The Trouble with Flying and Other Stories (ed by Richard Rossiter & Susan Midalia, Margaret River Press)

Outlets for new short stories seem to dwindle every year, which makes the Margaret River Short Story Competition a welcome proposition. The fruits of a partnership between the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival and Margaret River Press in WA, this national contest has resulted in the publication of two anthologies: Knitting, released last year, and 2012’s Things That Are Found In Trees. This year’s anthology The Trouble with Flying and Other Stories comprises 24 short stories. Whether raw or refined, the tales showcase the kinetic power of the short-story form. Take, for example, the prize-winning title story by self-described fledgling writer Ruth Wyer, which follows one girl’s transition from high school to the adult world. Honest, painful and also very funny, Wyer’s emotional insight creates a tough but incredibly moving story. While the overall quality of the stories here doesn’t quite match those found in established collections such as The Best Australian Stories and journals such as Island and Overland, this collection should be lauded for providing an avenue for writers who may otherwise go unrecognised and unpublished.

Jennifer Peterson-Ward is a freelance reviewer and professional writing and publishing academic who divides her time between Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Reviews