Sherman, Delia: Interfictions 2: An Anthology of Interstitial Writing

[calico_reaction]

Comments

[talekyn]

I may have to seek this one out. I, too, was a huge fan of LOST for exactly the reason you give as to why it is a great example of interstitial fiction: it was unpredictable and very open to interpretation in every season.

I can think of at least a few anthologies out there which have recently tried to "rescue" the short story form from being solely "genre" or solely "literary" and finding a way to combine the two. Gaiman and Sarrantonio's STORIES comes to mind as the most recent example. But even there, most of the stories were not what I think of as "interstitial" when I read the definition given in your review.

Something to think upon, for sure ...

[calico_reaction]

Give this a shot then! I'll look forward to your thoughts. And definitely take a look at the first volume, Interfictions, as well! :)

I intend to pick up STORIES, but I'm gonna wait for a cheaper copy.

[janicu]

Hmm, interesting, this term - interstitial. Do you think it's similar to the term "weird fiction", or a different concept?

[calico_reaction]

That depends on what you define as "weird" fiction. China Miéville's PERDIDO STREET STATION has been considered "New Weird," but it's better defined as interstitial.

[janicu]

Yeah that is what I was talking about. So overlapping terms then?

[calico_reaction]

To be honest, short of Mieville, and even with him I don't hear it anymore, "weird" or "new weird" isn't used much as a genre, I think because it's SO exclusive, you know? Interstitial is broader and covers the same ground more extensively, if that makes sense. :)

Your interest in terminology has me curious though: where's the question coming from? Is weird a term you see used more frequently than I do?

[restiva]

Definitely going to watch out for this one! Your review has made me very curious.

[calico_reaction]

Let me know your thoughts when you get around to it! :)