Great Short Stories
with Darcy Alvey
A short story is the perfect bite of food, the heart of the watermelon. Read on for my favorites and fun facts about writers and writing. Darcy Alvey
Have you read this?
Shirley Jackson:
The Lottery
It may be as simple as speaking up.
In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” published by The New Yorker in 1948, no one spoke up.
The story begins with ...
Fun Facts About Writers:
It has been widely reported that Gertrude Stein's final words to Toklas were, "What is the answer?" With no reply forthcoming, Stein followed with, "In that case, what is the question?"
Etgar Keret:
Crazy Glue
AI will never replace this inventive writer.
I’m not sure where I first came across Israeli writer Etgar Keret. His collection of short stories, The Girl on the Fridge, has been a staple in my reading life for several years. I pull it out when I need something fun with an edge...
Quotes--I wish I said that:
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them,
and try to follow where they lead."
--Louisa May Alcott
Annie Proulx:
Bedrock
Word choice takes this story to the next level.
In Annie Proulx’s Heart Songs and Other Stories, I chose “Bedrock” to feature, although it could just as well have been any story in the collection. Close your eyes and point. You won't go wrong.
As the story unfolds, Perley, a middle-aged widower ...
Clever and Pithy Dedications:
This book is dedicated to my brilliant and beautiful wife without whom I would be nothing. She always comforts and consoles, never complains or interferes, asks nothing, and endures all, and writes my dedications.
-Albert Malvino, Electronic Principles, 2nd ed.