Autumn in Great Britain, Fall in the United States, is the season after the autumnal equinox. Autumn is a transitional period. In the northern hemisphere it is a season for taking time, enjoying cooler temperatures and colorful leaves, and for remembering.

Which makes it the perfect season to ask ourselves some of life’s important questions -- questions such as: "Where did I put my winter hat and gloves when I put them away last spring?" "Which candy is best -- Halloween candy, Thanksgiving Day candy, or the candy hidden behind the little windows in the Advent calendar?"

And "If Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 10^th in Canada and November 24^th in the U.S., is it all right for me to eat myself into a coma on both days?"

It is also a season for kicking back after a long summer, taking the time to make a killer cup of cocoa (or coffee, or tea), reading some good stories and looking at some amazing art.

For the Autumn, 2011 Issue of 4 Star Stories, we have four great stories for you to enjoy. Lou Antonelli and Gloria Oliver have written two very different takes on trips into space, Selina Rosen has written an inner-space adventure for you to meditate on, while Cathy Spangler has some rather special friends in Dallas she’d like to introduce to you.

Our Guest Artist for this issue of 4 Star Stories is Joy Marie Ledet. She creates amazing art to see and wear. We’re certain you’ll enjoy her work.

So, relax, settle back with your favorite hot beverage and enjoy the season and this issue of 4 Star Stories.

And we’ll see you in December.

The Editors: M. Gray and D. Gray

P.S. Starting with issue three of 4 Star Stories, the Autumn, 2011 issue, we are open for submissions. If you are a serious writer and you have a story you think meets our criteria, send it along to us. We would like to read it.

At 4 Star Stories, we are looking for well-written, original Science Fiction and Fantasy short stories, preferably with an upbeat, positive attitude.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Oh, and writers, remember to self-edit and spell check every story before you send it to us, or to anyone else. These actions make editors happy, and a happy editor is more likely to publish your story.

Enjoy the Autumn Issue of 4 Star Stories. See you for the 4 Star Stories Winter, 2011 issue, coming December 23.

Your Editor,

#