The_blog_of_the_fictionaut3

god-bless-america-coverSteve Almond has been stirring the pot for some time. He is the author of ten books of fiction, three of which he published himself. His Author’s Note is modest, but don’t let it fool you. This is one impressive writer. You can read his full bio here but an even better idea is to buy his new collection of stories, God Bless America, which Lorrie Moore calls “funny, beguiling, and completely original.”

We agree.

We welcome Steve Almond to Fictionaut and are pleased to feature his first published story at Line Breaks.

Right. So here’s “Alteration.” You will notice that it sucks. I can’t figure out who I’m imitating here, though it’s not George Saunders, because I wouldn’t read him for another five years. Probably I’m trying to channel Ignatious J. Riley. The important thing is what the story itself is trying to impart, which is something like: the process of psychological change is mostly about the setbacks. Either that, or it is trying to say, “You, Steve Almond, should not be sending stories out yet.”

Line Breaks is a regular feature in which accomplished authors introduce and share their first published stories with the Fictionaut community. Line Breaks is edited by Gary Percesepe.


  1. James Lloyd Davis

    Welcome to Fictionaut, Steve Almond.

  2. susan tepper

    Steve is a total mensch (did I spell it right?) So happy to see him here! Loved the story, so crazy and affectionate at the same time. Heard Steve read at KGB long time ago, from “My Life in Heavy Metal” which is still one of my favorite story collections.

  3. susan tepper

    ps– can’t wait to read “God Bless America” which I’m sure will be a total trip!

  4. M.J. Robinson

    He’s going to be interviewed by Marc Maron on Maron’s podcast, “WTF,” on Thursday. That’s the best comedy/entertainment podcast in the business, at the moment. Can’t wait!

  1. 1 Steve Almond – Balancing Acts | Pam Writes

    […] work appears everywhere — I see your essays in The Rumpus, you have a recent interview up on Fictionaut, you’re on a book tour for God Bless America — wondering if you manage all your […]



Leave a Comment