Also, I was reminded of your recent post around family trauma when writing about Lucia Berlin, and how writers have often used their own experiences through their fiction.
Thank you so much for this well-written introduction to a new writer. I have mixed history with short story collections, but these feel like ones I could appreciate.
You're welcome! I know what you mean, I think short stories are often overlooked in preference of full-length novels. But I think Berlin's writing offers something fresh and unique that you might enjoy. Thank you for reading :)
Ha! Thanks, Jenna :) Although I had read and enjoyed Berlin a while ago, I hadn't come across the term 'auto-fiction' until I began to research further. It makes for interesting reading, although I personally don't think I could mine my own life so deeply, even if fictionalising it!
Kate, your articles are always refreshing and enlightening. Thank you for introducing me to a new author and making me excited to explore their work.
Also, I was reminded of your recent post around family trauma when writing about Lucia Berlin, and how writers have often used their own experiences through their fiction.
Thanks Matthew! And you are more than welcome 😊
Some of the best short stories I've ever read, love Berlin.
Thanks Troy! I agree, her stories are so succinct and authentic.
This was great. I love Berlin's stories too! Thank you for this lovely essay about her.
Thank you, Jeffrey. It's great to meet another fan; I know many people have yet to discover her remarkable voice! :)
Thank you so much for this well-written introduction to a new writer. I have mixed history with short story collections, but these feel like ones I could appreciate.
You're welcome! I know what you mean, I think short stories are often overlooked in preference of full-length novels. But I think Berlin's writing offers something fresh and unique that you might enjoy. Thank you for reading :)
Add me to the chorus of commenters who had never heard of this style of writing before!
Ha! Thanks, Jenna :) Although I had read and enjoyed Berlin a while ago, I hadn't come across the term 'auto-fiction' until I began to research further. It makes for interesting reading, although I personally don't think I could mine my own life so deeply, even if fictionalising it!
Still on my to-be-read list, this was so good to learn more about her style. 👏🏼😊
Thank you, Monica! I hope you get to her writing eventually! So many books, so little time... :)
Fascinating, thank you so much. Substack adds yet another wonderful suggestion to my pile of "things I need to find time to read!"
Ha! I know what you mean...I just added about five books to my library order app...thank you for reading :)
Such a good piece and I had never heard about this style of writing. What a writer. Brilliant.
Thank you! 😀
Brand new to me and I'm definitely going to have to check out her work.
Thank you Kathryn, and definitely do! I think you'll find areas of interest, given the themes you write about :)
Such a fan of the word sketch! Interesting to consider the distinctions in short fiction in this way.
I know! Mary Borden (whom I studied for my dissertation) used that word for her fiction, as well as "fragments", which I liked 😀
Thank you for another great essay, Kate. “I’ll never see donkeys again!” So much said in just those five words.