Here we are again in your inbox!

Lots of writers have been at AWP this week, and I hope those who attended had a good time. The conference can be overwhelming and loud and exhausting (and expensive), but the longer I’ve been publishing Necessary Fiction as well as my own writing, the more friends I’ve made and the more grateful I am for the chance to see them all in one place. Though I wasn’t able to travel this year and have instead been home thinking about Kansas City barbecue and imagining my AWP might have gone a bit like James Tate’s poem “Lewis and Clark Overheard in Conversation.”

If you’re looking for something to read on your way home, this week we published “Good Neighbors,” a story by Rachel Weinhaus. And we also shared Renée E. D’Aoust’s review of Heading North, a novel by Holly M. Wendt. It was the first time we’ve published either of this week’s writers, so thanks to Rachel and Renée for trusting us with their work.

As for what's upcoming, don't forget that submissions for our April series of nature-themed stories remain open until February 15.

In contributor news, congratulations to Tobias Carroll whose novel In The Sight was published this week. Recent contributor Marguerite Sheffer ("The Midden") saw her collection The Man In The Banana Trees announced as the winner of the Iowa Short Fiction Award, to be published in fall. And Colin Winnette, who we first published way back in 2010 with "Monday — Sunday," has been longlisted for the 2024 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction with his novel Users. We’re thrilled for them all. And if you have recent news of a book, award, or something else, please let us know.

Finally, a special congratulations to our fiction editor, Lacey N. Dunham, who also happens to be a terrific writer herself and has been announced as a 2024 recipient of an Elizabeth George Foundation grant. I am absolutely thrilled for her, and for everyone who will get to read the writing this opportunity allows her to create.

Thanks for reading,

Steve Himmer