This morning, I’m dipping into some poetry and short stories from a few of my favourite authors. The advice I was given when I began writing was, read as much has you write. Over the years I’ve come to see the importance of this and the need for balance.
Ian McEwan, in an interview, said that he reads for several hours a day and it’s good to read a range of fiction, especially outside your genre. Although, today I’m focusing on poetry and short fiction. I’ve written quite a bit of both, recently, but I haven’t had time for much reading. I’m currently studying for a Masters in Theology, so it’s a juggling act. I finished ‘Reservoir 13’ by Jon McGregor this week. I need some time before I review it, as I have so many thoughts on it.
Today, I’m looking at these beauties by Claire Keegan, whose book, ‘Small Things Like These,’ was my favourite read of 2022. I then read ‘Foster,’ which was also an intensely beautiful, if a little melancholic, read. I’ve reviewed it on this blog. These are stand alone short stories, The Forester’s Daughter and So Late in the Day. I also want to read Alison Moore’s Eastmouth and Other Stories. I really enjoy her short fiction and her novels. One of my favourite stories for sheer tension and beautiful writing was ‘When the Door Closed, It Was Dark,’ originally published by Nightjar Press and in the collection, Pre-War House and other Stories, but Salt Publishing.
Wendell Berry’s poems are meditations on relationships and belonging, and Daunisha Laméris’ poetry is vibrant and atmospheric. I haven’t started Homesickness by Colin Barrett, but I enjoy his short fiction. His newest book, Wild Houses, will be published by Jonathan Cape in 2024. Now, time to read…..
F C MALBY 
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