Like Jazz, any attempt to arrive at a precise, all-encompassing definition of the stories in Automatically Hip is probably futile. However, within these artfully-crafted, often-irreverent, and darkly humorous pieces are characters who share one consistent trait: you'll recognize them. These are folks who face struggle with a smile, and fortune with a frown. They are complicated and shallow, reactive and reflective, joyful and joyless. In short, they are human.

Originally from Rochester, New York, John McCaffrey attended Villanova University and received his M.A. in Creative Writing from the City College of New York. He is the author of 'The Book of Ash', a science fiction novel, and the short story collections 'Two Syllable Men', and 'What's Wrong With This Picture?' Nominated multiple times for the Pushcart Prize, he teaches creative writing in New York City, and is a columnist for The Good Men Project. Visit John online: jamccaffrey.com