But I LIKE Short Stories 07/26/2009
Last week, I received these words from a thoughtful, well-respected agent: CommentsDave McNair Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:56:15 May be you should change your name to Mahmood Trainer. Ah, don't worry...that's what agents are supposed to say. Writers just gotta keep writing....that's the challenge...and welcome to the blogosphere. Hey, where's the link to my blog? Jack Carneal Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:27:31 I love hearing stories about how writers get stuff done; in many cases these anecdotes might convince me that my own processes aren't quite as ridiculous or worthless as I might think at my worst...Would you consider writing a longer essay about working for PT? I loved the CBK piece but wanted more. For example, did PT spend a lot of time on Facebook while only wearing his underwear, meanwhile telling Eleanor that he was hard at work on his new novel? If yes, that would make me feel a lot better about myself. Mark Trainer Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:40:07 Hey, Dave, I didn't know you had a blog. Hell, I'll link to anything. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:32:32 What story collections have sold (reasonably)well? Any come to mind? There must be some. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:50:09 Mobylives had a good post back in 2001 about short-story collections, the marketplace, and readership. http://bit.ly/4sM3UY Jay Wigley Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:47:03 Uh, hello? The 2009 Pulitzer was to the collection "Olive Kitteridge," which was obviously short stories. But face it, fiction isn't moving much. Short stories are high art these days. Publishers are in survival mode. Survivalists aren't into art. Will that change? Maybe. But I wouldn't expect it. Mark Trainer Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:25:07 Jay, Mark Trainer Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:15:45 My wife Jennifer Howard and her writer friends have taken up this thread here: Mark Trainer Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:07:37 So this thread got picked up in The Rumpus. The comments are worth the read: Dave McNair Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:09:56 Of course, who cares if nobody reads your short stories if you get a MacArthur Fellowship.... Your comment will be posted after it is approved. Leave a Reply |