We’re joined by Christine Amsden, author of “Believe Me” in The Future Fire #76, for the first of this issue’s microinterview series.
TFF: What does “Believe Me” mean to you?
Art © 2026 Toeken
Christine Amsden: Many of us have experienced symptoms being misinterpreted and pain being ignored by medical professionals. Certain extreme cases have made the news in recent years, inspiring me to write this story. It’s not my story, not exactly, but I can relate. It took nearly fifteen years for me to get a fibromyalgia diagnosis... fifteen years of pushing myself to try harder in physical therapy, fifteen years of taking antiinflammatory medication until I got an ulcer, fifteen years of wondering if it was all in my head. FIfteen years... until one person finally believed me and helped me get the diagnosis I needed.
TFF: What is your favourite real or imaginary monster, and why?
CA: My very favorite monster has to be Grover. One of my favorite books growing up—and then enjoyed reading to my own kids—was The Monster at the End of this Book. It's a fantastic take on how fear creates our own worst enemy.
TFF: What can you be found doing when you're not creating/writing?
CA: I enjoy knitting, chess, role playing, and a good cup of tea.
Extract
“There’s an alien in my brain.” The words sound clear in my head, but they come out slurred, more like, S’an aleen mbain.
They don’t believe me. They never do.
Reminder: You can comment on any of the writing or art in this issue at http://press.futurefire.net/2026/05/new-issue-202676.html.
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