Maybe it’s the economy and some people, either unemployed or underemployed, have more time to read than ever before. Or maybe it’s the rise of 140-character Twitter postings and the realization by some discerning readers that the day of 2,000-word short stories may be nearing an end. Or perhaps it is simply that this year’s Summer Fiction content was also posted to our website at www.princetoninfo.com and that more people could more easily post their comments.
Whatever the reason, we have seen a flurry of comments to the July 22 issue — nearly all of it positive. Herewith one example:
I’ve never written or E-mailed a newspaper before, but felt compelled to do so after reading your Summer Fiction issue. It was absolutely the best newspaper I’ve ever read in that it didn’t contain the “news,” mostly bad, that other newspapers contain. Instead it had page after page of wonderful fiction written by local, talented people.
I vote for this to be published quarterly. What do you say?
Those kind words, and the challenge, come from Paul Bagoon of Skillman. Given that the Summer Fiction issue costs way more in terms of money and editing and production time than any other regular publication of the paper, the idea of adding autumn, winter, and spring editions to the mix is rather daunting.
But we will keep it in mind, and hope that supporters of fiction and poetry at any time of the year will join us at our Summer Fiction reception on Thursday, August 13, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Tre Piani restaurant at Forrestal Village. There will be free hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and readings and introductions beginning at around 5:45.
