My Top Short Stories
Hello and Namaste!
How can I not write a blog post on this topic? Shortstories are my favorite kind! I write them too, so they are even more special.
The best thing about short stories is how much canbe said in a limited word count. Also, these make great starting points for newreaders. If you can’t sit long enough to enjoy a novel, a short story will getyou into the habit of reading. Same if you have a reading slump. Rereading yourfavorite books or short stories will help get back on track.
(AI Image generated on Bing)I won’t write a lengthy post about short stories butwill provide some recommendations from different genres. You can finda short story from almost any genre and subgenre. The classics are already inthe public domain and are free to read online.
I already said I’m a short story writer. You shouldexpect me to promote my books too!
So here it goes. My first solo publication (inpaperback) will be out on 3rd July this year. I can’t even tell you howexciting and stressful this feels. I hope I can sell enough books to make mypublisher happy. Fingers crossed.
Anyhoo, the book is called Forests and Faeries. Itis a collection of short stories for middle-graders but for anyone who lovesforests, faeries, and all things magic. The stories have a dash of adventure, abit of danger, loads of hope, and some sprinkle of fun to make you smile. Giveit a try if it sounds like something you will enjoy!
Forests and Faeries: Tales of Adventureand Magic
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194982472
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1C1YYT
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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
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Enough of self-promotion for now. I’ll recommendauthors I love for their writing styles and how their works encourage me toimprove my craft.
O Henry aka William Sidney Porter
I loved O Henry’s short stories ever since I readone in my English book at school. I went on to read his collection of a hundredshort stories and still like to revisit my personal favorites at times. Checkout 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 andWomen by Claire Keegan
Keegan is one of my favorite contemporary authors. Ifell in love with her writing after reading Small Things Like These. I don’tlike open endings but I'll never complain when Keegan writes them. Her writingis a free masterclass.
So Late in the Day is a short story. The same titleis also used for a collection of three pieces by the author.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604158795
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(AI Image generated on Bing)The Mysterious Mr. Quin by AgathaChristie
I will never miss an opportunity to talk aboutChristie or this book. Mr. Quin appears only in a handful of short stories (andno novels). He is not a detective. Heck, he may not even be a person. But hehas important roles to play in others’ lives. The touch of the paranormal andthe 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
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How We Disappear by Tara Lynn Masih
If you are into introspective, darkish, andatmospheric reads that also explore human nature, this collection could be theone for you. The stories have a common theme of disappearance even if some area bit too vague for my liking.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4789434299
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The Clock in My Mother's House byAnnalisa Crawford
Annalisa Crawford is a wonderful indie author whowrites slow-burn atmospheric stories. This collection is un-themed and containsstories that have finalists or winners in writing contests. Her writing isbeautiful and evocative.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5334493278
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A Broken People's Playlist: Stories[From Songs] by Chimeka Garricks
This is an #ownvoices collection set in PortHarcourt. The stories are all inspired by songs. Though I didn’t know thesongs, it didn’t hamper my reading experience. The pieces are darker butpoignant. The writing and execution are amazing.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5412484349
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Never Whistle at Night: An IndigenousDark Fiction Anthology
This is a multi-author anthology with stories byindigenous authors from the US and Canada. While the title and foreword make itsound like the book deals with paranormal content, not all stories do. They aredark and disturbing, but may or may not contain otherworldly elements.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5682080345
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(AI Image generated on Bing)Grimm Machinations
This is yet another multi-author anthology withfairytale retellings set in the steampunk or gas lamp sub-genre. The resultsare mixed, but I did enjoy some stories a lot.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5644241229
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Silverweed Road by Simon Crook
If you are a fan of horror, this could be the bookfor you. The stories take place in a single setting, the Silverweed Road andare presented as cases investigated by an Inspector.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4846610283
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Books by The Hive
I’ll end the blog with a bit of promotion (again).
The Hive is a boutique indie publisher. We publisheda 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 Cupof Tea
Mystery/ Thriller: Blood Runs Cold
Romance: #Love
Link: https://www.amazon.in/stores/The-Hive/author/B085T7DM6P
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To Sum Up
Well, there is not much to sum up. I have many morerecommendations but that’s it for now!
I'm participating in the #TBRChallenge byBlogchatter.
