In his beautiful debut novel, The Lost Prayers of Ricky Graves, James Han Mattson explores the fallout from an act of violence that will seem all too familiar to American readers. Using multiple first-person narrators, Mattson deftly orbits the book's central tragedy, allowing readers a broad view of the event that does much more than explore a killer's motivations. Mattson's characters struggle to make sense of what's taken place in their town, and through multiple voices, multiple lines of ... [READ MORE]
NOTEBOOK
Web Exclusive Interview: Richard Mirabella
Our November Web Exclusive story "The Sister" has a magical, fairy-tale feeling but a very real and timeless sense of the heartbreak and bewilderment of loss. We talked with author Richard Mirabella about the story's roots, queer fiction, and the pains and pleasures of writing with a full-time, non-writing job. Erin McReynolds: "The Sister" is one of the most accurate depictions of loss I've read. You managed to nail how maddening and senseless it is; how the pain casts about looking for ... [READ MORE]
The American Short(er) Fiction Prize is now Closed
The American Short(er) Fiction Prize is now closed for submissions. Thank you to everyone who entered! We look forward to reading your work. A winner and runner-up will be announced in the coming months. * * * We are thrilled to announce that Amber Sparks will be judging this year’s American Short(er) Fiction Prize. The prize recognizes extraordinary short fiction under 1,000 words. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 prize and publication, and the second-place winner ... [READ MORE]
Web Exclusive Interview: Anton DiSclafani
In our December Web Exclusive story, "Flight," author Anton DiSclafani freezes a moment in the life of an aged John J. Audubon. It's a moment that allows us a bird's-eye view of the famed ornithologist/artist's exotic origins, his loss and his passion, and his rivalry with Alexander Wilson. It's elegiac without being mawkish, and you walk away feeling as though you've just been up close with a rare and brilliant specimen. Erin McReynolds: What drew you to Audubon, as a character? Anton ... [READ MORE]
Support ASF & Get this Dog-Approved Tote Bag!
As the new year approaches, we look back with gratitude on the magazine's accomplishments and think about how we can grow in the years to come. Here are a few of our favorite highlights from 2017: - We published 22 stories, including our first issue dedicated exclusively to the work of emerging writers. We proudly offer competitive payment to all writers whose stories we publish. - Through "ASF Goes Back to School," we donated hundreds of back issues to creative writing classrooms across ... [READ MORE]
Web Exclusive Interview: Anessa Ibrahim
October's Web Exclusive story "Ray Charles Never Lost Anything Important" brings an ancient archetype, the soothsayer, to a group of teenagers in East Los Angeles in a funny and sweet, totally believable scene that could take place at almost any time. We chatted with Anessa Ibrahim recently about mysticism and belief and writing. Erin McReynolds: First of all, congratulations on your first publication! Personally, it's my favorite thing when we find a story we really like and then find out ... [READ MORE]