Review- Wyoming Writer Alyson Hagy plus links

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First a short review of Ghosts of Wyoming by Alyson Hagy (Wyoming Writer).

Hagy did a terrific job dragging the reader into stories they had to think about. Throughout most of the book, she switches from serious to comedy short pieces. The cover gives an idea of actual ghost stories of Wyoming- but this is not the case. Ghosts are both a metaphoric and real part of her short stories, but this is not a book of haunted houses.

My favorites in her collection are "Superstitions of the Indians" and "Lost Boys." The first is a comical short piece about an Indian woman and a book with a mind of its own. The main character, a grad student, is a bit dense to start, but eventually comes around to help the Book and Indian woman. The second piece haunts me with the "lost." I had to sit and really think about the ending of this short story and the events that lead up to it.

I think Hagy did a terrific job of creating ghost stories out of old Wyoming stories and part of me believes that she intended for the reader to wonder and think about each story as an individual yet as a whole in the end of the book. Her description of Wyoming weather and land is spot on. This book would be great for a sampling of what this author is capable of and the stories are short enough to read one each night before bed.


And now for links:

 I have been toying with a new site called Scribophile. I have to admit I'm really impressed with the community. The site is basically a critique and review group with very talented writers and critiquers. If you get the option go check it out. I tend to get lost in the forums (stay away from the Scrib koolaid and brownies!)


Narrative Magazine is accepting fiction and none fiction submissions to their story of the week category (pays $150 for accepted work).

 I found a new site for creating blog banners called BannerFans. I used it to create my current blog banner at the top of the page and I must say- I love the different fonts they have- plus its free.


Happy writing!