Fiction & Poetry

Portrait of a Bracero as José Olivares

In this work by the Coachella Valley’s John Olivares Espinoza, the poet brings his grandfather, a California farmworker, to life.

Alta Journal’s Noir Story Contest Winners
The editors of Alta Journal are pleased to announce the winners of o…
Noir Winner: Options Narrowed
The winner of Alta Journal’s Noir Story Contest features a down-on-h…
Noir First Runner-Up: I’m Leavin’ You, Baby
The first runner-up in Alta Journal’s Noir Story Contest involves a …
Noir Second Runner-Up: Dirty Secrets
The second runner-up in Alta Journal’s Noir Story Contest includes a…
Dec 16, 2020
Alta Fiction 2020
In a year unlike any other, we published short stories by Charlie Jane Anders, Steph Cha, Philip K. Dick, Anita Felicelli, Dagoberto Gi…
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Dec 15, 2020
Alta Poetry 2020
We continued our love affair with poetry, publishing works from Anastacia-Reneé, Sara Borjas, Robert Frost, Forrest Gander, Robert Hass…
Nov 30, 2020
Not Without: A Poem

Pulitzer Prize winner Forrest Gander partnered with artist Ashwini Bhat to create this work, the collaborators’ first for Alta.

Nov 17, 2020
“In Case You Forgot, I Am Not Your Negro” (for James Baldwin)

Anastacia-Reneé, a two-time Pushcart nominee, penned this achingly timeless prose.
Nov 17, 2020
“Aunt Jemima is the Picture of the American Dream”

Anastacia-Reneé is a Seattle-based poet, artist, and educator who was once described as a “queer super-shero of color.”

Nov 17, 2020
Daughter: A Poem by Anastacia-Reneé

In one of four poems published in Alta’s Fall 2020 issue, Anastacia-Reneé reflects on differences she sees in her daughter.

Nov 17, 2020
Low & Leaving: A Poem

Anastacia-Reneé finds multiple meaning in this poem from Alta's Winter 2020 issue.

Nov 2, 2020
Time Invents Us

Read a short story about an artist in search of understanding and the mysterious man who seems to offer it.
Sep 1, 2020
Summons: A Poem

D.A. Powell's 'Summons' is one of three of his poems to appear in Alta‘s Summer 2020 issue.
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Aug 25, 2020
Bat Boy: A Poem

D.A. Powell, a Bay Area writer and educator, finds poetry in America’s favorite pastime.

Aug 19, 2020
Imagines*: A Poem

Pause with this work by D.A. Powell.
Aug 4, 2020
The Making of a Poem

Matthew Zapruder constructs—and deconstructs—a new poem for the late Joanne Kyger.
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Jul 21, 2020
Note for Daughters: A Poem

Fresno's Sara Borjas is the author of Heart Like a Window, Mouth Like a Cliff.

Jul 21, 2020
To the Woman Who Said She Could Hear My Accent: A Poem

Borjas might live in Los Angeles, but the poet, author, and educator stays forever rooted in Fresno.

Jul 1, 2020
New Fiction: The Turnaround

In this story by Charlie Jane Anders, a time traveler learns that the way to imagine a better future is to build one.