Heartlines Spec, Issue 10 (Spring 2026)

The stories and poems in Issue 10 take place in the grey area between worlds. The line between reality and the speculative becomes blurred as characters dive into the ocean, robots tell stories, and a Sasquatch searches for a friend. Death and family are themes throughout, as characters grieve absences or choose to build a new structure. SHORT FICTIONThe Impossibility of Fall Prevention by Pauline Barmby,Cradle Root Rot by Isla LaderThe Three Mothers You Will Never Meet by Parker M. O'NeillOf ember and dust by Anne LibertonSeashell Voicemails by Julia RayeDeath is a God Who Wants His Laws Obeyed by Scott PayneA Sasquatch Story by Rachel EsserFruit by Crystal Koo POETRYBeCause by Y.M. PangEmbodied Ancestors by K. T. LynPermission by Jordan HirschThe Siren After a Meal by Jules ArbeauxAdvertisement for Your BurdenBot by Sam Lesek NONFICTIONThe Grateful Dead by Lareina AbbottCoup de Coeur: Recent spec-fic reads by Lulu Vidal Heartlines Spec is a speculative magazine focused on long-term friendships and relationships. It's the comfort of the known, the fierce hug of someone that knows you best. We are a primarily a Canadian magazine, looking to feature writers identifying as being from Canada/Turtle Island. Issues are produced three times a year: February, July, and November.