ESC! presents an expanded line up of fiction and poetry this issue. Featuring the short story "Baaaaaab" by Diane Payne and "VEX: Seasonal Sleep" by Paul Tucker, this issue is also proud to welcome back reader favorites Joyce Bradshaw and Bob Potocki. Rounding out our new fiction this issue are Deborah Mercier and Charles Ries, both of whom I hope we'll see more of in the future.

Our poetry section brings you another piece by David Howerton as well as long time contributor Guy Qualls and two poems by ESC! newcomer Irene Sedeora.

ESC! introduces a new Book Review section this issue. If you have a book you'd like reviewed or have reviewed books in the past, please let us know. The current selection is "Marking Time" by Barbara Jordan Bache-Wiig, reviewed by Charles Ries.

This month's cover, "Cat and Mouse" was illustrated by Alex Rodriguez, a Chicago-based artist.

By purchasing the Premium Printed Edition or snagging something from the ESC!Mag Gear online store, ESC! Magazine can continue to publish aspiring Writers and Artists for years to come.

Table of Contents

ARTWORK

Cat and Mouse - Cover Illustration
Alex Rodiguez

VEX: Seasonal Sleep
Paul B. Tucker

FICTION

Selfhood Under Fire
Joyce G. Bradshaw

The Connection Between Breasts and Skydiving
Deborah Mercier

Baaaaaab
Diane Payne

Gazing
Robert Potocki

Albino Prunes
Charles P. Ries

POETRY

Returning Totems
David E. Howerton

When I Dream
Guy R. Qualls

In San Francisco
Irene Sedeora

Supper
Irene Sedeora

THE READING LOUNGE

BOOK REVIEW: Marking Time
Charles P. Ries