The Cosmic Background
@thecosmicbgr.bsky.social
🚀 SF/F Magazine
👻Flash Fiction + Poetry
👁️Closed for Submissions
📒 Stories are Free to read NOW
Editor Sam Asher https://bsky.app/profile/samasherwriter.bsky.social
https://www.thecosmicbackground.com
https://linktr.ee/thecosmicbgr
👻Flash Fiction + Poetry
👁️Closed for Submissions
📒 Stories are Free to read NOW
Editor Sam Asher https://bsky.app/profile/samasherwriter.bsky.social
https://www.thecosmicbackground.com
https://linktr.ee/thecosmicbgr
Pinned
Donate to Support The Cosmic Background's Diverse Voices, organized by Sam Asher
For two years, The Cosmic Background has been the world's premier venue for f… Sam Asher needs your support for Support The Cosmic Background's Diverse Voices
www.gofundme.com
Hellllooooo from the static! It is fundraising season for many spec mags out there. We are doing things a little differently with a small gofundme to help us into 2026.
We are already at $2 and just need a little boost to help us to our goal of $2400 👻
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
We are already at $2 and just need a little boost to help us to our goal of $2400 👻
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Check out my flash fiction piece at @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social below!
Let's do this! "A Galaxy Run in 30 Minutes or Less" by J.D. Harlock! www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/j-d-...
J.D. Harlock -- A Galaxy Run in 30 Minutes or Less
As soon as Carna steps into the lift for a date with that cute girl from the dispatch division, her pager notifies her of a job on the other end of the galaxy. The pay would cover her rent, but should...
www.thecosmicbackground.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Check out my flash fiction piece at @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social below!
Let's do this! "A Galaxy Run in 30 Minutes or Less" by J.D. Harlock! www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/j-d-...
J.D. Harlock -- A Galaxy Run in 30 Minutes or Less
As soon as Carna steps into the lift for a date with that cute girl from the dispatch division, her pager notifies her of a job on the other end of the galaxy. The pay would cover her rent, but should...
www.thecosmicbackground.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Let's do this! "A Galaxy Run in 30 Minutes or Less" by J.D. Harlock! www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/j-d-...
A unsettling tale for Halloween Week. heck out "By The Spine" by Anya F. Bloom!
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/anya...
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/anya...
October 30, 2025 at 12:07 AM
A unsettling tale for Halloween Week. heck out "By The Spine" by Anya F. Bloom!
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/anya...
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/anya...
This story is the first of our stories sought specifically from writers of Palestinian descent. Elise Stephens is smart, and articulate, and brave. She is talented, witty, and a spectacular writer.
Check out "Suspension" by Elise Stephens @elisestephens.bsky.social
Check out "Suspension" by Elise Stephens @elisestephens.bsky.social
September 8, 2025 at 2:13 AM
This story is the first of our stories sought specifically from writers of Palestinian descent. Elise Stephens is smart, and articulate, and brave. She is talented, witty, and a spectacular writer.
Check out "Suspension" by Elise Stephens @elisestephens.bsky.social
Check out "Suspension" by Elise Stephens @elisestephens.bsky.social
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Hi!
Have you ever wanted to chat with David Steffen, (aka the weird gremlin known dor Diabolical Plots, Submission Grinder, and Long List Anthology)?
there is a lottery signup to do just that online with Flights of Foundry, session on September 26th!
flights-of-foundry.org/lottery/
Have you ever wanted to chat with David Steffen, (aka the weird gremlin known dor Diabolical Plots, Submission Grinder, and Long List Anthology)?
there is a lottery signup to do just that online with Flights of Foundry, session on September 26th!
flights-of-foundry.org/lottery/
Limited Seating Sessions – Flights of Foundry
flights-of-foundry.org
September 2, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Hi!
Have you ever wanted to chat with David Steffen, (aka the weird gremlin known dor Diabolical Plots, Submission Grinder, and Long List Anthology)?
there is a lottery signup to do just that online with Flights of Foundry, session on September 26th!
flights-of-foundry.org/lottery/
Have you ever wanted to chat with David Steffen, (aka the weird gremlin known dor Diabolical Plots, Submission Grinder, and Long List Anthology)?
there is a lottery signup to do just that online with Flights of Foundry, session on September 26th!
flights-of-foundry.org/lottery/
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
are you ready for some big news?
WE ARE OPEN
for BIPOC subs for issue 100!
and we are celebrating with a special theme: Transition, Migration, and Borders: Movement in, and of the Body
💖for those of us who find home in liminal spaces💖
find out more here:
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
WE ARE OPEN
for BIPOC subs for issue 100!
and we are celebrating with a special theme: Transition, Migration, and Borders: Movement in, and of the Body
💖for those of us who find home in liminal spaces💖
find out more here:
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
Fantasy Magazine Guidelines - PSYCHOPOMP.COM
updated September 2, 2025
psychopomp.com
September 2, 2025 at 9:00 PM
are you ready for some big news?
WE ARE OPEN
for BIPOC subs for issue 100!
and we are celebrating with a special theme: Transition, Migration, and Borders: Movement in, and of the Body
💖for those of us who find home in liminal spaces💖
find out more here:
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
WE ARE OPEN
for BIPOC subs for issue 100!
and we are celebrating with a special theme: Transition, Migration, and Borders: Movement in, and of the Body
💖for those of us who find home in liminal spaces💖
find out more here:
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
YOU are the gem💎
@thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is a gem of a magazine: a great place to read and send your weird stories! Consider supporting them ❤️
🌌💡
🌌💡
It's officially fundraising time over at @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social, and we're doing things a little differently this year.
Help a pro-paying, deeply-progressive, 100% human magazine continue to thrive. We'll love you for it.
gofund.me/ca0c2b7d
Help a pro-paying, deeply-progressive, 100% human magazine continue to thrive. We'll love you for it.
gofund.me/ca0c2b7d
September 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
YOU are the gem💎
Aww shucks. What he said 😭
@thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is having a @gofundme.com campaign to support its third year of publication.
At $.10/word, The Cosmic Background pays authors of flash and poetry to share their work on the website
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
At $.10/word, The Cosmic Background pays authors of flash and poetry to share their work on the website
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
Donate to Support The Cosmic Background's Diverse Voices, organized by Sam Asher
For two years, The Cosmic Background has been the world's premier venue for f… Sam Asher needs your support for Support The Cosmic Background's Diverse Voices
www.gofundme.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Aww shucks. What he said 😭
Hellllooooo from the static! It is fundraising season for many spec mags out there. We are doing things a little differently with a small gofundme to help us into 2026.
We are already at $2 and just need a little boost to help us to our goal of $2400 👻
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
We are already at $2 and just need a little boost to help us to our goal of $2400 👻
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
Donate to Support The Cosmic Background's Diverse Voices, organized by Sam Asher
For two years, The Cosmic Background has been the world's premier venue for f… Sam Asher needs your support for Support The Cosmic Background's Diverse Voices
www.gofundme.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Hellllooooo from the static! It is fundraising season for many spec mags out there. We are doing things a little differently with a small gofundme to help us into 2026.
We are already at $2 and just need a little boost to help us to our goal of $2400 👻
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
We are already at $2 and just need a little boost to help us to our goal of $2400 👻
www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...
STORYTIME! Yes, we are a little behind on uplifting the latest stories we've published but that just means we can REMIND YOU THEY ARE AWESOME!
Check out "Burn it Down" by Beth Dawkins @bethwrites.bsky.social :
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/beth...
Check out "Burn it Down" by Beth Dawkins @bethwrites.bsky.social :
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/beth...
June 24, 2025 at 4:19 AM
STORYTIME! Yes, we are a little behind on uplifting the latest stories we've published but that just means we can REMIND YOU THEY ARE AWESOME!
Check out "Burn it Down" by Beth Dawkins @bethwrites.bsky.social :
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/beth...
Check out "Burn it Down" by Beth Dawkins @bethwrites.bsky.social :
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/beth...
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Check out our review of Anya F. Bloom's short story in @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social! I enjoyed it!
Also, if you're not familiar with The Cosmic Background, their site design and overall vibe are really unique.
(McKenzie)
cthulhuville.com/2025/05/06/t...
Also, if you're not familiar with The Cosmic Background, their site design and overall vibe are really unique.
(McKenzie)
cthulhuville.com/2025/05/06/t...
The Cosmic Background: “By the Spine”
A fun take on the theme that everyone has a story, but a little heavy-handed in that Bloom has taken the idea as literally as possible.
cthulhuville.com
May 7, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Check out our review of Anya F. Bloom's short story in @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social! I enjoyed it!
Also, if you're not familiar with The Cosmic Background, their site design and overall vibe are really unique.
(McKenzie)
cthulhuville.com/2025/05/06/t...
Also, if you're not familiar with The Cosmic Background, their site design and overall vibe are really unique.
(McKenzie)
cthulhuville.com/2025/05/06/t...
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Reminder to everyone that if you email submissions to @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social instead of using our Moksha, ain't nobody reading those.
May 9, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Reminder to everyone that if you email submissions to @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social instead of using our Moksha, ain't nobody reading those.
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Locus is a vital part of our industry. If you enjoy @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social then know that they're a vital resource to us, and basically every other pro and semi-pro paying magazine. Support them if you can!
THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!
We have 9 days to reach our fundraising goal & we have a LONG way to go!!
Be the reason that the Locus lights stay on! Help us out at igg.me/at/locusmag2025. We are so grateful for your support!
Fundraiser link in bio #sff #scifi #fantasy #booksky
We have 9 days to reach our fundraising goal & we have a LONG way to go!!
Be the reason that the Locus lights stay on! Help us out at igg.me/at/locusmag2025. We are so grateful for your support!
Fundraiser link in bio #sff #scifi #fantasy #booksky
May 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Locus is a vital part of our industry. If you enjoy @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social then know that they're a vital resource to us, and basically every other pro and semi-pro paying magazine. Support them if you can!
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Okay, I'm no longer hospitalized, and @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is open. Hurrah.
May 4, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Okay, I'm no longer hospitalized, and @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is open. Hurrah.
Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay in opening submissions. Our editor is in the hospital. We need a few to get him healthy and settled. We will announce our new opening date very soon. Thanks for your patience.
May 2, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay in opening submissions. Our editor is in the hospital. We need a few to get him healthy and settled. We will announce our new opening date very soon. Thanks for your patience.
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
Hey folks,
Unfortunately @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social won't open today because editor @samasherwriter.bsky.social is in the hospital with pharyngitis, disallowing from eating and drinking for 48 hours so malnutrition and dehydration. For sure updating the sub window when crisis averts. Love on him pls
Unfortunately @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social won't open today because editor @samasherwriter.bsky.social is in the hospital with pharyngitis, disallowing from eating and drinking for 48 hours so malnutrition and dehydration. For sure updating the sub window when crisis averts. Love on him pls
May 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Hey folks,
Unfortunately @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social won't open today because editor @samasherwriter.bsky.social is in the hospital with pharyngitis, disallowing from eating and drinking for 48 hours so malnutrition and dehydration. For sure updating the sub window when crisis averts. Love on him pls
Unfortunately @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social won't open today because editor @samasherwriter.bsky.social is in the hospital with pharyngitis, disallowing from eating and drinking for 48 hours so malnutrition and dehydration. For sure updating the sub window when crisis averts. Love on him pls
We are closed for the moment! But hold tight to those hats and glasses and short stories! We will see you May 1!
@thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is closed until May 1st. All submissions will receive replies by April 1st -- if for some reason you haven't heard from us by then, please feel free to hassle me in whichever way you see fit. I like to be hassled with cake.
March 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
We are closed for the moment! But hold tight to those hats and glasses and short stories! We will see you May 1!
Hell yes!
ICYMI, I posted my latest short fiction recs! With stories from @clarkesworldmagazine.com @strangehorizons.bsky.social @uncannymagazine.bsky.social @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social @unchartedmag.bsky.social --
itsajumble.blogspot.com/2025/02/shor...
itsajumble.blogspot.com/2025/02/shor...
Short fiction recs! December 2024--January 2025.
This cold February I offer you a mix of stories from the old year and the new. Some are dark; some speak of loss and disaster and warn of ...
itsajumble.blogspot.com
February 14, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Hell yes!
Spread the word👇🏽
Okay, I've earmarked a couple hundred bucks from @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social's Kickstarter to just give to a writer who needs/deserves it. Give me suggestions.
I know I'm a white guy saying this, but no white guys. Sorry other white guys. We already get enough.
I know I'm a white guy saying this, but no white guys. Sorry other white guys. We already get enough.
January 21, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Spread the word👇🏽
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
At some point probably in early Feb, @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social will close for a couple weeks to get everything caught up and ready to go for our post-Kickstarter existence. Submissions have been slowing down a little (only 5 today so far, is everyone okay?), but heads up just in case.
January 18, 2025 at 7:38 PM
At some point probably in early Feb, @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social will close for a couple weeks to get everything caught up and ready to go for our post-Kickstarter existence. Submissions have been slowing down a little (only 5 today so far, is everyone okay?), but heads up just in case.
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
3 hours left for @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social Kickstarter. We've already funded but barely. It would be great to get a few more backers and there are some great rewards available for those that support us.
kck.st/3VMaSEy
kck.st/3VMaSEy
The Cosmic Background: Year Two
A pro-paying magazine of speculative flash fiction.
kck.st
January 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
3 hours left for @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social Kickstarter. We've already funded but barely. It would be great to get a few more backers and there are some great rewards available for those that support us.
kck.st/3VMaSEy
kck.st/3VMaSEy
Hell yes 🙌🏽
Announcement:
Psychopomp is relaunching Fantasy Magazine
WELCOME BACK, FANTASY!
full details here:
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
Psychopomp is relaunching Fantasy Magazine
WELCOME BACK, FANTASY!
full details here:
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
January 16, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Hell yes 🙌🏽
We did it! We still have 11 hours to go, so grab those fortune teller cards and books and swag while you can!
January 16, 2025 at 7:28 AM
We did it! We still have 11 hours to go, so grab those fortune teller cards and books and swag while you can!
Reposted by The Cosmic Background
For folks looking to nominate for awards, @swantower.bsky.social's 'Ten Minutes' in @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is the best piece of speculative flash fiction published anywhere in 2024. It's a pitch-perfect example of writing speculative flash.
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/mari...
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/mari...
Marie Brennan -- Ten Minutes
Meditation is difficult when I’m distracted. But my teacher eventually got it through my head that mindfulness isn’t mindlessness, achieving perfect, blank emptiness; it’s about being aware. Sometimes...
www.thecosmicbackground.com
January 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
For folks looking to nominate for awards, @swantower.bsky.social's 'Ten Minutes' in @thecosmicbgr.bsky.social is the best piece of speculative flash fiction published anywhere in 2024. It's a pitch-perfect example of writing speculative flash.
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/mari...
www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/mari...