ISSUE 2: WINTER 23/24

Mirk Fantasy is the magazine dedicated to the darker, stranger corners of the speculative imagination. Each themed issue gathers short stories that explore magical realms where shadows linger and nothing is quite as it seems. Writers are invited to submit work that embraces the eerie, the mysterious, and the wondrous, crafting tales that linger long after the final page is turned. The publication prides itself on showcasing fresh voices alongside established authors, all united by a shared love for fantasy that dares to wander off the well-trodden path.

Reading Mirk Fantasy is always free, reflecting the magazine's firm belief that great storytelling should be accessible to everyone. The editorial team works carefully through every submission, seeking out stories that surprise, unsettle, and ultimately inspire. Readers can expect a regular rhythm of issues, each built around a distinct theme that challenges writers to stretch their creativity in new directions. From haunted forests to forgotten cities, the fiction published here invites audiences to step into worlds where imagination rules and the rules of our own world fade away.

Submitting to Mirk Fantasy is a straightforward process designed with writers in mind. The magazine welcomes speculative fiction and fantasy short stories from authors at every stage of their journey, from first-time submitters to seasoned professionals. Each submission receives careful consideration, with the team committed to providing thoughtful responses in a timely manner. Guidelines are kept clear and simple, ensuring that writers know exactly what the magazine is looking for with each themed call. The goal is to make the submission experience as rewarding as the publication itself.

Every issue of Mirk Fantasy is assembled with a particular theme in mind, giving each collection a cohesive identity while still celebrating the diversity of voices within the fantasy genre. Past themes have invited writers to delve into magical realms, uncover hidden secrets, and navigate the intricate landscapes of the imagination. The result is a series of issues that feel like curated journeys rather than simple anthologies. Subscribers to the mailing list receive announcements about upcoming themes and deadlines directly in their inbox, ensuring they never miss an opportunity to share their work.

The magazine sits alongside its companion publication and the regular quarterly contest as part of a broader mission to champion short fiction that inspires. Whether a reader is drawn to the speculative, the fantastical, or the darker tones of Tartan Noir, there is something within the publishing family for every taste. The team behind Mirk Fantasy believes strongly in the power of creativity to move, challenge, and uplift. By keeping everything free to read and open to submissions, the magazine continues to build a community of writers and readers who share a passion for stories that matter.