Hello, and welcome to Gravity's first "theme issue". As you'll recall, I asked last issue for writing concerning childhood and innocence, maturity and experience - and in came the response! Not all of the writers represented here wrote on the theme, but most have. All are good, but you should check out a few in particular: Jennifer Ley's "Childhood Lessons" and Philip Havey's "Overleaf" jump to mind, as well as Perry Thompson's somewhat-off-topic-but- suitable-for-the-season "Happy Christmas" and William Burns' somewhat-demanding- but-very-worthwhile "Anon Segment 3". This last is part of a longer work - ask him about it.

As to the future...the February issue will be another theme issue. You guessed it. I want your best erotica. No pornography - if you don't know the diff, don't bother. No mushy love poems either. Other than that, the field is wide open. Again, send your bio with the submission.

Peace to all...JC

December 1996