4 Debut Authors Short-Listed for Frank O’Connor Award
Last week I participated in a panel at Sarah Lawrence College discussing how to submit to magazines. My fellow panelist was an agent and she basically popped everyone’s hope balloon by telling them over and over again that no one wants to publish short story collections.
I know, I know, it’s the same old song and dance. I really hope that by telling people that everyone IS reading short stories and that there are more and more people writing great stories, we can reverse psychologize this misconception that we don’t want short stories.
Therefore, I was really happy to read that 4 out of 6 authors shortlisted for the Frank O’Connor award were debut authors. SOMEONE is publishing short stories by new authors–and they are being awarded with prizes!
Last year, the award judges decided not to publish a short list. Instead, they awarded the prize the Jhumpa Lahiri.
One Story authors Lydia Peelle and Lauren Groff were on the long list.
Read more about the authors here and here.
Popularity: 72% [?]
It’s my first time on this website, but I’m loving what you’re doing. I agree that we need to bring the short story form back into popularity. It’s always been great, but I think it’s about time the short stories are no longer neglected. Great work, guys!
Comment by Kevin Kim — August 9, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
I love your work.I prefer short stories to novels,and I am reading some English short stories.On account of my poor English,it’s a hard work.
我用中文回复，希望你不要介意。你做的很棒！
Comment by Ceeline — August 18, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
And let’s not forget that Jhumpa Lahiri also snagged the Pulitzer Prize for *gasp* a short story collection!
On another note about short story collections, I was noticing today that Maile Meloy was recently named by Granta magazine as one of the Best Young Novelists in America. She followed this praise by releasing an amazing collection of stories! “Both Way Is the Only Way I Want It” also landed on the front cover of the NYTBR…
By the way: Congratulations to the winner of the Frank O’Connor Award, Simon Van Booy!
Comment by Joshua Bodwell — October 4, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
What a find! As a writer who has had two collections of short stories published in the last two years, I’m aware of how fortunate I have been. While this is my first visit, I plan to return often.Thanks for giving us an exposure long overdue.
Comment by Joseph Cavano — December 9, 2009 @ 9:35 am
I totally agree that the short story is more in now than ever;I don’t understand why there is no more promoting for this great form of expression;somebody should hold a summit and get the show on the road NOW !
Perhaps by rounding up some major grants to develop exportable production of short stories,micro stories ,mini and flash fiction;the works,I have over 100 ready to be launched at my site;some one give a publishing hand to all this hard work.
Comment by Carlos de la Parra — January 13, 2010 @ 11:49 pm