Mark Budman writes fiction that blends immigration, humor, absurdism, and magic realism. Some people mistake him for Kafka, and that bugs and flatters him. The others think he’s the second Mikhail Bulgakov, though a bit less masterful.
His Most Excellent Immigrant short story collection, published by Livingston Press, received a starred review from Kirkus and was selected as one of the best indie books of the year.
Mark was born in the former Soviet Union but now resides in Boston.
He follows the fine American tradition: a person moves to the US, learns the language, takes any job he can find, complains bitterly, but perseveres. Mark adores flash fiction that lets him express himself concisely, before the reader gets bored. He loves to travel so he can compare foreign countries to America and congratulate himself on the fine choice he made eternity ago when he came here. He loves his family so he can get emotional support and an audience for complaints. Above all, he loves his readers, in sickness and in health.
Book & Anthology Awards
- Kirkus Reviews “Best Book of 2023” — Awarded to his short story collection, The Most Excellent Immigrant (which also received a starred Kirkus review).
- Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (2022) — Honorable Mention (Anthologies) for Short, Vigorous Roots: A Contemporary Flash Fiction Collection of Migrant Voices (co-edited with Susan O’Neill, published by Ooligan Press).
- PubWest Book Design Award (2008) — Silver Medal (Short Stories/Poetry/Anthologies) for You Have Time for This: Contemporary Short-Short Stories (co-edited with Tom Hazuka, published by Ooligan Press)
Short Fiction Contest Wins
- Short Édition “America: Color It In” Contest (Summer 2020) — Juried Winner for his short story, “Trespassing—a Criminal Offense“.
- Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative — Winner & Finalist (sponsored by the Principal Foundation, The Center for Fiction, and Short Édition) for his piece, “On the Move“.