I write this in the great grey depths of our nuclear summer. I can't take credit for that phrase: I heard it from my next-door neighbour. Although it didn't reconcile me to oppressive blank skies broken only by the occasional drenching downpour, the bleak humour of the expression cheered me up a bit. And reminded me that although words don't necessarily change things, they can change the way we think about them. Maybe that's what writing is all about.
I'm not sure if literary magazines can change things, but they just might. Certainly for the four-and-a-half years that The Stinging Fly has existed, it has remained true to its stated purpose: publishing thought-provoking writing. In addition to prose and poetry from voices both new and familiar, each issue generally features an interview with an author who offers insight into his or her work and the arcane mysteries of the writer's craft. Recent issues have broadened the scope by including reviews to expose readers to work and ideas beyond the confines of the magazine's covers.
I've been an admirer of The Stinging Fly since its start in 1998. I've also been a copy editor and contributor. The first short story I managed to get published appeared in these pages in 2000, so I know first-hand how much the magazine means to new writers - both as an outlet for their work and a place to learn from others.
Like other issues of The Stinging Fly, this one strives for a delicate balance. Two of the four stories here are the first published works of writers we think you'll be hearing more from in the future, and several of the poems are from emerging talents as well. But the Fly's readers also want to keep up with authors they know and admire, so we feature new work from names you're likely to recognise: Molly McCloskey (who also shares her thoughts on writing in the interview on the following pages), Eamon Grennan, Kerry Hardie, Dennis O'Driscoll and - fresh from her triumph in the RTÉ/Rattlebag Poetry Slam - teenaged phenomenon Leanne O'Sullivan.
New literary magazines have sprung up both here and in the UK in recent months, which is a good thing for readers and writers alike. Each has its own slant, its own strengths and weaknesses. But I know of none that does as good a job as The Stinging Fly when it comes to presenting work and insights from established writers while introducing its readers to new voices.
Since I took on the assignment of handling this issue, I have an even greater respect for the magazine and its tireless editor. The equally indefatigable poetry editor, Eabhan Ní Shúileabháin, and I did our best to pull together a package that will interest and perhaps inspire. I hope we succeeded, but the signs have not been propitious. Besides the ominous non-summer that saw the return of the potato blight, this is The Stinging Fly's thirteenth issue.
Yet other portents are more favourable. The magazine's readership is growing nicely, and it's receiving more submissions than ever. It also continues to enjoy the absolutely vital support of individuals and organisations, notably Dublin City Council and The Arts Council.
Declan Meade, the magazine's founder and editor, had the good sense to spend this summer far from Ireland's dour skies. But now he's back at the helm of The Stinging Fly. Long may she sail.

Maria Behan