I figured it out. It’s been over five years since I wrote a short story. In the meantime, I’ve written countless poems, two novels, two plays and journalism galore, but no stories. Very strange. And to be honest, although I have always loved both reading and writing short stories, I haven’t really missed working in this genre much at all – until now.
Salt Publications has brought out a truly wonderful textbook (of sorts) called “Short Circuit.” It is edited by award-winning short story specialist, Vanessa Gebbie, and contains articles on various aspects of the craft by such other noted short story writers as Tania Hershman, Alex Keegan, Elizabeth Baines, Sarah Salway, Clare Wigfall and others. Chapters cover all the topics a short story writer could ever need to consider, from beginnings to middles to ends, from character to theme to place. I read it from cover to cover and it’s thrown a spanner into my writing objectives.
I’m a planner. I like to be working on a project at all times and I like to have a series of projects lined up waiting their turn to be tackled. But then I read “Short Circuit” and Uncle Isaac annoyingly came back into my life. Let me explain…. my first novel, “Tangled Roots,” was originally constructed out of a series of short stories which then became chapters. But there were many of them and when I was putting the final manuscript together, some didn’t make the cut. One of those that didn’t, unfortunately, was about one of my most favourite of all the characters I’ve ever created, Uncle Isaac. He just didn’t fit into the book so I put him and his story away into a drawer. But now he’s come back to life, appearing in my dreams, filling my head with his voice. I now know that I have to put all my plans on hold and finally write his story. Although I don’t quite know what it is yet, I know I have to jump into the void, just as the “Short Circuit” contributors have taught me to, and let him have his say. I’m both excited and scared and I blame it on Salt’s new Guide to the Short Story. So I suppose it means that “Short Circuit” is inspirational, and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no better recommendation than that.
So if you are either a reader or writer, or both, of short stories, do buy this book. And if you buy it from Salt here now, you’ll get 20% off. What are you waiting for?
I had a similar response except no Uncle Isaac. I was itching to get back to short stories after reading it eventhough I’d told myself to concentrate on books for the time being. My plans have had to nudge over a bit, but I’m coping.
Good luck with your uncle!
Ha! Uncle Isaac is back! I for one am really thrilled to hear that you are inspired, and think that frankly you’ve spent enough time writing novels, plays, poems, dramatic poetry plays and everything else you do. Short stories are it. We’ll get you (cackling and rubbing hands together….)!
It is a fab book. Glad you’ve been re-bitten by the s/s bug 😉
Sounds like just the book I need to buy. I’m working on my short story writing, but it’s far harder than I thought it would be.
“I have always loved both reading and writing short stories, I haven’t really missed working in this genre much at all – until now.”
Short story envy – it happens to us all sooner or later!
Oooh I love finding inspiring things that make you HAVE to put away your plans and just dive straight in!!
Good luck
C x