The IAF heartily welcomes the return of Mythic Passages: the Magazine of Imagination from the Mythic Imagination Institute. Its Winter 2009 issue, which has just been posted online at http://www.mythicjourneys.org, features not only a cover article on the phoenix in art and literature from the IAF’s own Wendy Ellertson but a glowing review of Interfictions I from Anya Martin as well!

From Wendy’s article:

Phoenixes have long intrigued me because of their symbolism, elegant shape, and dramatic colors. Flight and wings have always been an important element in my artwork. And so it was that early in 2006 I decided to create a large red and golden phoenix as a major piece in my display at the American Craft Council Baltimore. At the same time, a story about the disappearance of the phoenix, a quest, and the cupola of a house near our home crept into my journals. Then the newest Harry Potter edition came out — with a red phoenix on the cover. “So much for my idea,” I thought.

From the Interfictions I review:

I am sure the editors may wish to make a case why this anthology of “interstitial” stories shouldn’t be classified as fantasy, so I want to start by saying that I have no intention of pigeonholing it as such. But because it is co-edited by Delia Sherman who is best known as a fantasy author, many members of the Interstitial Arts Foundation (IAF) come from fantasy, and most of the stories have an otherworldly element, a case can be made that it will appeal especially to those who love fantasy literature but also are frustrated by its general lack of creativity in recent years or are drawn to less-American approaches such as works of magical realism or fiction by Jonathan Carroll and Milan Kundera.

The entire issue is well worth the reading. Thanks for the kind words, Mythic Passages, and welcome back!