It’s always a delight to receive a new printed issue of Analog through the letterbox – but even more so when it includes a story of mine! Mostly I read e-versions of the various SF magazines I subscribe to but it’s a special treat to buy extra printed copies to give away to friends and family (whether they want one or not!)

The Touchstone of Ouroboros is a novelette-length story. It’s centred on an alien artefact, discovered long ago by a cult which has built an entire religion around its curious existence. Maintaining the cult’s authoritarian rule within the cave-like city of Ouroboros means preserving the mysteries of the Touchstone’s existence, bringing it into conflict with visiting scientists trying to understand its strange properties. Anything that comes into physical contact with the Touchstone for more than a few seconds is irrevocably bound to it. A senior cleric, losing his faith and weary of the in-fighting amongst the ruling elite, becomes tormented in more ways than one by the Touchstone. He’s driven to desperate lengths to find a way to break free – and even then he may fail.

I hope you get a chance to read the story! If you do, let me know what you think.