Quality Over Quantity

Literary apocrypha tells of a very short story written by Ernest Hemingway that gets in and out in exactly six words: “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” Whether or not Hemingway penned that little marvel matters less than the untold saga of those shoes – the mind reels at the grim possibilities of that for-sale notice. Micro-fiction is the type of super-short story writing that relishes the restraints of a limiting word count; writers must stoke the imaginations of their readers while making every word count. Local lit mag River Styx hosts its sixth annual Schalfly Micro-Brew Micro-Fiction soiree this evening, with an ingenious pairing of locally-made beer with locally-made vignettes. The event features readings by Margaret Hermes, Chuck Sweetman, Amy Baily and David Schuman, and guests can partake in the Nano-fiction contest by submitting stories of 25 words or fewer. The event takes place at the Schalfly Tap Room (2100 Locust Street; 314-241-2337). The cost is $3, and music will be provided by the Pernikoff Brothers.
Mon., March 5, 2012