About The Author

A native of northern Kentucky, I spent the ’90s in Memphis before moving to New York. My short stories have appeared in publications like McSweeney’s, One Story, Fence, and the Land-Grant College Review. These and other stories appear in Why They Cried (2010), my debut collection—now available as a Joyland eBook from ECW Press.

My nonfiction and humor pieces have appeared in dozens of publications, including Slate, Salon, Print, Communication Arts, the New York Daily News, and the New York Post.

I am a co-curator of Adult Education, a “useless lecture series” that has been a frequent critic’s pick in Time Out New York and The New Yorker. I occasionally deliver lectures myself.

Professionally, I have worked as an alt-weekly feature writer; as the editor of a Webby-nominated advertising website; as a freelance writer, strategist, and editor; and as the director of social media at New York City’s official tourism website. I am currently director of strategy at Sonnet Media, where I help build online platforms for authors, publishers, filmmakers, and cause-related organizations.

PRAISE FOR
WHY THEY CRIED



"... demonstrates real insight into the way we live now."
 –The Rumpus

"Reminiscent of George Saunders and James Thurber, Why They Cried is a great collection of modern tales."
–Hannah Tinti, author of The Good Thief and co-founder of One Story

"Jim Hanas has a remarkable talent for imagining and crafting uncanny little worlds that make me vaguely nervous. And yet I never want to leave."
–Rob Walker, co-founder of Significant Objects

"A tender and smart assembly of fiction about people trying to communicate—with each other, the world—and all the ways they fail. Fail better, fail beautifully."
–Fiona Maazel, author of Last Last Chance

Jim Hanas is the author of the short story collection Why They Cried, a freelance writer, and director of strategy at Sonnet Media.

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