¡ FICTION ! Short Story / Microfiction discussion

I was just reading Edith Wharton's AFTERWARD. This is a psychological ghost story, extremely well written, and very enjoyable. As a writer, I think one of the best ways to learn the craft of writing is to read the masters. I decided I would read one classic short a week. And then I got the idea to offer the shorts on a blog. So, if you'd like to read AFTERWARD, the link is on my web site:

http://paulacappa.wordpress.com/
I'd be interested in hearing what others think of Wharton's story.

Have you ever read "A Haunted House" by Virginia Woolf?


"A Haunted House" is not Woolf's usual fiction, but this rather lyrical flash fiction of hers is a fascinating read. I have it free (7-minute read) on my blog this week. Also have the narration on a YouTube link, which is really lovely to listen to because of her exceptional prose. I'm not a big fan of Woolf, but you'll be surprised by this little haunted tale.

http://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2013/...

a classic short: The Hitch-Hikers by Eudora Welty

some wonky goings-on & a great description of an old dog...

Paula wrote: "I was just reading Edith Wharton's AFTERWARD. This is a psychological ghost story, extremely well written, and very enjoyable. As a writer, I think one of the best ways to learn the craft of writin..."

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Wonderful to read a Woolf sketch! Though not sure it can be deemed flash as she intended to expand. It does work as one, however. And I find that an interesting approach she had, to write these sketches while she had the idea, then expand later. I look forward to seeing more of these from you!

Thank you, Tara. So glad you liked it.

My blog Reading Fiction, Tales of Terror ("quiet horror," mystery, ghost stories, and historical fiction) continues to offer FREE classic short stories every week of the master writers. October was Women in Horror Month and I featured more than just Mary Shelley (Mme. Blavatsky, Margaret Oliphant, Mary Wilkins Freeman, and Mary Elizabeth Braddon and a new contemporary author Kelly Link).

If you've had enough of Halloween horror, you might like the short story I've featured on for November 5th. The author is Richard Le Gallienne and his story "The Haunted Orchard" is a tale that is mysterious enough and yet has a soothing quality.

I actually loved the Librivox recording of this story by Jessica Snyder, who has such an enchanting voice and reads it so dramatically. A real treat on a November chilly and gray day.

http://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2013/...

Phantasmagoria On the River

Guy de Maupassant! If you are a short story lover, you've certainly read his work. I find so many of his stories to be so entertaining and offer me an escape into the real world, and yet not my world. So refreshing!

On the River is one of his tales of terror. It's a short read about a man on a boat. Well, if you know de Maupassant, you know to expect much more than that.

Read it FREE at Reading Fiction, Tales of Terror. And I found a short film adaptation too.

http://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2014/...\

If you've not read much of author Emile Zola or French literature, I have a short story for you this week that is more than just a little compelling.

"The Death of Olivier Becaille" by Émile Zola is a 35-minute read about a man with catalepsy and about to be buried alive. A terrifying subject but in the hands of Emile Zola, an extraordinary and unforgettable work of fiction.

Read it free at Reading Fiction.
https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2015...

Do you know the famous author who wrote the ghost story "Miriam"? If you've not read this short story, you've missed a fun ride into mystery and suspense by a master writer.

FREE read at Reading Fiction blog. Also 12-minute film too!

Stop by Reading Fiction Blog:

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2015...

Thanks for this. Took me a while to get to it. Love Capote. Creepy!

"House of the Dead Hand."
Curious title for a short story, right? The woman who wrote this story also was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
Do you know her?


Read the FREE short story at Reading Fiction Blog.

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2016...

Enjoyed seeing her home!

:-) Thanks, Tara.

February 21, is the anniversary birth date of the legendary and visionary writer Anaïs Nin.

This week I am celebrating this author on my blog with one of her short stories, The Houseboat, a mysterious story about the inner voyage of a woman living alone on the Seine in France. Psychological and deep, this free short fiction is a 30- minute read, with audio, plus interview with the author by Studs Terkel, and a podcast about her famous published diaries.

Stop by to experience an unusual story by a talented writer.
The Houseboat by Anais Nin:

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2017...

Reading Fiction Blog, free short fiction every month.

Love these posts you do. Will look tonight. Thanks!

Good to hear it, Tara. Enjoy.
paula

Agatha Christie Obscure Murder Mystery: "Philomel Cottage"
A romantic twisty tale, set in a cheerful English village of gardens and gossip. Murder plans and the dark psychological powers of dreaming prevail with an unpredictable ending. Christie's compelling narrative suspense, as always, does not disappoint.

FREE 30-minute read at Reading Fiction Blog. Audio too and vintage film classic.
https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2017...


Enjoy from Reading Fiction Blog. Two FREE short stories every month by the master authors of fiction.

Are you looking to read a Christmas story? Quick one? How about flash fiction, a 12-minute read of the "Christmas River Ghost." This is perfect for a lunchtime read or coffee break to get you into the holiday spirit.

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2017...
At Reading Fiction Blog.

Need a ghost story by Charlotte Bronte? Try this one (10-minute read) featured at Reading Fiction Blog. Audio too. "Napoleon and the Spectre."

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2019...

Paula wrote: "Need a ghost story by Charlotte Bronte? Try this one (10-minute read) featured at Reading Fiction Blog. Audio too. "Napoleon and the Spectre."

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2019......"

I always enjoy your posts, this time, more than the story! Yes, not her best, but fun to read. Funner still was your intro and the painting that the brother did (what a talented family). A story there about why he painted himself out, I'm sure. Very ghostly. :-)

Tara wrote: "Paula wrote: "Need a ghost story by Charlotte Bronte? Try this one (10-minute read) featured at Reading Fiction Blog. Audio too. "Napoleon and the Spectre."

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2019/0..."

Thank you, Tara, for your thoughts. Yes, that painting by Branwell is quite intriguing. I do think the whole Bronte family was haunted in many ways. Love historical fiction!

If you are looking for a black cat story for this Halloween season, or just because you love cat stories, or supernatural fiction, THE PRICE by famous author Neil Gaiman will please your tastes. Free read, and animatic read by Gaiman, at READING FICTION BLOG.

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2019...

Looking for an inspiring Christmas story? Are you a Washington Irving fan? Come to Ye Olde Christmas Grace at Reading Fiction Blog.

https://paulacappa.wordpress.com/2019...





Old Christmas: From the Sketch Book