Inspired by my impending short story class at Lighthouse Writers Workshop , here’s a list of a few of my favorite short story collections:

Better Than Fiction 2: True Adventures From 30 Great Fiction Writers : I’m sure there is a Better Than Fiction 1 however, I was gifted the 2nd edition so that’s what I’m going with. This is a collection of travel adventures from fiction writers. It’s been a great example for me on how to think about writing about my travels. Also, it’s just entertaining!

The Color Master by Aimee Bender: I can’t remember if I read this first or Bender’s lovely work of fiction called, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake first but either way, I love her writing. Whether full-lengtthh fiction or short stories, Bender certainly has a way with words. She also contributed to xo Orpheus: Fifty New Myths , which I would recommend as well.

Wild Ducks Flying Backward: The Short Writings of Tom Robbins : I have read Robbins’ Jitterbug Perfume a handful of times. I love it. I was going through my bookshelf a few days before my latest trip and I saw my copy of this short writing collection. I was in the mood of getting rid of things I haven’t used and I thought, I’ve had that for years. I’m clearly never going to read it, I should get rid of it. And then I remembered short story class! So instead, I started to read it. It’s mostly essays and articles he wrote about travels and musicians with a few stories and even some country song lyrics. His phrases are like no other and I’m glad I picked it up instead of giving it away.

Where the Light Falls: Selected Stories of Nancy Hale : I can’t remember where I heard about this one but I remember them saying Nancy Hale had been forgotten and rediscovered. I was really enjoying these stories and then the book was due back at the library so I didn’t get to finish them. I will be requesting it again as soon as I can enjoy the library again.

The Book of Delights : This is a collection of essays written by poet Ross Gay. He set out everyday to document on experience that delighted him. It’s such a funny, warm and endearing collection.

And last but not least…. 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories . Need I say more?

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