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Guest Editor Picks: Christmas Edition

Published 5 months ago

It's THAT time of year again. Yes, it's the time of year for hanging up stockings by the fireplace, decorating the Christmas tree, and baking shortbread and cookies for dear old Father Christmas. And of course it's time for Santa to check his list... however here at ShortbreadStories HQ, we've been rushing around putting our very own list together, and it's not of who has been naughty or nice... it's our list of favourite stories from 2011!

The whole Shortbread team have been scouring the site over the past few weeks to look for our favourites and here are our recommendations:

Robin's Pick

Dancing in the Rain by Ashley Wagner.

There is a very fine line between success and failure in writing a romantic story. If it fails in its timing, or is badly written, it will be, to the reader, like overdosing on sugar or wringing out a saturated towel. Ashley Wagner, however, has got it just right. This is a freshly-written little story that follows without falter the progress through life of a young girl who ‘dances in the rain.'

Rachel's Pick

Witchfinder Cuddles by David Sharp

I adore this story for so many reasons, not least because it's a good story that's well written. The writing is clear yet paints an imaginative scene, and the story progresses quickly pushing the reader forward. But this story is also a favourite of mine because it's layered. It takes the form of an old-fashioned fairy-tale, with silly names and personified animals. And, just like the Grimm's stories (or even in a similar vein to the very contemporary reinventor of myth, Gregory Maguire) there's more than cuddly bears and patriarchal beagles – there's subtext. It starts with flowers and light and an idyllic village, but grows dark and sinister, representing something quite universal about humanity: jealousy, fear, and a need to over power others. This is a strange story but a smart one, and it is one of my favourite on ShortbreadStories.

Fiona's Pick

The Burgundy Boy Speaks! by Steve Douglas

A surprisingly entertaining and touching tale, which leaves the reader re-examining the world we currently live in. And at this time of year I can't help but wonder what Santa's elves would make of Steve Douglas's Burgundy Boy production line...

Gary's Pick

Skype by Diane Dickson

Perhaps a bit of an obvious choice for Shortbread's technical wizard (?!) however I couldn't ignore Diane's precise and captivating writing. She uses the medium of technology in order to convey a traditional horror story in a new and very alarming way, which stays with you long after the shut down logo has been clicked...

Red Barn's Pick

Taming the Hulk by Karen Cantwell, narrated by Annie Bottoms

Taming the Hulk was not only an absolute blast to record with the very talented Annie Bottoms, the story was captivating and a joy to listen to. A story that every mother these days will relate to, particularly during the rush and bustle of the holiday season.

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