The Oceans Issue

Covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean directly and constantly impacts our lives. From epic sea squalls and hurricanes and floods to quiet currents that maintain the weather and house thousands of creatures—large and small—the seas wield immense power over climate and the lives of humankind. Yet, there’s so much we don’t know about the vast, abyssal territories of darkness, high pressure, and incredible cold and heat that surround us, impenetrable (or extremely dangerous) to landlubbers. In F(r)iction’s Oceans issue, we present stories, poetry, and nonfiction about underwater cities, rising seas, harrowing travels, creation, destruction, thirst, and whales.

In these pages, Dr. Jeanette Davis (Dr. Ocean) shares how sunlight and the ocean interact to create fascinating biomes full of mystery. James Bradley discusses the orchestra of sounds that make the oceans unique and beautiful in an excerpt of his latest book, Deep Water: The World in the Ocean. Charlie Jane Anders (Lessons in Magic and Disaster) presents a comic about star-crossed lovers with world-ending responsibilities. Two survivors of an apocalypse search a toxic, flooded landscape for elusive mushrooms in “Still Waters” by Abigail Kemske while our community feature with Ocean Culture Life offers poetry, stories, and essays from ocean advocates around the world. Sam Dow gives us a gorgeous comic about how love can save you from drowning and “Tsunami Sequence” is samodH Porawagamage‘s poetic exploration of the aftermath of natural disaster.

The Oceans issue creates and destroys, churns and gently sways, awes and intimidates. Set sail with us as we contemplate the depths, matriculate with mollusks, and seek solace in the shimmer.

Please Note: 

• We may split large print orders into multiple packages. We are not responsible for any import tax you may be charged to receive your order.
• All print orders also include access to a Digital Download of the issue.
• Digital Downloads will be made available as a PDF file upon the issue’s release (Spring 2025) via an email with a downloadable link—so please ensure you enter your email address correctly. Once available you will have 30 days to download the file.

All proceeds support our nonprofit mission to change lives through the power of storytelling! For more information about our parent nonprofit, please visit BrinkLit.org.