I love short stories but, as Jason Steger, Literary Editor of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, wrote in one of his recent weekly emails, not everyone does. Indeed, he writes: I know quite a lot of people – people I would consider good readers of fiction – who find them unsatisfactory. Not enough … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Short stories, revisited
Short stories
Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 2: Short stories
When I started this little sub-series, I wondered how to describe it - genres or forms or genres and forms? In the end, I chose "genres" on the assumption that we could define it very loosely to include forms. I hope this works. After all, the content is more important than the name! I decided … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 2: Short stories
Melbourne Writers Festival 2020: Let me be brief
I won't get to many Melbourne Writers Festival events, because those of most interest to me clash with other commitments and responsibilities. This is a shame given this year's extensive digital program would enable me to attend my first ever MWF. Never mind, there will be other years. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to find a … Continue reading Melbourne Writers Festival 2020: Let me be brief
Monday musings on Australian literature: The Hope Prize
I came across the beautifully named Hope Prize over the weekend via some online service. Was it Twitter? Was it Facebook? Perhaps even Instagram though I think not, but I really can't recollect. Such is our online lives, eh? Anyhow, the Hope Prize, was, according to the website, established by the Brotherhood of St Laurence "thanks … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: The Hope Prize
Monday musings on Australian literature: The inaugural Australian Short Story Festival
Promotion is hotting up for the inaugural Australian Short Story Festival (ASSF) to be held in Perth this year, from October 21st to 23rd. At least, it's hotting up, if you follow them on social media, because they've been actively promoting the event on Twitter and Instagram*. ASSF Inc is a non-profit organisation, and they are aiming … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: The inaugural Australian Short Story Festival
Modern short stories, 1929-style
As I continue to clear out my aunt's house, I keep finding little treasures. Most I move on. There are only so many little treasures, after all, that you can dwell on, let alone keep, but an old book of short stories? Of course, that captured my attention. Titled Modern short stories, it was my aunt's school text … Continue reading Modern short stories, 1929-style
Monday musings on Australian literature: Short Stories, 1920s style
"A good short story is a work of art, and a joy of forever!" So wrote the author of The Sydney Stock and Station Journal's "Our Book Column", back in March 1920. I hadn't planned to write about this topic today, but the various discussions of short stories I found while researching Trove distracted me. You all … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Short Stories, 1920s style
Monday musings on Australian literature: Short story awards
You all know by now that I really enjoy short stories. I have not, though, paid much attention here to short story awards, partly because, despite a few recent posts on awards, awards are not a major focus on my blog. However, I was down at New South Wales' beautiful south coast a few weekends … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Short story awards
Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Final, or the Winner is announced
Sorry folks, but I have been slack. Meanjin took a little while to post the final round but I've taken even longer to report back to you. February was not a good reading and blogging month for me as my Past Whisperings link shows. I am, however, back now and ready to post the winner … Continue reading Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Final, or the Winner is announced
Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Semi-finals
And so Meanjin's Tournament of Books rolls on - during a hot Australian summer that has been characterised by terrible fires and floods. "I love a sunburnt country" but this is ridiculous. Anyhow, the tournament's semi-finals have been played and the best short stories (sorta) have won. Here they are: Semi-final 1: Thea Astley's 'Hunting … Continue reading Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Semi-finals
Whispering Gums 