This column introduces a new online series we are featuring here at American Short Fiction. ASF celebrates contemporary voices in fiction—in our print issues, a story by a preeminent writer might sit next to a story that represents its author’s very first publication—but all of our authors would quickly name past favorites who have influenced them, would agree that they follow behind a splendid parade of writers whose stories established one of the great American literary forms. This occasional ... [READ MORE]
NOTEBOOK
Bourbon and Milk: An Introduction
Bourbon and Milk features lessons, observations, and conversations by and with writers living out there in one of the most perplexing outposts of the human condition – parenthood. In this monthly series, Contributing Editor Giuseppe Taurino will dive into the dark spaces where parenting sometimes pushes us, and explore the unexpected ways writers may grow in them. What is wrong with peace? I couldn't say. But, sweet ruin, I can hear you. There is ... [READ MORE]
More than a Name on the Masthead
There are many ways to end the sentence, "American Short Fiction is _________." ASF is its traditional blurb. ASF is stories that take a different way home. ASF is supported by readers and subscribers, and has been since 1991. But we also want to draw attention to the fact that ASF is ... because of the generous and sharp folks who volunteer their time behind the scenes, reading submissions with attentive care. We depend on them; our magazine is better because of them, and we want you to know ... [READ MORE]
Interview with Randall Brown
Y’all know what time it is? That’s right—it’s time to introduce the latest story in ASF‘s web exclusive series! This month, we’re pleased as punch to present to you Randall Brown’s “Like An Original Response.” It’s a compact yet evocative story that’s as smart as it is fun to read. It’s an exemplary piece of flash fiction, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. You can read the story on the ASF website. Below, Randall shares his thoughts on writing (both flash and longer fiction), ... [READ MORE]
Summer Film Club: Steven Millhauser
In this biweekly series, Editorial Assistant Alyssa reviews popular short stories and their film adaptations. We’ll explore what works in each medium and what doesn’t, and how exactly the allure of literature can translate to film. Alyssa (who has no formal training in film) would like to issue one big standing Spoiler Alert now. Hoo boy. What can I say? The best thing about The Illusionist is that it’s not too long. Well, it is “too long” in the sense that I checked my watch toward the end. ... [READ MORE]
Summer Film Club: Annie Proulx
“Brokeback Mountain,” by Annie Proulx How to Make a Great Film Adaptation: 1. Find a brilliant but terse short story, preferably one with unconventional subject matter. 2. Convince a collaborator to help adapt it into a short, word-for-word screenplay. (Bonus points if your collaborator is the most acclaimed writer in the story’s genre.) 3. Send your first draft to the story’s author for a critique. Use her suggestions about developing aspects further to expand the screenplay to ... [READ MORE]