Very brief short story love today, because my laptop battery's running out and the power cord is downstairs (lazy, lazy) - just to say that I am loving the comments left on the Save Short Stories on Radio 4 petition, which has now been signed by Deborah Treisman, Fiction Editor of the New Yorker! This demonstrates that the reduction of short story broadcasts on radio 4 is an international issue, affecting writers worldwide.
I think all the comments should be compiled into something... something to be sent around to mainstream publishers who are convinced there's no market for short stories, perhaps? Staying positive here, it's just heart-warming, reading all the responses. Apparently, Radio 4's Feedback programme will be dealing with the issue next Friday, July 29th, so do tune in. Have a great weekend - happy reading!
8 comments:
There is a market for really great short stories. A big YAY! for Bloomsbury who are bringing out no less than four short story collections in 2012 in the UK, two from debut authors, and one from the smashing Jon McGregor!
And another yay! for the Sunday Express who publish a short story too...
I just read Jon McGregor's story in The Guardian and it is a deep and haunting read. Also Fan Flaherty's prize-winning story was like a swift punch. Go short story writers! and good on you both for bringing us news and spreading enthusiasm.
I've also just finished Gretchen Shirm's Having Cried Wolf, an Australian collection published by Affirm Press (I think they are publishing a series of 4 or 6 collections) and have started Nam Le's The Boat - the first story is really really good. ciao ciao cat
V - thanks for adding some more great reasons to celebrate, yay for Bloomsbury and the Sunday Express!
TDLCTLII - first, you have great blog name! And thank you to you too for continuing the celebrations. We just reviewed Gretchen's collection on The Short Review here, it sounds amazing. I am saving Jon McG's story for a quiet time - if that every happens!
I'm really enjoying these celebratory posts :-)
I started reading short stories partly because depression shortened my attention span to the degree that reading novels became difficult, but I have kept reading them ever since. In fact, my first counsellor recommended Alice Munro to me, for which I am eternally grateful!
I think more needs to be done to promote short stories. Many of my friends have simply never considered buying a collection or anthology - not because they don't think they would enjoy it, but because it never occurs to them. It's a shame, as I think short stories are ideal for today's fast-paced lifestyles.
Perhaps they could be publicised through cheap(or free, if there was a willing sponsor) pamphlets, or similar formats, to introduce short stories to people who have never considered them. Or those who wish to become more familiar with various short story authors and expand their reading. These could be passed on to other readers and would easily fit into handbags and pockets. I wonder if any newspapers or magazines would be willing to publish such a booklet as a supplement/free gift?
Hayley, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for that fantastic point about depression and short stories. I know about this from my own experience, I remember not being able to really read anything at all for months. How wonderful of your counsellor to recommend Alice Munro - do check out the Short Review, we have many many more ideas of more stories! Interesting idea about the pamphlet, hmm, will contemplate that for a while...
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