By Gemma Mathers, Kelsey Liddell and Brittany Holness
A short story is a brief work of fiction that typically focuses on a single incident, theory, or emotion and can be packaged together with others of a similar nature to create an anthology, if by a variety of writers, or a collection, if by a single writer. Unlike novels, which can explore complex and lengthy narratives, short stories are concise, often ranging from a few hundred to several thousand words. This form allows the writer to concentrate on a specific theme to deliver a complete and impactful experience. The efficient use of language and streamlined plot of many popular short stories often result in an open-ended conclusion, inviting readers to reflect. And there’s no better time to do so than in the sun this summer.
Reading is a hobby that many people enjoy, but finishing a book or even getting to the highly anticipated twists and main plot lines takes more time than a lot of readers may have to spare. Short stories give readers the opportunity to complete narratives in a short time, while not missing out any elements of the total story. These types of short stories are intriguing – especially since it enables book lovers to hear diverse voices and different writing styles in one single work of fiction. In fact, some authors can benefit from writing anthologies with more well-known authors and developing a greater following through this.
While the popularity of short stories and increase in sales is not new, the recent rapid growth has been exorbitant, far surpassing its popularity over the course of these past few years. As has been observed with several previously discussed trends, social media only increases the likelihood of this trend being long-lived. Showcasing short stories on Instagram and TikTok, as well as other platforms, has the increased advantage of reaching audiences who either love short stories, or who might benefit from seeing these posts on their timeline. As a result, short story anthologies are expected to continue to hold their place, and perhaps grow further, in the industry.
With the recent increase in popularity of these anthologies and collections, especially during the summer months when readers seek quick reads for travel, it’s important for readers to understand that short stories are integral to literary culture, offering a unique platform for preserving and celebrating diverse narratives. Competitions like the BBC National Short Story Award, Women's Fiction Competition and the Next Generation Short Story Awards showcase the creative scope found within this format. These opportunities provide a stage for experimental storytelling, pushing the boundaries of conventional narratives, and the critical acclaim often associated with these awards underscores their artistic value and impact.
This summer we’re desperate to get our hands on some of the most notable collections of short stories from authors old and new, with some rising stars in the mix. Mary South made her debut with the stunningly funny You Will Never Be Forgotten, which features ten stories with savage takes on today’s culture and the nature of being human, while also providing glimpses of hope. Kanishk Tharoor’s Swimmer Among the Stars finds its roots in tradition and fables, and invokes such imagery it truly jumps off the pages. Each story is woven together so brilliantly it transcends how we see short story anthologies. One of the most renowned writers of his time, Haruki Murakami, stuns with Men Without Women – a hilarious introduction to Murakami’s work and an anthology that makes as many waves as its author.
Anthologies and collections such as these hold a strong position within the industry. Fiction and non-fiction alike, an anthology gives readers space to come and go from a story as they choose without pressure to finish quickly or struggle through a long-winded plot. This simultaneously allows readers to connect intimately with the story inked between the pages and gives the authors a space to divulge their own histories tangled with tales of folklore and traditions – where diverse voices and stories thrive. Authors also have a space to comment on the current state of the world. There’s no end to what these anthologies and collections can hold, and no slowing down when it comes to this trend.
Short story collections give authors a chance to tell their own stories in smaller, digestible chunks that are easy for anyone to pick up and fall in love with.
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