Ryan MacDonald's American Short(er) Fiction Prize-winning story explores the relationship between a father and his four-year-old daughter with refreshing honesty. The economy and disarming humor of the piece soften the punch of what is actually an unsentimental look at the natural limitations of our love. You can read the story, "The Observable Characteristics of Organisms," here. AR: Tell us a little bit about this story-- how did the idea come to you? Where did it … [Read more...] about Inside the Issue: An Interview with Ryan MacDonald
Inside the Issue: Rachel Swearingen on Postcards, Nostalgia and History
American Short Fiction's 56th issue contains Rachel Swearingen's jewel of a story, "The Night Between Us," an echoing and lyric meditation on the landscape of fear and isolation. The piece, inspired by a line about eating postcards in Mary Reufle's poem "Like a Daffodil," presents a charming but damaged character afraid to leave her apartment and cede control to a dark, messy world. Melinda Moustakis describes the story as written with "sensuous brevity and beautiful longing." Reading it is an … [Read more...] about Inside the Issue: Rachel Swearingen on Postcards, Nostalgia and History
The Observable Characteristics of Organisms
In the zoo we accomplish many things. The animals are always fed and locked in their cages. Habitats are hosed down well and visitors have a decent view, even though the animals sit completely still most of the time. My daughter has a low tolerance for such things. She is four and has a low tolerance. “The creatures look so sad,” she says. “They are not sad,” I assure her. “They are maybe a little home sick, they are maybe a little lonely, but they are not sad.” Yesterday I went into the penguin … [Read more...] about The Observable Characteristics of Organisms
Inside the Issue: “Annie Radcliffe, You Are Loved” Playlist
One of our favorite short stories in the world right now happens to be Barrett Swanson's "Annie Radcliffe, You Are Loved," published in our newest issue of American Short Fiction. Narrated from the perspective of three characters who are strangers to each other--a drug-addled PhD student in Applied Semiotics, a God-fearing boy watching his atheist father die of cancer, and a chubby high schooler who, in an attempt to win back an ex who dumped him via Facebook, further embarrasses himself by … [Read more...] about Inside the Issue: “Annie Radcliffe, You Are Loved” Playlist
ASF Alumni: Laura van den Berg
Laura van den Berg has published three short stories in American Short Fiction. In November, her second collection of stories, the scintillating The Isle of Youth, will be released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book has elicited raves in advance of its publication. Kirkus Review calls The Isle of Youth “mesmerizing.” Publishers Weekly says, “If ever there was a writer going places, it’s Laura van den Berg.” The Isle of Youth explores the lives of women mired in secrecy and deception: a … [Read more...] about ASF Alumni: Laura van den Berg
Scary Stories 101
Here at American Short Fiction, we're split down the middle regarding our feelings for Halloween. Some of us want to get into costume, but just as many want to go into hiding. Thankfully, one thing we can all agree on is that we enjoy a good horror story. Below, in alphabetical order, are our staff's picks for our favorite stories that scare us, haunt us, or make us feel exceedingly uncomfortable. And with that in mind: enjoy! 1. "The Rememberer"-- Aimee Bender 2. "The Beginnings of … [Read more...] about Scary Stories 101