Well, September was not like last month, I actually got some short stories read, but not up to the old pace. Earlier in the challenge I worked well ahead of that one story per day pace, but with August off and September at half speed, I’ve really got to step it up.
Streaks have power (like when I never missed a day) and losing the streak has made it hard to get things going again. If not for this public accountability, I probably would let the whole thing go. But that’s one of the reasons why I decided to make this public. As a short story writer, I need to read short stories. Period. So while this month is thin, I will be kicking it up in October. Got to get to 365 (at least!) by the end of the year.
Stats
Stories read in September: 18
Words read in September: about 49,000
Stories read this year, so far: 281
Words read this year, so far: 895,000
OMG I So Love These Stories!
These are what I consider “must read” stories. As in you MUST read them! Now!
Dandelion
Elly Bangs
Clarkesworld, free, approx 5,800 words
With an unusual structure, this beautifully wistful sci-fi tale looks at three generations of women exploring a mystery and what it means to humanity. A lot is packed in it’s short length. And for me, if you describe a story as “beautifully wistful” I’m there.
James Brown Is Alive And Doing Laundry In South Lake Tahoe
Stefanie Freele
Flash Fiction Online, free, approx 1,000 words
This story shouldn’t work. It breaks all the rules (like changing point of view character every paragraph, for example), but boy does it work. It is brilliant and humorous and at 1,000 words there is no reason not to go read it. RIGHT NOW!
Other Stories I Love
I love these stories too, just with a bit less passion. It’s okay, I can love some stories more than others.
Just Before Recess
James Van Pelt
Flash Fiction Online, free, approx 1,000 words
Wonderfully written and so very quirky, this is a story of a boy and the sun he keeps in his desk.
Hope you all have found something wonderful to read in September. Please add a comment and let me know.
