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.)?
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*
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*
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
Anthologies are like mix CDs. I don't really like them.
23/12/2009 03:39:12 AM
- 836 Views
I'm curious - do you read many short stories these days?
23/12/2009 08:32:14 AM
- 396 Views
Honestly, not many. But when I do, I prefer for them to be in a single-author collection.
23/12/2009 11:36:02 PM
- 616 Views
But some authors write such widely-ranging narratives that some anthologies are more unified
24/12/2009 02:17:58 AM
- 375 Views
Not to sound shallow, but honestly, I look for a known name ot two.
23/12/2009 04:15:45 AM
- 373 Views