One of literary agent, David Godwin’s top tips for writing is to READ. But, ah, it’s tough when you’ve not got much time. What about short stories? The perfect way to discover great writing. Try these out but do let us know your favourites as well.
Book of Wayward Girls & Wicked Women by Angela Carter
Willful Creatures by Aimee Bender
Will You Please be Quiet, Please by Raymond Carver
And my favourite short story of 2010 was by author, publisher and LWC member, Elizabeth Jenner – buy it now at Shortfire Press for only 99p.
On Friday, Shortfire Press will publish the next batch of short stories, including a story by another LWC member, Vikram Kapur, called Number 9. I’m really looking forward to reading it.
And remember to put London Writers’ Club Live in your diary – 25th January – with top agent, Caroline Hardman and her author, Michele Gorman.
I thought I’d send a few of my favourite short story books as I often feel like short story writers don’t get the credibility they deserve, so this has been my favourite tip so far this month! Here are a few of the books that I love:
A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You by Amy Bloom
A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor
Where are you going, where have you been by Joyce Carol Oates
The Best of Roald Dahl by Roald Dahl
Any of the stories in the yearly volumes of Best American Short Story anthologies
Thanks again for the tips,
Robyn
Thanks Robyn, some great suggestions. We are thinking about doing a Write a Short Story Month later in the year so these tips really help.
Kirsty.