We're excited to publish Anthony Abboreno's story, "Filler," the first fiction post on our website in over a year. Abboreno's story is about the complicated relationship between children and their parents' expectations. There are lobsters with personalities, an ex-wife who loves New Year's Eve, and a man who tries to do his best, but falls short. "Filler" covers a lot of territory in few words. We hope you like it as much as we do. MM: I love how the daughter’s taste in food becomes something … [Read more...] about Online Fiction: Interview with Anthony Abboreno
Web Exclusive
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...] about Web Exclusive Author Interview with Randi Ewing
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...] about Web Exclusive Author Interview: Casey Hannan
Web Exclusive Author Interview: Venita Blackburn
What’s the best way to start off the shortest month of the year? By reading a short-short story, of course! Lucky for you, our February web exclusive is here, and it is excellent. “Scars” by Venita Blackburn is a funny, fantastical, touching story about the wounds inflicted by life and love, and what it takes to carry us through. Oh, and also superpowers. “Scars” may be short, but it definitely packs a wallop. Read the full story. and be sure to take note of the accompanying artwork (a new … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Author Interview: Venita Blackburn
Online Fiction: Interview with Tien-Yi Lee
Welcome to November, friends, and to the latest installment of our web exclusive series. It’s so nice to see you here. This month, we present Tien-Yi Lee’s “Penetration”—and we couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s a challenging piece, about damage irrevocable and endured, but rewarding, too, and very, very beautiful. It’s one of those stories that stills the world for a moment, and leaves you, we hope, in the hush of something complicated and new. You’ll find “Penetration” on the ASF website, and … [Read more...] about Online Fiction: Interview with Tien-Yi Lee
Online Fiction: Interview with Aubrey Hirsch
Ever play that game Two Truths and a Lie? Well, this month’s web exclusive is a little like that. Blurring the line between fact and fiction, Aubrey Hirsch’s “Albert Arnold Gore” will keep you guessing. Rendered in clear, keen prose, this set of three linked shorts offers portraits that are inventive and intriguing—and ultimately poignant and revealing. Read “Albert Arnold Gore” and check out our Q&A with the author, below. MO: This piece is part of a series of what you’ve … [Read more...] about Online Fiction: Interview with Aubrey Hirsch