This issue goes a long way to prove the fact that we, as writers, like to play by our own rules, that it's wholly unlikely that if given the exact same prompt, two of us will ever write the same thing. Discuss.

Well, the fact we know we're all writing to the same prompt motivates to search for a special story line, one not so obvious at first sight. And in the end we are all old hands at prompt writing: Adding a twist seems the natural thing to do.

If you were flying solo on a cargo vessel several years into deep space, just like Armitage Shanks, what five items would you need to adequately pass the time?

I assume that food and other basics are provided. In addition, I'll need my writing and drawing utensils, digital and analogue. My camera equipment, although I imagine the really interesting views will be sparse. Then something to occupy my hands: I'd finally do all the woodcarving I never found the time to do in this life. Maybe I'd even try my hand at stone sculpting. My cargo hold would end up as workshop! Of course there has to be a library, including tons of books, movies and music. And last but not least I'd ship a furry companion, preferably a cat.

In 'The Same Effing Story,' Armitage Shanks is named after a company renowned for making certain porcelain bathroom fixings. If you could be named after any real-life company, which company would that be, and why?

Um... companies around here often carry the name of the owner, so it would be like exchanging one name for the other. Ocean Reef? Magic Marine? This would feel really strange, I think.

Is this the kind of issue you'd like to see and be a part of again? Why?

Of course, why not. Not every year, but from time to time.