May is Short Story Month

Do you read short stories?

I enjoy reading them for the same reason I like poetry. I'm amazed at how writers of either genre can manipulate language so meticulously, often down to the morphemes, jam-packing their brief works with rich images and ideas. Short story writers as varied as Herman Melville, Junot Diaz, Jamaica Kincaid and Milan Kundera astound me with their ability to develop a character so thoroughly in so few pages.

Who do you/have you read? Which short stories have endured in your mind over the years? Do you write short stories? If so, where can one read them?

May is Short Story Month. In honor of this event, I have set a goal of writing at least one short story this month. It's in progress - stay tuned. I also challenge YOU to write a short story and publish it online in May, either on your own blog, or as a guest post here (just let me know; I'd be delighted). Additionally, please write me if you encounter any excellent short stories during this month or anytime - I'm always on the lookout for new reading.