Alethea Kontis is one of those people who knows everyone, goes out and gets fun, and always seems happy–even when she’s not. Although we’ve never met in person, I’ve known Alethea virtually though Codex Writers Group for over five years.
She has worked as a buyer for a major book wholesaler. She still does some copywriting, book reviews and interviews. She holds a degree in chemistry that she doesn’t use professionally, but it gives her writing the foundation of rigor needed to pass the inspection of hard-core SF fans.
Alethea is the author of two well-received childrens books, Alpha-Oops: The Day Z Went First (2006, Candlewick), and Alpha-Oops: H is for Halloween (2010, Candlewick). She co-edited Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology (2006, Tor), a volume containing a story by 2020 Visions TOC-mate David Gerrold. Her short fiction has appeared in venues such as Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show and Realms of Fantasy.
Alethea’s contribution to 2020 Visions is called Pocket Full of Posey.  Any significant discussion of this story will of necessity contain spoilers. Of all the stories in this volume, this is probably the story best read without any previous hints, so I won’t give any away. I’ll just say that many people will enjoy living vicariously through this protagonist, and I know for certain Alethea had a blast writing this one.