Short Story Connect discussion
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Who is the modern MR James?
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The only Le Fanu story I have read is 'Checkmate'-a full-length novel. I wasn't that impressed by it, but maybe I should give his short stories a go anyway. Strange, isn't it, how the classic ghost story seems to have gone out of fashion somewhat; replaced perhaps by horror stories written in more graphic style?
A subtle horror writer I enjoy is Arthur Machen. His story 'The Shining Pyramid' is a real chiller, with a long slow build-up. I also like his story 'The Terror'. Of course, this doesn't answer the question 'who is the MODERN M.R. James....!
Yes. But is the short story out of vogue because publishers, for whatever reason, don't push them; or because readers don't want them? I suspect that they would find a market if they correctly marketed, if you see what I mean. But I am not a publisher, and one has to assume they know what they are doing.....
Robert wrote: "A subtle horror writer I enjoy is Arthur Machen. His story 'The Shining Pyramid' is a real chiller, with a long slow build-up. I also like his story 'The Terror'. Of course, this doesn't answer ..."
Arthuer Machen is one I have yet to read, but I have heard a lot of good things about him. Is there a particular collection of his short stories you would recommend?
Arthuer Machen is one I have yet to read, but I have heard a lot of good things about him. Is there a particular collection of his short stories you would recommend?
Marc wrote: "Robert wrote: "A subtle horror writer I enjoy is Arthur Machen. His story 'The Shining Pyramid' is a real chiller, with a long slow build-up. I also like his story 'The Terror'. Of course, this ..."To be honest Marc, I haven't read Machen widely. There are lots of collections of his stories on Amazon - just make sure the one you get includes 'The Shining Pyramid' and 'The Terror'. I must read more myself.
Thanks Robert. I'll get one of those collections and give it a go. Currently I am reading 'The Doll, and other stories' by Daphne du Maurier. I like the way she leaves things for the reader to find 'between the lines'; the subtle art of avoiding over-explanation.
One of my favourite short story authors is MR James. He manages to deliver unforgettable psychological frissons with wonderful delicacy, in perfect, beautiful English. I wonder if anybody can point to a modern writer who is at all close to the MR James style? I don't need graphic blood and gore, but I do like a good ghost story, and I am not sure where to go well-written modern ones. Any ideas?
Thanks!
MJ