Thanks to Jennifer Matthews, editor, for her great introduction:
‘Balan’ brings us into the mind of a young man whose confidence outweighs his skills of perception, whose understanding of his family and his place in the world is about to change drastically. This tale is in turns funny, heart-wrenching and startling: an honest examination of the first days of the recession from Hennessy Award-winning writer Valerie Sirr.
The Long Story, Short, created by Jennifer Matthews, poet, writer and editor, is a literary journal that publishes a short story every month, favouring tales that take their time. Longer than flash; fewer strings attached than a novel.
Here’s Jennifer’s manifesto: ‘We are an exclusively online publication, publishing new stories on a monthly basis. Only one story will be published at a time, for optimal opportunities to promote the most current author’s work. This format, rather than multiple stories across 2 or 3 annual issues, reflects contemporary reading habits, and provides the readership new material on a regular basis. The Long Story, Short literary journal aims to provide authors a link to their work on the web that they’ll be proud to share, and readers a quality source for stimulating and engaging literature.’
I’m proud to have my story featured in the journal along with many excellent writers, whose stories are available by scrolling down here. Jennifer is an encouraging and conscientious editor and a pleasure to work with.
The site features original photography, and the photograph of the young man above caught the character of ‘Gerry’ uncannily accurately. It’s just how I pictured him. Thanks to photographer Patrick Warner from Montana, USA.
Thanks to Gerry Beirne too for scooping it on to his brilliant site Irish Literary Times where you can find regular updates on what’s current in Irish Writing.
There’s a very interesting article here on why you should send your work to literary journals like Long Story, Short:
The Importance of Literary Journals and Short Stories (whatifyoucouldnotfail.typepad.com)
You might also like:
- Day 202: 18 Literary Journals That Inspire You to Write (inthegardenofeva.com)
James Lawless said:
well done Valerie, looking forward to reading your stoyy
Best wishes,
James
http://www.jameslawless.net
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Valerie said:
Thanks, James. Appreciate you taking the time 🙂
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Brian Kirk said:
Just finished it Valerie – excellent story, you’re not afraid to let the characters be who they are. Very vivid and troubling – in a good way.
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Valerie said:
Many thanks, Brian. Delighted you like it. I’m in good company on Long Story Short with yourself and other writers I admire
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niamh said:
well done! I m really taken by the photo of the young man, and the intro and looking forward to reading your work Valerie (and the links) Its great that there’s somehere for the longer story, every where usually having the 2,000 limit can be frustrating!
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Valerie said:
Thanks a mill for taking the time, Niamh. I loved the photographer’s take on the ‘Gerry’ char – weirdly close to how I imagined him. You’re right about the 2K. It’s okay for flash, but too constricting otherwise. Can’t wait to read ‘The Herbalist’!
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Michelle Moloney said:
Congratulations, Valerie. That’s fantastic news that they picked your story. Not a surprise, though. You are a great writer.
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Valerie said:
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much. That’s very kind of you. I do my best anyway! Hope your novel is going well 🙂
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Eric Earwig said:
Congratulations Valerie.The best story I’ve read all year that didn’t have an exploding monkey at the end. Seriously though, each sentence was a real pleasure to read. Extremely creative. Hats off! Well done.
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Valerie said:
Why, thank you, Eric 🙂 I did put exploding monkeys in – honest, they’re between the lines!
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Susan Condon said:
Powerful stuff, Val – found myself holding my breath and I’ll never again watch Mary Poppins in the same way . . .
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Valerie said:
Many thanks, Sue. I see you remember Mary Poppins too 🙂
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writerlyderv said:
Congrats, Valerie. I had that honour about 10 years ago – qualiyt site.
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Valerie said:
Hi Derbhile, nice to meet another writer. I’m enjoying your posts.
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writerlyderv said:
Thanks. Read some articles about your recent successes in local Waterford papers.
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Valerie said:
It was nice to be featured. They picked up on the fact I was born in Waterford. Moved to Dublin when I was seven 🙂
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writerlyderv said:
They claim me as well and my claim’s even more tenuous, since I only moved there 11 years ago!
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Valerie said:
Nice to know Waterford appreciates writers!
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D.S Taylor said:
well done Valerie!
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Valerie said:
Cheers, David 🙂
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apprenticepen said:
Hi Valerie. Really enjoyed this story – a pleasure to read. Laura
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Valerie said:
How lovely to have a reader and your comment is much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time, Laura 🙂
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