Short Story, now in its second year, is one to keep an eye on. The current issue, No. 4, Spring 2008, although maybe a little too southern, is excellent.
It begins with "Love City" by Stephanie Dickinson, a gripping story about a teenage girl in post-Katrina New Orleans. The girl and her baby are living in a bungalow motel, where life is hard and where it's hard to know whom to trust. Here's an excerpt. It's an outstanding story.
The other highlight in this issue for me is the interview with George Garrett. Editor Caroline Lord discusses a variety of subjects including several of the writers he's known over the years. On the subject of rejection (always a favorite with me), he says: "I tell my students that sooner or later, you'll find the right match with the right editor or publication. You have to be patient and let that happen and it will up to a point."
The issue includes a discussion with Reid Buckley about his forthcoming memoir and also short story by Scottie Fitzgerald that is more notable (in my opinion) as a historical document than a story. The issue concludes with "The Good Fight" by Rosa Shand, about a Columbia, South Carolina woman who decides to stay on her summer home in the mountains.
Of note also is the announcement on the Short Story website that the magazine is beginning a weekly short story podcast beginning in September. That sounds like a worthy effort and I look forward to hearing more.
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