It’s been forever since I’ve written a blog. The last time I wrote one of these had to be three long weeks ago. I don’t remember what obsession I wrote about last time but I’m happy to start racking my brain every Wednesday again and reading y’all’s amazing blogs. Today, I’m going to be talking about some of my favorite short stories/flash fictions. These are stories I read to find inspiration, to study different elements of writing, or just for entertainment. Their genres include mystery, dystopian, and memoir/childhood. (My favorites). They are all really good, and I personally can’t get enough of them. Let me know if you guys have read them or would like to read them.
- Orange World (Short story):
This short story is written by Karen Russell. It belongs to her short story collection book, “Orange World and Other Stories.” In this short story a woman who has suffered from miscarriages in the past makes a deal with the devil to protect her unborn child. In return for making sure her baby is delivered safely, the devil asks the woman to breastfeed it. I love this story so much. Not just because the plot is super bizarre and unique, but also the construction of this world is so interesting to learn about as you read. The setting greatly resembles our natural world; however, demons can interact and communicate with humans. The setting is super mysterious but in an evoking way that makes you want to know more, like does this story really occur on earth or could the woman be hallucinating the little demon? At the same time, the demon represents the draining reality of motherhood, and the woman’s guilty consciousness. This is an interesting read, and it’s packed with unique moments. Karen Russell is an amazing dystopian/ magical realist writer.
- Guilia (Flash Fiction):
This flash fiction is written by Keri Miller. This story follows the narrator, a mischievous, adventurous young girl and her close friend Guilia. The two girls have an inseparable bond, but it’s clear that the narrator has a childlike envy towards Guilia because of her wealthy lifestyle. Though, the narrator recognizes that Guilia isn’t perfect (her father is romantically unstable, and her mother is an alcoholic.) When they become adults and have children, the narrator develops a sense of empathy for Giulia’s life, but it’s clear that she can’t fully relate to her family struggles. The most devastating part of this story is that Guilia was never understood by the closest person in her life. It adds to the bittersweet end. This story is vivid, detailed, fun, sadly sweet, and absolutely amazing. I am in love with the narrator, the language, the setting, the small details, and the theme of childhood in this flash fiction. The author is amazing at crafting such a vivid world, its crazy.
- Lamb to the slaughter (Short story):
Lamb to the slaughter is a short story written by Roald dahl in 1953. Most people have read this in their English Comp class, which is no surprise because it’s a classic. I can’t even communicate how much I love this story. It is so simple but also intricate for its time. It establishes urgency, mystery, and anticipation. I’m on the edge of my seat every time I read it. Mary Maloney is crazy, but she’s the most surprising character you’ll ever meet. When I want to create a character that has lost their self-control, I think of Mary Maloney. I read this story every month or so, and it’s still the goat, I love it.
I have never thought of reading books to help with my own writing and the way you discuss these short stories makes me want to dive into some of them to learn more about them!
i LOVE reading books that are simply compilations of short stories and all of these sound so interesting. i’m definatlly gonna go read these, and i have some recomendations if u ever want a new short story to read!
At my school, we read lamb to the slaughter in every english class and it was the only story I looked forward to.
“Orange” and “Guilia” sound soo interesting! I’d love to read them if you have a copy I could borrow! I remember reading “Lamb to the Slaughter” in 8th grade and every time I hear that title, I’m brought back to that crazy time. That story gave me the basis of what a good story is made up of and it inspired me to pursue writing.
These all sound so cool! I’ll have to add them to my ever expanding reading list.
I LOVE “Lamb to the Slaughter”. When I first read it in 8th grade I fell in love with the story. Now, I have a Silver Key on an essay about it.