Well, here comes issue twenty, and all we had to do to get here was publish nineteen others…

Seriously though, this twentieth issue of IGMS is a great follow-up to our fifth anniversary issue last month. The cover story, "The Never, Never Wizard of Appalachicola," is by Jason Sanford, a previous contributor making his first appearance as our featured cover author. It's about the yin and yang between science and magic, and the value both can bring to a dangerous world.

"Sympathy of a Gun" by Gary Kloster show us a disastrous first encounter between Earth and an alien race, and the steps a young woman must take to ensure the survival of humanity.

Apparently there are a lot of ways to change the face of the Earth, because next up is "The American" by Bruce Worden: a fascinating look at the effects of a transhuman singularity on a young Polish woman and her family's small farm.

"The Vicksburg Dead" takes us back in time, as author Jens Rushing shows us the secret history behind the Civil War battle for the city that was the key to controlling the Mississippi.

Finally we have, "Beneath the Shadow of the Dragon" by Erin Cashier. A young woman on an alien planet must choose between tradition and family vs. a bold personal step to honor her dead mother's intentions, getting some help from an unexpected source. "Beneath the Shadow of the Dragon" is also this issue's audio story, read by Emily Card, daughter of our publisher who took a break from her regular job of reading/producing audio books to help us out here at IGMS.

Because it's the holiday, and because we love any excuse to give you some extras for your money, we also have two Holiday Bonus Stories: "The Wisemen," a brand new sci fi reimagining of the Christmas story by Orson Scott Card, as well as another story selected by Orson from one of his writing students: "Miracle on Massachusetts Avenue" by Maureen Power.

Top it all of with a Darrell Schweitzer interview of famed editor Ellen Datlow, and you've got issue twenty of IGMS - with a bow on top of it.

Happy Holidays - whatever holiday it is that you celebrate - and to all a good night.

Edmund R. Schubert
Editor, Orson Scott Card's InterGalactic Medicine Show

P.S. As usual, we've collected essays from the authors in this issue and will post them on our blog (www.SideShowFreaks.blogspot.com). Feel free to drop by and catch The Story Behind The Stories, where the authors talk about the creation of their tales.

P.P.S. And remember, issue #11 is still free for all to read until the end of the year. If you need a quick gift to pass along to a friend, point them there.