From now on, I plan to write to you all every couple of months to tell you about what’s going on with my own writing and to give you some short fiction news and recommendations. If you’d like to receive the exclusive story ‘Two Passengers’, please subscribe to my newsletter here.
As you probably know, I’m a huge advocate of short stories. In a time of meaningless Marvel reboots, 50 shades of holiday reads, and endless grizzled detectives, we need stories which make us work harder. Don’t be afraid, just be open.
Short stories should not just exist in American High School Lit classes. They deserve more, and so do you.
During the first lockdown, I started a completely free Story Discussion Club for people around the world to read and talk about classic short fiction. We’ve had attendees from over 20 countries and have discussed stories from 10. If you are an English learner, interested in reading challenging and exciting stories, I’d love for you to join.
Since 2019, a lot has changed. I’m sure that’s true for you too. I now live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. I split my time between running my online teaching business and writing. In terms of writing, 2021 has been a year research, consolidation, editing and submitting, but I’m really happy to be helping non-native English speakers develop their English writing skills.
I’m also running some short-fiction sessions in the near future. Each month, I host a low-cost online workshop on Zoom, and in December, I’ll be working with international writers at a weekend writing retreat in the mountains of Gran Canaria.
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My Writing
Here are a few recent publications to tell you about:
Herr Freidrich’s Fabulous Kabaret and Bin Day were both longlisted for the Autumn Reflex Press Fiction prize
I have an 81-word story included in this record-breaking anthology published by Victorina Press.
My second collection of short fiction publishes on 15th November, 2021. The Fisherwoman and other stories is available worldwide in paperback and ebook. Thank you to everyone who helped this book come to fruition.
I really appreciate the support of all of my readers. Every time you buy, share or review my work, it makes all of the hours of furrowed brows in front of a blank page worth it! Thank you.
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Recommendations:
Flash fiction – We’re Hearing Reports of an Incident in Amsterdam by Sharon Telfer.
Vivid description, shifting tempo and surprising ending.
Short Story – The Distance of the Moon by Italo Calvino
Wonder and imagination meets science and astronomy in this beautifully philosophical story.
Podcast – Micro: a podcast for short but powerful writing
Three tiny stories in just ten minutes, read by the authors themselves.
Novel – Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Great use of location. A book about identity, community and murder
Non-fiction: Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands: Fifty Islands I Have Not Visited and Never Will by Judith Schalansky
Travel to far-flung lands and learn about their history.
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Remember – if you’d like to receive the exclusive story ‘Two Passengers’, please subscribe to my newsletter here.
Thanks for reading. See you soon.
Phil
Philip Charter 