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]
NOTEBOOK
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]
Web Exclusive Author Interview with Randi Ewing
With summer’s heat now fully upon us, it’s fitting that our July web-exclusive story, by Randi Ewing, is titled “The Swimmers.” But this is not your typical summertime tale of sunbathing and beaches. No, “The Swimmers” tackles something more magical even than that. Rendered in language that’s both intimate and vivid, “The Swimmers” is a story about our relationship with the landscapes around us, the secrets they hold within, and the larger-than-life wonders of the natural world. More than ... [READ MORE]
Local Folk: Reading with Owen Egerton
Owen Egerton, longtime friend of American Short Fiction, is on a crazy book tour. (Crazy awesome!) How so? He’s touring via train with his whole family. He’s in San Francisco tonight (June 20), presenting his Best of God show at the Balboa Theater. Go show him some love, Bay Area. He will make you laugh. More details on his tour on his website. We conducted this interview right before the conductor shouted “all aboard!” Or whatever it is that they shout these days. * * ... [READ MORE]
Web Exclusive Author Interview: Casey Hannan
If our June web exclusive were a cocktail, the recipe for it might look something like this: Start with one good sentence. Add bourbon, water, ghosts. Measure carefully, with control. Pour over ice and enjoy, savoring each word. This month’s feature, "Ghost Water" by Casey Hannan, is definitely a story to be savored. Sharp yet sweet, rich with complexity and heart, and brimming with precise, graceful language—it’s one you won’t want to miss. We asked Casey a few questions about “Ghost Water,” ... [READ MORE]