Donald Barthelme Jr. was an American short story writer and novelist recognized for his distinctive postmodernist approach to short fiction, characterized by a playful and experimental style. Beyond his literary work, Barthelme had a varied career in journalism and cultural institutions. He worked as a newspaper reporter for the Houston Post and served as managing editor of Location magazine. He also directed the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston from 1961 to 1962. Barthelme was involved in founding and developing literary institutions, including serving as co-founder of Fiction magazine and as one of the original founders of the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Throughout his career, he held professorships at various universities, contributing to the education of writers and the development of creative writing as an academic discipline.