Due to some serious time contraints on my end, I found myself unable to write a blasted editorial this month, but then again, how many people read the editorial anyway? After all, you come here for the fiction, the articles, and the reviews, right? I pray you’ll forgive me this one time. Therefore, let’s move right along to the heart of the matter....

Some changes this month in Of Ages Past....

The Archives—over the past few months I have heard that readers cannot seem to find a particular article or story, therefore, I have altered the archives to not only include issues in their entirety, but archives divided by subject, whether it’s short stories, articles, book reviews, or novel excerpts. Now, visitors, can click on the subject of their interest, and find, in alphabetical order, a listing of everything that has appeared at Of Ages Past since its inception in January 1999. Hope this makes it easier for all.

Additionally, the magazine has now formed its own official Webring, the Of Ages Past : The Webring Of Historical Fiction, which already includes several sites dedicated or semi-dedicated to our favorite genre. As most of you will not be surprised, considering the overall lackadaisical attitude toward Historical Fiction in the industry, this is the ONLY webring devoted to the genre, therefore, I encourage anyone and everyone with a homepage that features Historical Fiction to link your pages with ours, thus making Historical Fiction a driving force on the web.

Now, in keeping with my new tradition, I have devoted a page to a published “Historical-Fiction Author Of The Month,” including links to her webpage, her photograph, her entire bibliography, and a detailed interview. The author is not a stranger to these pages, therefore, I encourage you to read her words of advice and click on her homepage. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Unfortunately, the Of Ages Past Award for Historical Excellence was not given to any site this month, again due in small part to time constraints, but more importantly, due to lack of nominations (or nominations that arrived just past this month’s deadline). But for those new to the magazine, do yourselves a favor and click on the sites listed in the “Sites Of The Month” Archives, since these past recipients of the OAP Award are all terrific.

In this month’s Articles, writer Joseph R. Reuther shares his second article in the series “A Guide To The Fledging Writer” with his “The Basics Of Characterization” writer Jamie Engle offers invaluable advice for authors who are seeking to use the internet as a promotional tool; novelist Ellen Ben-Sefer shares some of her experience in learning from the past; while acclaimed author Claire Cross/Delacroix professes the joy she receives from writing novels related to time travel.

In this month’s Book Reviews, you will find double the normal amount of reviews on offer, thanks in no small part to several new contributors to the magazine. Kathee S. Card offers her take on 4 novels alone, while Frances Grattan, Cy Korte, myself, and new contributor Dave Perry share our views regarding several novels of historical fiction.

In this month’s Short Stories, semi-regular contributor Jesse F. Knight provides “The Blind,” set during the American Revolutionary War; author Jean Adams offers her poignant love story “The Lotus Pool,” a tale set during ancient Egypt; while Angela Contino Donshes shares with us “Vendetta,” a short story taken from the pages of her screenplay, based on a true tale of her uncle’s murder in “Little Italy.”

In this month’s Novel Excerpts, acclaimed novelist Connie Briscoe shares with us an excerpt from her hardcover release A Long Way From Home; spellbinder Robin Bayne gives a riveting slice of her newly-released novel of time-travel during the Civil War, The Will Of Time; Kathy Ishcomer intrigues us with fascinating snippets from her Ice Angel; while novelist Joan Van Nuys graciously provides several chapters in her re-released novel classic Beloved Enchantress.

Thanks for stopping in, and feel open to send an email detailing what you like or hate about the magazine. And keep those nominations coming for our “Sites Of The Month” section, or send any emails for our letters column or historical fiction recommendations for our growing list. (Yes, I will admit, I have been lax in the list’s upkeep, but fear not, I shall get to it pronto.)

As always, enjoy!