In this issue, Inner Banks film, fiction and more. We are pleased to present short stories by three talented Inner Banks writers: Erica Plouffe Lazure, Brian Lampkin and Dean Marshal Tuck. Also, “IBX Lifestyles” celebrates the work of three successful IBX film productions, two on the wildlife sanctuaries at Lake Mattamuskeet and Pungo Lake as well as a documentary on one man’s struggle to invent a new career for himself in “Beyond Burlington.” There’s much more: Emerge Gallery and Art Center; Swan Quarter; ChooseAneed.org; Long’s Brigade, a Civil War Tour; and, Inner Banks news and tourism information.

Finally, we honor the memory of Inner Banks scholar, teacher, leader, friend, gentleman and literary visionary, W. Keats Sparrow. In our opinion, no single person has played a deeper and more meaningful role in nurturing and inspiring the culture and arts of eastern North Carolina. His spirit, intelligence, wit, tenacity and grace under fire will be sorely missed.