Catching up…catching up…
50. “Botanical Exercises for Curious Girls” by Kali Wallace (The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Mar/Apr 2011)
This was a good story. It was beautifully written, the setting and characters unique and interesting, and I was satisfied by the ending. Yay!
51. “Ping” by Dixie Wragg (The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Mar/Apr 2011)
I was a bit reluctant to include this as a short story; however, it is listed as such in the table of contents, and so I do include it. It is 21 words long. Besides being slightly embarrassed that I don’t really get it, there’s also the fact that I have trouble defining these clever little micro-flash fiction snippets as true short stories. However, it is a quick, thought-provoking read (even if I don’t really get it), and to its credit, it is indicated below its entry that it was “first published as an honorable mention entry in The Washington Post‘s weekly humor contest, ‘The Style Invitational,’ Dec. 4, 2010.” 😉
52. “The Ifs of Time” by James Stoddard (The Magazine of Science Fiction, Mar/Apr 2011)
This was like five stories wrapped up in one big short story burrito…and all the more tasty for all the layers. I especially liked the ethereal feel of Lady Chandless’s story of Ahn and Shushana, who “had come to the Cinnamon Sea to cease.” I love Stoddard’s language, and I love this story.
53. “Samantha’s Diary” by Diana Wynne Jones (“Stories: All-New Tales” Edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio)
A quirky story of a woman plagued by the outrageous gifts of a wealthy admirer. An enjoyable, fun read.
EDIT (4/2/11): I was saddened to hear of Diana Wynne Jones’s recent passing. Neil Gaiman writes of his friendship with her here.
In relation to number 51: Would the “fragments” I have written be classed as the same as this story? I only ask as I am planning to send some of my writing off to journals, magazines and the like to see if they might publish some of it and if I do send off some of those fragments I figure that I will have to describe them in some way.
In regards to small fiction like that it is fun to write and can be a handy little cure for writers block (I’ll admit some of the ones I have written aren’t good and were the product of staring at blank page for 2 hours or so). And in some cases little pieces like that can turn into something bigger.
I think it really depends on your material. To me, no matter how long or short the story is, the reader has to come away feeling satisfied. I think the story I had commented on fell short — at least with me — because I just didn’t get it. Perhaps if I got the twist or punchline at the end, it would have worked for me.
Sounds to me what you might have is what might be called micro fiction. I did a search and found a site that breaks down the steps for putting these things together — http://www.suite101.com/content/short-story-writing-tips-a134070 — that you might find helpful. I think the most important advice the author of this article gives is that the ending is just as important as the beginning.
But you’re right…they’re fun to write. There’s tons of markets out there looking for that kind of stuff. Good luck! Send me the link to your byline when you place something. 🙂
Thank you for your detailed answer and very sorry the lateness of this reply (comment slipped off my wordpress page, then the computer decided blowing up was better than working).
That link was really helpful and pretty much described what I have been trying to do, and what I should strive to do with the little things I write.
And if I do ever get published (non profite or other wise) I’ll let you know. Its just a case now of finding my best stuff and sending it to the right places.
Also thanks for the comment on Abandoned Buildings (A series of fragments). Much appreciated.
Hey, there! You’re welcome. I have to apologize for taking so long to respond in the first place. 🙂 I think you have a lovely voice, and I do hope that you’ll let me know when you place something so I can toot your horn for you. 🙂