I really enjoyed your “confessions of an unrepentant short story writer.” The era of the short story has ended. I once mentioned, to my then-boss, that I was focusing on writing short stories. She said, “short stories? Aren’t they ARCH?” I’ve wondered about this a lot. She herself was working on a young adult novel at the time, filled with elves. At any rate, when it comes to short stories, it’s strange to write something that you’re certain nobody will read except six other writers, especially when it can be so difficult. Your essay captures the romance of such a bleak, outlying, far-flung and forgotten enterprise, and makes me feel again the thrilling prospect of reading a Ray Bradbury collection purchased cheap at the PDQ convenience store around the corner.

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for finding that old essay, it's about everything I have to say on a subject I love. There just aren't decent venues for short stories anymore or the attention required by readers to enjoy them. By the way, what does "ARCH" mean, is it an acronym, or do you just mean she was being "arch"?

@joebeamish

6 ай бұрын

@@Scottmbradfield I’ve wondered about that comment for over a decade. Perhaps there is something to the “literary “short story that is essentially a mechanism of withholding information, to a much greater degree than the novel. But I’m not sure that’s what she meant. This morning I picked up one of your collections from Ebay to arrive hopefully before Christmas. Hot Animal Love. I look forward to reading it.

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

Oh cool, I like that book. My whole story writing career is learning how to write stories nobody (but me) wants to publish. Also, if you want any of my other books in PDF I distribute freely through email. Stay smoove! s

I love the movie, "The Swimmer". Burt Lancaster is always great. The final scene is brilliant. I've read Cheever but will try Collier and Wolfe (library permitting). Get well soon.

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

John Collier is definitely worth a try. Stay safe in either the bathtub or the swimming book, Excelsior! s

Collier was great! I have Cheever's short stories on a shelf , waiting for me. My concern is being unable to finish so much fiction. Like trying to eat a lot of rocky road ice cream at once. Also saw an interview with Cheever and he had a weird, English sounding accent. Later, I heard it was a total fabrication.

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

Yeah there's only so much bathwater and time, but if you find some of either you'd probably love Cheever's stories, Donald. Keep covid free in the holidays! s

scott, im sorry you had got covid ...again...its weird about Paxlovid...we dont have it in canada...and we dont have rebounds...and feels like Neddy....anyway, sending you the best.....and yes, Cheever is a hero of mine....have the same edition (though the red is now nearly light-stained tangerine) and am thrilled your mentioning Cheever (when the world celebrated the other John (Updike)), i thought they'd always got it wrong...like richard yates, cheever is an american hero whose stories and books must and should be read...im not sure he was that wonderful of a man, actually tortured and harsh and lonely (ive met susan, who well, understands better than most alcholism and her pop) but god damn, he sure could write..."His life was not confining, and the delight he took in this thought could not be explained by its suggestion of escape. In his mind he saw, with a cartographer’s eye, a string of swimming pools, a quasi-subterranean stream that curved across the county. He had made a discovery, a contribution to modern geography; he would name the stream Lucinda, after his wife. He was not a practical joker, nor was he a fool, but he was determinedly original, and had a vague and modest idea of himself as a legendary figure. The day was beautiful, and it seemed to him that a long swim might enlarge and celebrate its beauty. He took off a sweater that was hung over his shoulders and dove in. He had a simple contempt for men who did not hurl themselves into pools. ...."...now, will any of us ever swim from one bathtub to another, across our lives and state lines.....please be safe scott...we need ya healthy.....happy bathing....bob

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, BB, and you keep healthy in the bathtub yourself. s

2:00 John Collier’s _Fancies and Goodnights_ 3:44 _Another American Tragedy_ 🦷 5:06 The Stories of John Cheever 6:20 _The Artemis, The Honest Well Digger_ 6:52 _The Swimmer_ 7:33

Was looking for some short stories to read, so thanks for the recommendations. And you've got COVID? Take care, and get well soon.

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

Always nice to hear from you, Prag. Definitely give Collier and Cheever a try, they're both great fun in different ways that are somehow exactly the same! S

I find Collier unreadable. Cheever’s best stories are among the best I’ve read.

@Scottmbradfield

6 ай бұрын

Yeah they reread well too. Have a great holiday, Dr. Smoove!