Hello and Namaste!
How can I not write a blog post on this topic? Short stories are my favorite kind! I write them too, so they are even more special.
The best thing about short stories is how much can
be said in a limited word count. Also, these make great starting points for new
readers. If you can’t sit long enough to enjoy a novel, a short story will get
you into the habit of reading. Same if you have a reading slump. Rereading your
favorite books or short stories will help get back on track.
I won’t write a lengthy post about short stories but
will provide some recommendations from different genres. You can find
a short story from almost any genre and subgenre. The classics are already in
the public domain and are free to read online.
I already said I’m a short story writer. You should
expect me to promote my books too!
So here it goes. My first solo publication (in
paperback) will be out on 3rd July this year. I can’t even tell you how
exciting and stressful this feels. I hope I can sell enough books to make my
publisher happy. Fingers crossed.
Anyhoo, the book is called Forests and Faeries. It
is a collection of short stories for middle-graders but for anyone who loves
forests, faeries, and all things magic. The stories have a dash of adventure, a
bit of danger, loads of hope, and some sprinkle of fun to make you smile. Give
it a try if it sounds like something you will enjoy!
Forests and Faeries: Tales of Adventure and Magic
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194982472
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1C1YYT
**
Shared Roots – Tales from the Indosphere
Genre: Short Story Anthology (Multi Author), Indic
If you are a fan of Indic writing or want to explore it for the first time, check out Shared Roots, a book that explores the connection between India and Cambodia through seven unique pieces. And yes, it has a story by me. ;)
Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0D63MCXCR
**
Enough of self-promotion for now. I’ll recommend
authors I love for their writing styles and how their works encourage me to
improve my craft.
O Henry aka William Sidney Porter
I loved O Henry’s short stories ever since I read
one in my English book at school. I went on to read his collection of a hundred
short stories and still like to revisit my personal favorites at times. Check
out the following: (these should be available in the public domain)
- The
Last Leaf
- Service
of Love
- Third
Ingredient
- Springtime
a la Carte
- Witches’
Loaves
**
So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and
Women by Claire Keegan
Keegan is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I
fell in love with her writing after reading Small Things Like These. I don’t
like open endings but I'll never complain when Keegan writes them. Her writing
is a free masterclass.
So Late in the Day is a short story. The same title
is also used for a collection of three pieces by the author.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604158795
**
The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie
I will never miss an opportunity to talk about
Christie or this book. Mr. Quin appears only in a handful of short stories (and
no novels). He is not a detective. Heck, he may not even be a person. But he
has important roles to play in others’ lives. The touch of the paranormal and
the musings of old Mr. Satterthwaite make this collection a worthy read.
My review: https://www.writersworkout.net/post/2019/05/10/boss-battle-book-review-the-mysterious-mr-quin
**
How We Disappear by Tara Lynn Masih
If you are into introspective, darkish, and
atmospheric reads that also explore human nature, this collection could be the
one for you. The stories have a common theme of disappearance even if some are
a bit too vague for my liking.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4789434299
**
The Clock in My Mother's House by
Annalisa Crawford
Annalisa Crawford is a wonderful indie author who
writes slow-burn atmospheric stories. This collection is un-themed and contains
stories that have finalists or winners in writing contests. Her writing is
beautiful and evocative.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5334493278
**
A Broken People's Playlist: Stories
[From Songs] by Chimeka Garricks
This is an #ownvoices collection set in Port
Harcourt. The stories are all inspired by songs. Though I didn’t know the
songs, it didn’t hamper my reading experience. The pieces are darker but
poignant. The writing and execution are amazing.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5412484349
**
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous
Dark Fiction Anthology
This is a multi-author anthology with stories by
indigenous authors from the US and Canada. While the title and foreword make it
sound like the book deals with paranormal content, not all stories do. They are
dark and disturbing, but may or may not contain otherworldly elements.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5682080345
**
Grimm Machinations
This is yet another multi-author anthology with
fairytale retellings set in the steampunk or gas lamp sub-genre. The results
are mixed, but I did enjoy some stories a lot.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5644241229
**
Silverweed Road by Simon Crook
If you are a fan of horror, this could be the book
for you. The stories take place in a single setting, the Silverweed Road and
are presented as cases investigated by an Inspector.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4846610283
**
Books by The Hive
I’ll end the blog with a bit of promotion (again).
The Hive is a boutique indie publisher. We published
a handful of multi-author short story anthologies based on genres/ themes.
Horror: Route 13 and Trail XIII
Feel Good: Tea With a Drop of Honey and A Second Cup
of Tea
Mystery/ Thriller: Blood Runs Cold
Romance: #Love
Link: https://www.amazon.in/stores/The-Hive/author/B085T7DM6P
**
To Sum Up
Well, there is not much to sum up. I have many more
recommendations but that’s it for now!
I'm participating in the #TBRChallenge by
Blogchatter.
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