"FAST PASS" Price Increase to $20
Effective, immediately, we have raised the cost of our FAST PASS submissions to $20. While our normal response time is 6-8 weeks, a Fast Pass submission “skips the line” and is the next thing we read. Your story doesn’t get special consideration, but it will be the next thing we read. Typically, you’ll hear back from us in 1-3 days on a Fast Pass submission.
November, 2024 - Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine Is Out!
The November, 2024 - Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine is out! Read exclusive short stories that ask “what if” ethical and philosophical questions. Sign up today on the website to get your copy!
Celebrating After Dinner Conversation's Latest Honors
We’ve always been driven by a passion to share stories that inspire reflection and meaningful discussions. From the beginning, we aimed to create a space where fiction is more than entertainment—a forum where ethical and philosophical questions take center stage. Thanks to our dedicated readers, contributors, and supporters, we’re thrilled to announce that this mission has resonated on an impressive scale: After Dinner Conversation has recently been recognized again as a leading publication among literary magazines.
After Dinner Conversation @ AWP 2025
After Dinner Conversation is going to the Association of Writers and Writer’s Programs (AWP) 2025 in Los Angeles.
What is existentialist philosophy? (As explained by AI)
Existentialist philosophy is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily in Europe, and is characterized by a focus on individual existence, freedom, choice, and the experience of living. Existentialism is not a unified school of thought with a specific set of doctrines; rather, it encompasses a diverse range of perspectives and approaches. However, several key themes are commonly associated with existentialist philosophy:
After Dinner Conversation Named “Most Popular Fiction Literary Magazines All Time” by ChillSubs
Just found out After Dinner Conversation: Philosophy & Ethics Short Stories is the MOST bookmarked fiction literary magazine on Chill Subs An unexpected but very cool honor! (Link)
2024 Pushcart Prize Nominations
One of the coolest things we get to do each year is nominate short stories we have published for awards. We just submitted the following stories we have (or will) publish for the Pushcart Prize.
Here are the stories we submitted for the 2024 Pushcart Short Story Award.
The Zombie in The Bathroom (By Maura Morgan): A city employee is sent to the park bathroom to clear out a zombie who won't leave. (May, 2024 Issue)
The Lives and Times of David Hackman (By Patrick Hueller): The retelling of a story about Dave, who teachers frequently sent to the "Spaz Box." (May, 2024 Issue)
We Are Here (By Harley Carnell): The narrator finds himself trapped in a mysterious house, unable to leave despite his numerous attempts. (October, 2024 Issue)
Purgatory (By Serena Smith): The narrator struggles with the death of her abusive father. (October, 2024 Issue)
Pappou's Garden (By Fotis Banis): A dour man’s cherished garden becomes the battleground for his unresolved family conflicts and a reflection on tradition and duty. (November, 2024 Issue)
Junk (By Taylor Lawritson): Grieved by the loss of her father, in a house overflowing with sentimental clutter, a woman's chance encounter forces her to consider a new beginning. (November, 2024 Issue)
October, 2024 - Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine Is Out!
The October, 2024 - Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine is out! Read exclusive short stories that ask “what if” ethical and philosophical questions. Sign up today on the website to get your copy!
"Existence precedes essence" by Jean-Paul Sartre (Explained by AI)
"Existence precedes essence" is a fundamental tenet of existentialist philosophy, particularly associated with the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. This phrase encapsulates a key existentialist idea and signifies a departure from traditional philosophical notions about the nature of human beings.
September, 2024 - Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine Is Out!
The September, 2024 - Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Magazine is out! Read exclusive short stories that ask “what if” ethical and philosophical questions. Sign up today on the website to get your copy!

