I don't know if this has been done before - and I haven't read every blog in the universe to find out. So I'm going to do it anyway.
The short story is an art form and a rare thing in this day and age. I have one small bookshelf that holds the short stories by the likes of O.Henry, Somerset Maugham and H.E.Bates amongst others.
The Internet is full of short stories (found at sites like Beat To A Pulp and Twist of Noir) by interesting writers and readers leave comments but no one goes further to say more.
Take a story like 'Sins Of The Father' by Paul Brazill.
This is a short story within a short story and very neatly done it is too with the other part of the story acting as 'bookends'. I liked the double standards of the priest who listens to the confession while preferring to be at home watching 'Antiques Roadshow' and plays a game of Snake on his mobile phone to pass the time.
Paul Brazill's characters are human and speak so naturally that the reader 'knows' them or someone like them.
'Sins Of The Father' as well as 'The Man Behind The Curtain' and 'The Magic Hour' are the March offerings in Twist Of Noir.
Paul Brazill is a very observational writer who's style is reminiscent of Alan Sillitoe but a lot darker and grittier. But there is humour within his stories- and that's dark as well. If you haven't read any of his work then now is the time to look him up.
Personally, I would like an anthology of his short stories sitting on my shelf.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Ray! I really don't know what to say. Thanks very, very much. Coming from a PROPER writer like you, well....many, many thanks!
THE COLLECTED WORKS OF PAUL BRAZILL has a nice ring to it. And I'm fortunate to have "Tut" by Paul coming up at BTAP in June.
Ray, I like this post idea.
Yep-Paul's stuff is great. He's a top man too.
Gents, ta very much!
It's nice when writers take the time to support other writers. Well done and I concur.
"Personally, I would like an anthology of his short stories sitting on my shelf."
I couldn't said it better myself.
Thanks very much Mr B and Mrs A.But remember Cormac: it's all your fault!
Paul - You are a PROPER writer and looking at all the other comments it looks like others think so too.
I think Pattie's comments are spot on - we all create alone in our own void so feedback is so important.
Oh and Paul you most definately are a PROPER writer
Gary, and all-thanks very much. It's much appreciated.Ray- you're a star!
Post a Comment