiction

IntroductionYou 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? (The Soxx Shop, Station Square.)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 on the second Saturday of every month, usually at the Squirrel Hill Branch of the Carnegie Library. For nearly twenty years, 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 2002 students of the Alpha SF/F/H Workshop for Young Writers, another PARSEC endeavour. You'll see most of the Triangulation authors at Confluence, Pittsburgh's yearly literary conference.For the past eight years, PARSEC has sponsored 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 TurnshekJuly 8, 2003