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Hey Lars... Phelix Send a noteboard - 22/12/2009 11:27:06 PM
Although I am well-aware that fiction anthologies of all stripes are rarely discussed here, I thought perhaps it'd be interesting to hear opinions about what constitutes a good fiction anthology. As my sig line states, I've agreed to work with the Best American Fantasy anthology series (starting with vol. 4, tentative date being mid-2011, with more information forthcoming). Needless to say, how to structure an anthology (in this particular case, a reprint anthology) and make it appealing to a large group of readers has been on my mind recently.

So, for those of you who have read an anthology or who might if persuaded, what do you look for in an anthology (interconnecting stories, particular types of stories told, lots of commentaries by the editor(s), as little commentary from editor(s) and authors as possible, themes, etc.)?


When I read anthologies, I look for a few things.

1. Theme. Each piece within the anthology should work as its own piece, but should also work with the other pieces to form a whole. The stories should progress together.

2. Pacing. There should be dynamics in the anthology. The works should vary in length and intensity, and should flow one to the next.

3. Variety. There should be a diverse range of authors, writing styles, and types of story.
I was Phelix on wotmania, I will always be Phelix in the "real" world, and now I am Phelix on RAFO.

You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true and also fierce you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.- Churchill

*MySmiley*
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Anthologies - 22/12/2009 11:12:37 PM 766 Views
Hey Lars... - 22/12/2009 11:27:06 PM 525 Views
Thanks for the thoughts, Cat Boy - 23/12/2009 12:54:48 AM 479 Views
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I could be the exception here. - 23/12/2009 11:14:20 AM 428 Views
You just made me so aroused. - 23/12/2009 11:41:18 PM 402 Views
I leave the hentai to Dunja - 24/12/2009 02:21:24 AM 499 Views

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