Q: What is GateWay S-F Magazine?

It is one of the most unique e-zines being published today, maintaining Sister Publications, one on-line, at gateway-sf-magazine.com, and a companion Print Edition. It fills a very special niche in the field of science fiction, combining hard science fiction plots with Christian themes. We try very hard to present good stories dealing equally with Science and Faith.

Q: When you first started GateWay S-F, what were you hoping to accomplish?

It's part of a larger vision. I plan for it to eventually become a residential facility for the homeless combined with a publishing house. It will hire homeless people and train them in the printing and publishing fields.

Q: Why the homeless?

Because I was once homeless. The Lord gave me the idea for this magazine and program, and even the name, when I was sleeping behind a church, wrapped up in a sleeping bag.

Q: Has your vision changed?

No. But there are a lot of steps involved, and it will take time. First I have to promote the magazine, advertising it within the genre, at conventions and so forth. I've begun this and the next step, which is starting the publishing company. Then will come the printing operations, then finally the training and residential facility.

Q: Who is your target audience?

I hope to attract people from both genres - science and faith - but first and foremost, I want to appeal to the science fiction reader who might be able to become a Christian.

I am following the Lord's leading on this. Satan doesn't want me to get on my knees each day for this magazine and its readers. But God wants to reach the people in fandom who are into witchcraft/wicca andor are agnostics. Our stories don't preach. They instead plant seeds.

Q: Does GateWay S-F revolve around a particular sub-genre of science fiction (other than Christian), such as hard science, space-opera, character-driven, adventure, etc.?

Hard science and time travel.

Q: What are some highlights to date of your magazine, things you've been particularly proud of?

One thing would be the wrap-around, full-color cover. It was supposed to be just for the first issue, but everyone liked it so we continued using it.

I'm also excited about the authors. One outstanding example is Michael Warren, another would be Joe Zeff. I'm receiving enough stories now that I feel I'm in the position of "choosing the best," and I don't have to do much working with the stories to get them into shape.

We have some new projects coming up. I plan to release print copies of collections of stories, starting with The World of Michael Warren. I'm also planning a collection of Joe Zeff's work.

Q: Tell us about your latest issue.

First, the wrap-around cover has a little history of its own. As I said, the covers originally were not planned to be a complete wrap for all issues, just the premier issue, and perhaps for some future specials. My original plan was to have a series of "alien angels" grace the rear cover. So, I had the next front cover already done by ZOTTEL

(Matthew Lenhardt, a German artist who had done many illos already for the first two on-line editions) as a stand-alone, with space on the back for a yet to be created angel. Well, for one thing, I was having a lot of trouble getting any artist to do the angel. And then my assistant editor, Lawrence Green, voiced a desire to see wraps on all the issues, and a subscriber and writer, Jean Goldstrom (of Anotherealm) said the same thing: "Make it the hallmark of the publication."

The opening story is the first in a series by Jean Goldstrom, all set in "Heaven's Realm." Jean's story is about the Angel Michael sorting the prayers that ascend to heaven, and the cover illustrates those prayers.

My feature story is Michael Warren's "Crossing the Abyss." It was such a good story that I couldn't help but use it as the lead. It concerns the loss of control and love on a star flight.

All the other stories are from web issue two, mostly short-shorts - all of them good, but a few excellent. "According To Their Kind" is the very first story that I did the fist emphasis along with the "YES!" to upon reading. It's the kind of story that will be ruined if I say too much about it, but baptizing robots is the theme.

And, finally, the longest is Joe Zeff's "Going Native." It is the single example of the kind of strictly science fiction story we are willing to print. It contains no Christian theme or content, yet is so strong on the "science" aspect, and is so well written, that I could not exclude it. It is about the reaction a VIP gets from the working class when he goes to a manufacturing asteroid to learn and take over the duties of manager, and the mystery he solves.

The issue closes out with a sneak peek at the next print edition, featuring a black and white image of the upcoming wrap-around cover as part of a subscription promo ad.

Q: Some questions about you: What is your particular religious background? Can you share your testimony in brief?

I was raised Catholic, and I still remember kneeling at the altar at my First Communion and asking for the first time for Jesus to come into my heart. He's been there ever since, though I fell away from the church later, because I disagreed with some of its stands. I dabbled in other religions and atheism. But I felt empty. I eventually found my way back to my relationship with God, and ended up back with the Catholic church because of its activity to help the homeless.

Q: What are some of your favorite science fiction authors to read?

Andre Norton, Robert Silverberg, Roger Zelazny, Philip K. Dick, Heinlein, Asimov, Hal Clement, about everybody else who does hard science fiction plots. This includes Warren and Zeff, who will one day be well known.

Q: How can readers obtain copies of your magazine?

They can get more information on subscriptions, single issues and back issues from the website or from: PO Box 469, N. Hollywood, California, 91603-0469. I'd like to note that I want GateWay S-F to be known as the magazine that publishes web-writers.

Q: How can writers and illustrators obtain copies of your guidelines?

Guidelines are posted on the website.

Q: Are you open to unpublished authors?

Absolutely.

Q: What do you envision as the future of Christian Science Fiction?

Satan will come against it. I think the genre will have a lot of problems.

Q: What do you envision as your role in the future of Christian Science Fiction?

I see myself as going against the "formula," sowing seeds. I think GateWay S-F will play a big role in Christian science fiction becoming more acceptable. I honestly believe that, one day, this magazine will receive a Hugo. When it does, I will use the opportunity to publicly praise God.

Q: Do you think established Christian publishers will become more open to science fiction?

Yes, when they see how successful it can be.

Megan James

August 2001