Hollywood and Japan. The South and Midwest. Outer space and back home. Past and present. Myths and truths. Expectations and desires. Animals and humans. A storage locker and a softball game. A school play and an art installation. A bar mitzvah and an old tattoo. William Auten’s new fifteen-story collection A Fine Day Will BurnContinue reading “A Fine Day Will Burn Through: Stories Available 5 May 2021”
Category Archives: Short Fiction
A Fine Day Will Burn Through – Cover and Layout Preview for Patreon Members
Get a first gander at the cover for A Fine Day Will Burn Through: Stories by joining Patreon. Hollywood and Japan. The South and Midwest. Outer space and back home. Past and present. Myths and truths. Expectations and desires. Animals and humans. A storage locker and a softball game. A school play and an artContinue reading “A Fine Day Will Burn Through – Cover and Layout Preview for Patreon Members”
“Home Improvement” Audio and Text for Patreon Members
Starting with floors and paint, he renovates the kitchen after a month of smaller projects while he’s on leave. But do we need track lighting? his wife asks. Their yellow lab stands half sentinel, half coworker who never works because of drink, food, nap, or bathroom breaks. William Auten, “Home Improvement” “Home Improvement” (1,000-word shortContinue reading ““Home Improvement” Audio and Text for Patreon Members”
“Clay Jars (Kishōtenketsu),” “Happy Hour,” and Audio for Patreon Members
“Clay Jars (Kishōtenketsu)” and “Happy Hour” and an audio talking about both stories are available for Patreon members. And don’t forget to buy and the spread the word about my latest novel In Another Sun, available from Tortoise Books.
“King Tide” for Patreon Members
“King Tide,” my first Patreon post, is up and available for members. The 1,885-word story centers around a family celebrating their child’s birthday before a King Tide arrives. At the top of the stairs, I yell at Keith that we have to hurry and go now because the time has changed. My heart races. MyContinue reading ““King Tide” for Patreon Members”
“Moonflowers” Now Available in Illuminations
If he could plant flowers on the moon for her, he would—lilacs in craters’ shadows, roses in grayscale cracks, and daisies (among her favorites) facing the long, rough edge fading into space, their yellows and oranges spiraling in front of endless black; and if he could spell her name on that same surface, he wouldContinue reading ““Moonflowers” Now Available in Illuminations”
“Creek on the Right” Now Available at Dead Mule School
All but one of the horses stand in the stable. Shielding the fireplace’s glow, Tom double-checks the window. Often in winter light and in sightlines from the living room to the pasture, the palomino can disappear. William Auten, “Creek on the Right” “Creek on the Right” is now available at The Dead Mule School (“No good SouthernContinue reading ““Creek on the Right” Now Available at Dead Mule School”
“Start of the Season” Now Available in Valparaiso Fiction Review
Something about a tattoo he had and wanted to talk to her about while they stayed on the cape. Not wanting to make a big deal about it, but he wanted her to know. From his youth, he said, smiling when he mentioned this feature, which she had not yet seen, somewhere on his body.Continue reading ““Start of the Season” Now Available in Valparaiso Fiction Review”
“Dioramas” Now Available in Tupelo Quarterly 20
Out of the butterfly room, they wander, turning the corner until the curator stops them in front of the animals. A mother clicks her stroller’s brakes. Across from her, a man arrives last, floats near the back, and continues glancing at the butterflies. He wears a small sticker stamped with the American flag. “Dioramas” isContinue reading ““Dioramas” Now Available in Tupelo Quarterly 20″
“Moonflowers” Forthcoming in Illuminations
“Moonflowers” is forthcoming in Illuminations (College of Charleston, SC), June 2020.