Pixel Hall Press is a relatively new, old-fashioned small publishing house whose focus is on discovering literary gems and great stories that might have otherwise been overlooked. Our mission is to publish books and short stories that energize the imagination and intrigue the mind, and to be a conduit between readers and provocative, stimulating, talented authors. - See more at: http://www.pixelhallpress.com/#sthash.7sxX0hM2.dpufTHE SHORT STORY GETS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
For many years stories were published as "serials". One had to read the story one part at a time via newspapers and magazine periodicals. Of course over the years we have been blessed with magazines that featured shorty stories, and several women's magazines still occasionally run a short story as a monthly feature.
However, the popularity of the short story waned and all but disappeared up until just recently with the advent of digital technology. The e reader breathed new life into the short story. Now, we are able to afforably purchase high quality short stories on our devices. We no longer have to purchase an entire magazine to read one short story. We can pick and chose which ones we would like and usually we pay no more than a dollar for these stories.
Previously, there was no good way to market a short story. A person probably would not feel inclined to purchase a really short story at Barnes and Noble. With digital formatting, it's a great deal easier to catch the readers eye. Often our schedules are so packed we don't have the time to absorb an entire novel, but we still want to enjoy a good story.
Flash Fiction, a new genre has popped onto the scene which is a very creative short story style that often leaves off dialog.
Another trend, the e-serial has emerged onto the scene as well. Short installments reminisent of the "serials" mentioned previously. These are short installments released within a short span of each other weighing in at about 100 to 130 pages each. Some may be shorter and some longer.
A popular marketing tool that has really taken off in 2013 is the prelude novella. Many authors that write series novels will release a teaser to introduce us to a new series. Sometimes it's an in-between short story to tide us over until the next full length novel arrives. This is a great way for the publishers and the author to stay in touch with readers and get feed back from readers.
Naturally, as a reader, reviewer and blogger I am excited to see all these wonderful things happening in the world of books and reading. I for one think anything that encourages reading is a good thing. We don't have to stay in a rut or pass on reading entirely due to our schedules. We can still find time to enjoy a good story.
This is not to say I think we should replace novels. I read too much and too fast to stick to the short story genre exclusively. However, as one person recently suggested, a short story between novels can be like mental floss. I couldn't agree more.
I have included a couple of short stories from Pixel Hall Press to celebrate the new age of the short story.
Honor by Daniel Grotta is Pixel Hall Press Publication. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jeff had a great family life until his wife got sick. Now working for his brother-in-law, Jeff thinks back to his days in Vietnam, how he met his wife, his in laws and how he would like to be able to send his daughter to a school in France, but can't afford it. He hatches a plan to raise money without realizing it would have shocking consequences.
I loved this short story! The story is told from Jeff's perspective. If you don't like Jeff, then I don't know what to say. He's a great guy and you will find yourself really pulling for him. The story will pull you in from the beginning and hold your attention all the way through.
I have read other stories from this author and enjoyed them very much, but I have to say this one tops the list.
A+
The Broken Bottle by Sally Wiener Grotta is a 2010 Pixel Hall Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Joanne and Andrew are having dinner in Chinatown. The place is one of the few open this night. The meal is going well until a group of Asians begin to behave in an ominous way that puts Joanne on edge. Andrew, however appears nonplussed. Before the evening is over two people will walk away together, but separate.
This short story is told in first person from Joanne's perspective. The atmosphere she senses in the restaurant is tense and palpable. From her line of vision, she is seeing and feeling something that Andrew from his life of vision is unaware of, giving the once happy and comfortable couple, two entirely different insights into the situation. For Joanne it is a terrifying episode that causes her feel differently about her life and her marriage from that day forward.
I think it is telling when someone could write a review that is nearly as long as the story. There were so many angles and symbolism and allegory one could read into this amazing short story. I'm going to quit writing now before I get too carried away.
