Mini-Sagas

by Brian W. Aldiss (Editor), Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Brevity is the soul of wit – and a mini-saga is the soul of brevity. A story of just fifty words, with a beginning, a middle and an end. Not just that, but a story that instantly captivates the reader with dreams and disasters, fantasies and fears, loves and hates, humour, morality, immorality, the everyday and the extraordinary. Included in the anthology are the best mini-sagas from the latest competition 2001, chosen from the many received from all round the world. With them are specially commissioned tales from celebrity writers Brian Aldiss, Rachel Cusk, John Hegley, John Lanchester, Blake Morrison, Carol Shields and Helen Simpson, as well as singer Ray Davies and David Lammy MP. Witty, inventive, provocative and tantalizing, the mini-sagas are designed to tease and entertain reader and writer alike. They succeed brilliantly. Judged by Brian Aldiss, Quentin Blake, Christopher Howse, Joanna Lumley and Blake Morrison.

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Pseudonyms: Jael Cracken, Peter Pica, John Runciman, C.C. Shackleton, Arch Mendicant, & "Doc" Peristyle.

Brian Wilson Aldiss was one of the most important voices in science fiction writing today. He wrote his first novel while working as a bookseller in Oxford. Shortly afterwards he wrote his first work of science fiction and soon gained international recognition. Adored for his innovative literary techniques, evocative plots and irresistible characters, he became a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 1999.
Brian Aldiss died on August 19, 2017, just after celebrating his 92nd birthday with his family and closest friends.

Brian W. Aldiss Group on Good Reads

Reviews

[Ken Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The competition asks people to write stories which are exactly 50 words long... no more, no less. This is a great book to pick up and jump into when you only have a few minutes reading time to spare.

I think the best way to illustrate the skill of the writers, and the fun for the readers, is to share one of the 50 word gems. It's called Spring Summer Autumn Winter Cleaning and it's written by Rachael Gardner.

My house looks as though it's been hit by a bomb. Since I'm hopeless at organising, I bought a book: Key to organising your life. I felt so proud.

I started with the bookcase. Five minutes later I sat back, wide-eyed in disbelief.

I'd bought the same book last year.

That's magic for just fifty words and the book is packed with similar gems,

My own book, Dark Tidings, is just over 90,000 words. By the same measure, it should contain nearly 2,000 gems... I reckon it's only got half that

Grab a copy of Mini-Sagas: From the Daily Telegraph Competition 2001. It's fantastic fun when you don't have time for a normal chapter!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am published in this book, on page 40, so definitely five stars :)

Joanna Lumley was one of the judges and the book was illustrated by Quentin Blake - doesn't get much better than that!!