"The short story allows us in a short space of time to understand huge things, huge dilemmas. Short stories pull us into their world and shake us up. They don't hang about. They don't waste any time," says Jackie Kay.
And fans of short stories shouldn't waste any time in heading over to Story, the website dedicated to the form and filled with reviews, features, news and - of course - stories. There are tales to download from luminaries of the art such as Tove Jansson, Peter Hobbs, Rose Tremain, Ian Rankin and William Trevor, along with "think pieces" from writers, publishers and one distraught bookseller. ("Short stories are my addiction and my permanent, professional heartbreak.") Budding writers will also find information and advice on getting published and lists of awards and competitions.
The most prestigious of these, the National Short Story prize announces its latest shortlist on the site at 8.20am tomorrow. Each of the stories will then be read on Radio 4 at 3.30pm every weekday next week.
