MIKE SMITH finds seven short stories by Prosper Mérimée in The World’s Thousand Best Short Stories and asks what unites them: ‘…is there a Prosper Mérimée stamp upon them? Is there the common hallmark of the short story, whatever that might be?’
FRANCESCA CREFFIELD explores the life and writing of George Mackay Brown: ‘…once I started reading the stories I was immersed in a rich culture of storytelling unlike any I had ever known before. Gone were the creative writing rules of beginning, middle and end…’
We are delighted to announce the results of the 2014 THRESHOLDS International Short Fiction Feature Writing Competition…
‘Bursting with suppressed emotions, vengeful acts and a chilling atmosphere…’ ALEX RUCZAJ learns a thing or two from The Best British Short Stories 2013 anthology.
In her essay, LELA TREDWELL takes us through the works of fantastic author Robert Shearman: ‘Shearman’s short stories are often dark and mostly rather devious. He thrills consistently by exploring a whole host of surreal scenarios abetted by his roguish sense of humour…’
CARINE OSMONT recommends ‘To Brixton Beach’ by Stella Duffy: ‘It does away with plot and action and tells of a day at the Lido, Brixton’s open-air swimming pool…’
In her essay, LELA TREDWELL looks at book burnings, burials and elimination: ‘Historically, obliterating books has always been a difficult business. One The Best British Short Stories 2012 knows a thing or two about.’
Short story writers don’t always get handsomely paid, or even paid, but there are plenty of editors accepting work for publication… NICHOLAS ROYLE discusses opportunities for short story writers and the birth of a new short story anthology.
