Firstly, Madras Press.
I mentioned them here a little while ago and I love what they’re doing. I love that (like the wonderful Roast Books) they make sure their books are as good on the outside as they are on the inside. I like that they donate some of their proceeds to charity. And I like how they embrace the shorter form.
They’re based in the US, but that didn’t stop them getting Aimee Bender’s, The Third Elevator to me in a couple of days. And they even hand wrote my name inside. Lovely.
And what a delightful short story it is too. As is usually the case with Aimee Bender’s work, it’s different, it’s imaginative, it has oodles of heart and charm and humour. And it’s moving. There’s a reason why she’s my favourite writer – and she makes it, the writing and telling of damn near perfect stories, seem effortless.
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Secondly…
Anyone have any idea what this could be, over on Scott Pack’s blog? It has me flummoxed.