A year. Can you believe it? A whole freakin' year I've been doing this. Granted, sometimes I'm late. Okay, I'm always late. I picked up bad habits in university. Of course, if those profs had have been tougher on me, I might have had Sword's Edge out on time every month, but I also probably would've failed university.

But I digress.

I do this for love--which is necessary since there is absolutely no money in it! And it is a lot of fun. Plus, I get to have my own little soapbox every month to air my thoughts, concerns and opinions. I get to share my thoughts on great--and not so great--books and movies. I also get to share wonderful fiction, and that's really what it's all about.

I would love (simply love) to be able to get by with only offering up the editorial and maybe a review or two. When I had something to say about gaming or writing, I could always through that in there. I am involved because no one else has expressed any interest (and even when they do, more often than not, they never deliver). Luckily, I still have authors contacting me, wanting to share their visions with the rest of the world. That is why I do this month after month, because the fiction is there. When the submissions dry up, so does this e-zine.

There are a few people, though, who have really stood by me and my little e-zine. People like Howard Andrew Jones, Steven Shrewsbury and Eric S. Brown are always willing to offer up another short story. The first issue could have pretty much been called the Way of the Wolf issue, as we had a preview, a review and an interview (a lot of viewing, there). E. E. Knight even went so far as to offer up one of my favourite stories to ever grace these electronic pages--"The Keepers." Patrick Welch has offered up a few of his books for review, and has also graciously allowed me to feature a couple of his stories. Jennifer Oberlander has contributed two stories, Peter Welmerink still actively supports Sword's Edge and there are too many authors to name who have also helped.

This e-zine would not remain had not authors like those noted above offered their work for free. And it is their work, as much as any factory job, skilled craft or white collar job. Fiction is the author's craft. Hard work goes into its making. Sweat and tears, as much as sheer determination herald its creation. To give it to the world and ask nothing in return but perhaps a word or two of thanks is generous. I certainly wouldn't go into the office for free!

And it isn't just stories. Most of the time I am forced to scavenge for good, public domain artwork to slap on the cover, but some really great artists have offered up their labour for our benefit. Elisabeth A. Gundlach, Michael Dallaire, Robert Wakefield, Bob Childers, Eric Magie and now David Hendee have all selflessly offered up art to grace the covers of Sword's Edge. In this issue, Eric Magie and David Hendee have also created artwork for some of the stories, showcased alongside those stories. These artists deserve, and receive my appreciation. Good artwork on the cover can draw readers in. These artists have definitely provided me with good artwork.

The Gamer's Table has become almost the sole domain of Chris Marlowe, though this month, due to personal reasons (maybe he ran out of beer? Did his secret hideout under the Arctic spring a leak?) he's been unable to help out. I figure a month's vacation is the least I can do for someone who has so unfailingly come to my rescue month after month with great gaming articles. I hope he'll have more insights and ideas next month. I know his column attracts many gamers to Sword's Edge, and no matter why readers come, I'm glad they do.

So, even though a lot goes in to each and every issue, I certainly don't walk alone. Hopefully, writers and artists will continue to send their work, and as long as they do, I will continue to volunteer my time. I think this is a worthwhile venture. I know most of you out there will agree with me on that.

Thanks again to everyone who made this past year so great. I'm looking forward to the next 12 issues, and many more beyond that.