Status: Available

American Short Fiction Since 1970

By Edward P. Jones and many others

Moderator: Barbara Hyams

Details

PURPOSE:

We will read and discuss North American short fiction published since 1970.

DESCRIPTION:

Contemporary short fiction (approximately 30 pages in length) often baffles readers who are more accustomed to the breadth of plot and characters in a novel. There are simple literary techniques for comprehending short fiction and gaining a deeper appreciation of its themes and artistry. Whether participants are solely readers or also aspiring fiction writers, they will benefit from employing these techniques.

ROLE OF PARTICIPANTS: Each participant is responsible for selecting one short story from the two books listed below and leading a discussion of it. To facilitate discussion, everyone is required to use the editions listed below under “Publications.” All Participants will read and think about two stories per week.

RESOURCES:

Jones, Edward P., All Aunt Hagar’s Children (Harper Perennial, 2007, ISBN 978-0-0072-4083-8).

Williford, Lex, and Michael Martone, eds., The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction: 50 North American Short Stories Since 1970 (2nd ed.) (Touchstone, 2007, ISBN 978-1-4165-3227-9).

ABOUT THE MODERATOR: Barbara Hyams taught German Studies at universities in Oklahoma and Massachusetts during the 1980s and 1990s. Her second career was in business insurance marketing. She loves to read challenging literature and has dabbled in fiction writing throughout her life.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please use the listed resources only so that everyone uses the same editions and can refer to page numbers.