Starting the second half of the 2020 Visions collection is a short story by an author with one of the most unique names in speculative fiction: Cat Rambo.  Many people believe she writes using Cat Rambo as her pen name. It is, in fact, her real name.
I’ve known Cat for several years through the online writers group Codex. She is currently managing editor of Fantasy Magazine, one of the publications to qualify as a professional market with SFWA. Her own fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Weird Tales, and Clarkesworld.
Her story, Therapy Buddha, involves a gag gift given by the protagonist’s office-mates. It’s literally a therapy Buddha that acts something like a psychologist-in-a-box. I won’t reveal any further details of the story for fear of spoilers.
Cat’s style is distinct, with an ability to toss in little details that make the story seem more realistic. (For another Koan, say Koan–you’ll understand after reading the story.) She is equally comfortable writing fantasy and science fiction.
I interviewed Cat while I was still producing my Novy MIRror video podcast. You can see that interview here.
