I've been a fairly regular participant of Short Stories on Wednesday ever since Risa started the event on Breadcrumb Reads. I had planned to keep it up when Nancy took over but I've been sporadic. Largely because this year has been super busy and my blogging has taken a bit of a backseat. Also, one Wednesday seems to follow the other at an alarming pace and I've barely managed to read a short story, leave alone blog about it. So, I think Nancy's idea to re-invent Short Stories on Wednesday as The Short Story Initiative is just the ticket. It takes away the weekly deadline while still giving me a structure to my short story reading. She's also posted a list of monthly themes which we may or may not adhere to. I think this is a great way to venture into genres that I would normally pass up . Read all about the it in this post.
As part of the Getting to Know Each Other theme of this month, we answer some questions about ourselves and our short-story-reading ways :) Here's my bit:
1. Why do you want to join The Short Story Initiative?
I love reading short stories and I've learnt about a lot of new authors through bloggers participating in Short Stories on Wednesday.I'm guessing The Short Story Initiative will be even more informative with less pressure.
2. What kind of short stories do you read? Is there a specific genre or culture or nationality you would like to explore through short stories?
I love all sorts of short stories and I'd like to read the great masters of short story writing. I also want to explore the literature of different cultures and nationalities. Nancy's focus on Philippine literature has been enlightening.
3. Who is your favorite short story writer? Why?
Impossible to pick one favorite so I'm going to list a few. Fitzgerald, Chekov, Kate Chopin and Saadat Hassan Manto.
5. What is your experience with short stories in the past? Is it a good or bad experience?
Mostly good. Largely good in fact. The great thing about short stories is that even if the story is not to your taste, you don't waste days over it.
6. Share one book confession when it comes to short stories?
hmmmn... cant think of anything really. I think I've been good, so no skeletons in my short story closet.
7. Share something about yourself that has nothing to do with short stories.
I'm gearing up to tackle Chaucer's Canterbury Tales once again . I hope to do a series of posts about it in 2013.
4. What is the most memorable short story you have read?
Putois by Anatole France, Bernice Bobs her Hair by Fitzgerald and A Good Day for Bananafish by Salinger.5. What is your experience with short stories in the past? Is it a good or bad experience?
Mostly good. Largely good in fact. The great thing about short stories is that even if the story is not to your taste, you don't waste days over it.
6. Share one book confession when it comes to short stories?
hmmmn... cant think of anything really. I think I've been good, so no skeletons in my short story closet.
7. Share something about yourself that has nothing to do with short stories.
I'm gearing up to tackle Chaucer's Canterbury Tales once again . I hope to do a series of posts about it in 2013.
"The great thing about short stories is that even if the story is not to your taste, you don't waste days over it." -- how true! And this new format really does take the pressure, doesn't it? I'm really looking forward to delving into the shorts again. :D
ReplyDeleteAnd oh! Ive marked Chaucer down for a good read. If I'm upto it next year I just might like to compare notes. :)
I hope you are able to do Chaucer. It's almost like reading an anthology of short stories, isn't it?
DeleteGlad you are into Saadat Manto. I just posted on one of his stories and included a link to it. Glad you will be joining the event.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the event. will check out your post right away.
DeleteHi, Che! I'm happy that you will be joining The Short Story Initiative. With less pressure, I'm sure there will be plenty of short stories that will be featured monthly, including yours. So I look forward to your posts. I'm mighty glad to know that my posts on Philippine literature have been enlightening for you. I recently just started reading some of Chekhov's works and they're fantastic!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you there when you said, "The great thing about short stories is that even if the story is not to your taste, you don't waste days over it." :)
I failed on Chaucer early this year. I started reading it but it has been put on hold due to some personal matters. With yours and Risa's efforts, I might be inspired to pick it up again. It's actually an interesting read. I enjoyed reading the first few tales.
Che, I look forward to reading your short story analyses and posts on longer works (Chaucer is a tough one to tackle, and I commend you for taking on that challenge).
ReplyDelete