It’s National Short Story Week 2015!
It’s that time of year again.
16-22 November this year marks National Short Story Week. Readers, writers and listeners of short stories are asked to focus attention on this important literary form.
Take a look at the whole range of events and resources here.
For those of us who love short stories, we often have the impression that they’re the poor cousin of the novel. Even the talented Canadian short story author, Alice Munro, seems to have once had that impression. I remember reading an interview with her in which she said in the early years of her career she felt ‘guilty’ not being able to write a novel and concentrating only on short stories. Hard to believe someone who has so perfected her craft could ever feel like that.
So, for all you short story writers and readers out there, enjoy this week and take the time to curl up with a good short story, or to try your hand at writing one yourself.
For my part in honoring short story week, I’m trying my hand at writing flash fiction – something new for me. I generally prefer the longer form of short stories, and I’m finding it a real challenge to edit down to the bare minimum.
I’ve also begun to read a collection from an author I’m reading for the first time – Rose Tremain. I’m enjoying her collection The American Lover, especially the title story.
Hope you are all able to mark next week in your own way. Happy National Short Story Week to all!
I LOVE short stories. Some are so well crafted they are are as complex as novels. I’m writing my YA story so I won’t write short stories now, but the book you introduce to us seems good. Like the cover and the title too!
I love short stories, too, Evelyne … so I’m always happy to highlight this week. Yes, I’m enjoying the stories in this collection. Will certainly be reading more of Tremain. Love the cover, too, and that great 60s dress. : )
[…] hadn’t heard of – though it’s in its fifth year – until I read about it on Kimberly Sullivan’s blog. I really enjoy short stories but haven’t read any for a while and so loved the idea […]
I hadn’t heard of this till I saw your post. I love short stories and have decided to do my own mini challenge of reading and reviewing on a day for the week. Thanks for sharing. And good luck with your flash fiction.
Fantastic idea, Emma! What a great idea to concentrate on reviewing short stories during this week. I’ll look forward to reading them.