Brief Encounters

Mark, I'm envious of writers who can work within the very specific limitations of the short story and produce the perfect product. I've read five of your stories, all different in style and content obviously, but every single one hits the nail squarely on the head. I see from your list of favourite authors that you've had a good grounding in solidly crafted novels and acknowledged masters of the short story, but you have a rare ability all of your own here. I'd love to have read your early efforts from all those years ago as you have a clear affinity for writing logical and effective prose and always getting the twists in the tail just right.
I can't pick a favourite, but number 8, Grandma's House was particularly effective. I've just gone back and read one more, A Bottle of Chardonnay, still can't find fault here - not that I'm looking for errors, far to busy enjoying your beautifully-crafted collection. I'm not sure how strong the market is for such a neglected sub-genre, but I've derived great pleasure from your work. You're a talented writer displaying great versatility. Backed, emphatically.
Jared.

Hello Mark, what a wonderful collection of short stories...managed to read 'Crying Wolf' first off. initially, I thought we were in the wild west, a goldmining town and I thought, yes, I like westerns. Then it became clear. you stories take the reader out of their comfort zone. when you think it's one kind of story, it turns out to be another. I was waiting to see how you fit wayne Rooney into the story then - pow - we're in some secret research base for cloning humans (or something) disguised as an Ikea store! Then, what looks like a mysterious wartime love story, it unfolds as a romantic ghost story - brilliant. and there's so many of them, I was spoilt for choice. 189 plus words and it's still incomplete! Have you thought of making up about ten collections of short stories each with a different title, each short story maybe set in their categories? Maybe it's an idea. But for sheer intriguing, poignant story-telling, I think you're in a special kind of class of your own BACKED Could you take a look at mine? Chris1

I dived into "There's Always Saturday" and loved it - the story, the characters and the climax. This is so well written, Mark. I will definitely come back to read a few more. This is the perfect book to pick up and lose yourself in, just for a little while, and then go back to. Shelved with pleasure. Lynne, Brooklyn Bridge.

Mark -

I backed this a couple of weeks ago after reading Cry Wolf!, and have since returned often to read further. I'm not typically a fan of the short story, but you have a deft hand and a lovely sense of dialogue. (The dinner conversation in Chardonnay just made me cringe--in a good way, of course).

You are skilled at developing subtle plots and sharply defined characters. The one thing I would note is that sometimes it seems you lack confidence in closing, and perhaps feel the need to be sure your reader gets the point. I think we get it. For instance, in Cunningham's White, my feeling is that you could drop the, "and knew he was no longer alone."

That is a very subjective thought from a non-short story reader, so take it for what it's worth :-/

Many of the stories in this collection rank well above published short stories I have read. Detail and 13 Types of Trolley are among my favorites.

I'm still reading ...

Regards,

Peggy Winston

Too Late for Cheese: Some interesting devices at work here with Harry's normal life, Dr Campbell's analysis, Harry's story. "And what the hell do you think I am?' LOL, wonderful twist.

The Plot: Mars, a place for misfits, and Dekker is one of those, but no matter how he schemes and plots, his luck runs out. This story shows a fantastic imagination. Minor nit: 'forgot to wipe then [them?]'.

La Vie en Rose: Odd, subtle story this, of kindnesses of different kinds. The MC is not a cruel man, but his job means he has sometimes to be ruthless and practical. I hope he worked out a solution allowing Ballard a fair price for the café. That's how I interpret it anyway.

Mark, your writing is polished, full of clever observations and turns of phrase, with realistic characters and devious plots, all demonstrating a mastery of the art of short story writing. On my shelf.

Nice tight stories. Loved A Bottle Of Chardonnay!
Rosalind Barden
American Witch

After reading a portion of your book I believe you have a compelling writing style and a handle on the dialogue. Best of luck. I would welcome your comments and backing for December Gold.
--author of December Gold

You have cat\ptured the reader's imagination with your great story telling ability. Brilliant dialogue and setting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first short story.

backed

Very nice work--others have said it all, nothing to add. My only recommendation is to keep writing. The short story genre itself is improved by your stories.

Bill

Hi,

I love reading short stories ever since my school days (a while back it must be said) so to come across some out of the blue like this is a joy. Definitely backed.

JED
Green Olives

This is a collection of fine stories told with an air of confidence. I read "Cry Wolf" and "Meeting Wayne Rooney." both of these had a SF ring, with a surreal Philip Dick tone to them; in particular "Meeting Wayne Rooney." So, Maryon and Jamie were reproductions - but better? "Just takes a while to work its way through the system." If I get more time, I want to read the rest of these. Shelved with pleasure.

nice dialogue, nice descriptions. I usually don't read short stories but I enjoyed this very much. Backed!

OK Mark. I give up. Where must I go to meet Wayne Rooney?

OK Mark. I give up. Where must I go to meet Wayne Rooney?

OK Mark. I give up. Where must I go to meet Wayne Rooney?

Excellent. Great dialogue, great description, the stories keep a reader interested, not just in themselves individually but in finding out what the next one will be!

I really enjoy short stories. Read 'Cry Wolf' today, and I love the way a little more surprises the reader as we progress - and what a twist :-)) I'll be keeping this on my WL for a while, so that I can dip in and out and read a fwe more when I feel the need. Nice work

Omg what an interesting twist! the Argon! You DO have a knack for short stories. I'm impressed. I could never write a short story but this was everything I liked in them. Nothing had been what it seemed. What a wonderful twist! I would buy this book of short stories, so it is a pleasure to shelve it.
xBeccaX
The First Phoenix

I wish I had more time to read more of you. Because I like it. As I wrote in my profile, I think flash fiction is the future of novels. Contemporary minds have been fed by the internet. Attention spans demand that prose must be succinct; the plot must be invented or imaginative. You have that. I read two of your stories. I read “Brotherly Love” and “The Plot.”

This is lean prose. It’s paced and packed with great imagery.

It’s good.

Mark R. Trost
“Post Marked.”

As a short story writer, myself, I know that they are difficult but so rewarding when they're done well. And the ones I've read here certainly are done well. My favorite was Marlowe's Last Case -- so well plotted, with great dialogue and a keen sense of humor. I also enjoyed Cry Wolf and Trolleys -- I was a little taken back by both main characters being named Will, but itt may be just because I read them one after another. I'm happy to back it.
Richard, Zombie Jamboree

Hi Mark,
I have had a read of a couple of your stories and I loved them. Quite simply you have a lot of talent and you deserve to do well.
Good luck,
James (The Lycetta Legacy).

Read Several.
Loved Details. I was thinking they were ghosts, but that's me. Reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode where Robert Duvall is in love with the tiny woman in the doll house :)
You have a great sense for the plot twist, and leading away from it.

Backed!
Dan-
Eunice and Ethan

Normally I am not a fan of short stories... but the two I read were fantastic.

A Bottle of Chardonay - You could feel Ms Starr's desperation coming through. You could sense you willingness to let go of her morals to 'get the part' and the ending was an interesting twist, though you could sense things were not right. My only comment was in regards to the third or foruth paragraph when you descrbibe the bed, it seemed rather abrupt of a shift for me. I think the third sentence, where she talks about looking around the apartment, might smooth that transition without taking away from the story.

Meeting Wayne Rooney - oh man, is that stepford wives all over again. Totally creepy. You really built up the eeariness of the whole thing. I like the ending and the twist. I was wondering the whole time... what is going on? Very cool!

Great read... one I would actually buy! Backed!

Tawn Anderson (Providence)

Mark, I've looked at "Cry Wolf." A well-written story. Held my interest. Good dialogue. Nothing really to nitpick.

Backed.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Brilliantly twisted. I love it. These are my kind of short stories. I would love to have this sitting by my bed to read at night.

I really have no suggestions, although I noticed one little typo...a stray quotation mark in the first story.

Backed.
JLux
Finding Letta

There is nothing that I can offer except praise. Well done.
Barbara
The Sea Pillow

Publish this collection on Amazon for Kindle, so's I can download it for my trip out ot Arizona on Thursday!

I'll tell my pals about it - no doubt. Enjoyed the first two - so no worries now about the rest!

Mark, excellent technique, tight writing! Backed!

Brief Encounters
Mark Frankel

Mark,
I read your first two stories in this collection of short stories and judging from these two, I think you must have quite a good collection here.

Your Chapter One – Cry Wolf! was an enjoyable one, relating Will’s story - that idea of spontaneous human combustion was clever, as well as that memorable last line, Welcome to Argon! I thought your Chapter Two story, A Bottle of Chardonnay, was also quite good. Rose Starr the actress and Charlie Evans, the writer, were interesting characters, each in her/his own way, and that line, plagiarism is a dirty word among writers, sent a shiver through me! Poor Charlie. I thought the plots in these sample stories, to start with, were skilfully designed and in both, the endings were good. Judging from the titles of some of the other stories in your list, it looks as if you have a broad range of subjectmatter/themes and I enjoyed these two so much that I want to come back to this when I have some more time to spare. Oh, by the way, I loved your title, “Brief Encounters” – reminded me of the movie “Brief Encounter” directed by David Lean (with Trevor Howard - do you know it?) – I wondered whether this film had influenced you at all so it will be a treat going through the stories to see if there’s one based on that film’s theme. (Or, you could simply tell me.)

Best wishes for success Mark,
Zan

I'm not really a lover of short stories but I read a couple pf yours and found them easy to read and entirely credible. I love Joss in Botherly Love, a real James Bond type, and enjoyed the humour at the end of 13 Types of Trolley.

Jane Holyoake (The Spiral Pendant)

I was only planning on reading one story, but I just read three and had to pull myself away from reading more. What’s great about Brief Encounters is the diversity of the stories. I mean The Plot isn’t even set on earth, you are very imaginative. I think most people slip up with short story compilations because the story’s are too similar, not true in your case though Marko. I've never really given short story’s a go, I have a few plots of my own in mind that I no wouldn’t go the distance (I.E more than 80 000 words) and you've inspired me. You're a good writer. Backed

George (The Touch of God)

Hi Mark, Lovely literary flavors. Each as unique and satisfying as the next. Shelved. JupiterGirl (Twins of the Astral Plane)

Mark, the stories I have read (and I like the title Second Sunday in June the best) are so carefully constructed and beautifully written. There are so many here! Have you ever submitted to small literary magazines? Maybe you have, but if not you really should. The stories I have read here should be published!

Best,

jennifer Gooch Hummer

I love short stories, and you are obviously a master. Very enjoyable reading.
backed
Genevieve
Under the Same Sky

I have read a lot of short stories in the past (4 years of 2-hour commute to Uni) and not all of them were interesting, so typically I'm wary. But Brief Encounters exceeded all my expectations. I've read 25 years to Vega and loved it. Your descriptions are spot-on. Your writing is very polished, very professional. The story itself is fun and has enough depth to entertain, while not being too long. A perfect short story. I wish I had your collection with me when I used to commute to Uni.

Backed with pleasure,
Ana G. Ram (Snowflake)

Excellent writing and obviusly a fertile imagination. Bravo!

John Wickey
Future's End

Hi Mark

Brief Encounters - I read randomly, chapter seventeen, nineteen and forty-six. Murder, mystery, love, all in impeccable, crisp writing, the stories read like mini thrillers. Very enjoyable.

Pia (Course of Mirrors)

Read 'thirteen kinds of trolley'. Thank you - lovely read, and quite unusual for Authonomy.

A very interesting short story, if all the others are as good as the first then I'm going to back them. Take a look at my offering Three Stayed Home a WW2 adventure and love story. I hope you like it although its totally different to your stories. JohnJ

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS:

Mark,

I'm so glad I've looked at these stories again. This time I chose Cry Wolf and Marlowe's Last Case. So different, but I like it that you seemingly so naturally introduce a little bit of fantasy into both the stories, and yet they are both anchored in reality. Marlowe's Last Case is so full of wit that I giggled most of the way through it, especially at the sudden old crone with the hairy wart. The premise of both is so clever, yet so simple, and the construction perfectly timed for the short story roundness.
It takes a very skilled writer to make it appear that because these stories are so easy to read, they must be easy to write. It takes a special talent to be able to characterise so completely and give such a satisfying chunk of the life of the characters in so short a wordcount. I congratulate you on a really wonderful collection of well written, well crafted, most enjoyable short stories.
Backed.
Sheila (Pinpoint)

Hi

I enjoyed Cry Wolf. Tight prose. I will come back and read the rest when I have more time. You manage to define the MC in the short space of the story. I can't find any problems.
Shelved.
A return read would be appreciated.
cheers olga

Mark
This is interesting. Read Grandma's House, and found myself trying to shift along and find out what exactly Granny and Grandpa were up to. Good descriptive words. Backed. Rosali
Fieldtrip to Mars

Wonderfully imaginative, beautifully written. Any further comments be me would be superfluous. Backed
Best regards, jedward (Knut)

Yes, writers are kept in dungeons under the producer's office. I read a few of these, but was really taken with A Bottle of Chardonnay. Nice taught writing, with a good ear for dialogue.

Annabelle

Mark, I'm envious of writers who can work within the very specific limitations of the short story and produce the perfect product. I've read five of your stories, all different in style and content obviously, but every single one hits the nail squarely on the head. I see from your list of favourite authors that you've had a good grounding in solidly crafted novels and acknowledged masters of the short story, but you have a rare ability all of your own here. I'd love to have read your early efforts from all those years ago as you have a clear affinity for writing logical and effective prose and always getting the twists in the tail just right.
I can't pick a favourite, but number 8, Grandma's House was particularly effective. I've just gone back and read one more, A Bottle of Chardonnay, still can't find fault here - not that I'm looking for errors, far to busy enjoying your beautifully-crafted collection. I'm not sure how strong the market is for such a neglected sub-genre, but I've derived great pleasure from your work. You're a talented writer displaying great versatility. Backed, emphatically.
Jared.

Just read "Cry Wolf": a story strangely reminiscent of one of the Bradbury Mars stories. Science fiction with a difference so that it's not really sci-fi but more futuristic fiction. Anyway, whatever, I really liked it. The transformation to the alternative universe was eerie. Short stories are about the most difficult forms to master: a lot of people try and most fail, but you have succeeded. You are to be congratulated. After this first one I shall be reading more.

Backed with pleasure.

Nicholas ("The Warlock") - Horror/Thriller

Seems we like all the same writers, and are of the same vintage. Maybe like wine we improve with age.
I'm putting your stories on my watch list right now because short stories need savouring and I'm in a hurry.

Nicholas ("The Warlock") - Horror/Thriller

Mark, I really enjoyed your story telling ability. I only read one but, if they're all of this calibre, it's a sure seller, short stories or not. Oh and, BTW, I think writing short stories takes a lot more talent than writing novels.

Loving regards, Callaghan

I don’t know a lot about short stories, so I’m always looking to read more of them. I chose “There’s Always Saturday” because … well, it’s Saturday. Nicely executed, dropping just the right little hints here and there until the twist hits.

Silly question, maybe, but is Carole still holding the cigarette when she and Mike dance that first night? Sounds awkward.

I’ll be sure to come back and read some more of these stories later. Backed.

R.C. Lewis (Fingerprints)

Brief Encounters:

What a prolific story writer you are.

I read A Bottle of Chardonnay, and how true that opening line is for many women. ;)

I'd check your 'look' words and replace a couple of them? Looked like/resembled... Looking for a familiar face/searching for a familiar face.../look at the menu/check the menu?

Little ^ mark on the o in roles.

Loosely circled around a.../don’t think you need ‘around?

Grandma's house is a delightful story with the child and her grandfather.

I rememember one particularly hot July day/ To avoid the over use of’ I remember’, how about beginning with just, One particular hot July day? Don’t think you need it here, either, - I remember he hesitated.

(I knew )Grandad had been…then remove the ‘that’ here? – and that he and Grandma…

Very enjoyable read.:)

Already backed, and going to read a couple more.

Cáit ~ Muckers ~

I'm a big fan of short stories, and I'm amazed how many you've got here.
I read chapter 36 mirror mirror - This is an interesting and likeable story, The characters are developed excellently, whis is a must for a short story. Although you know all the way through the mirror will play some part, it;s not unti the very end it all becomes clear. This was a perfect little short, I'll be back to read more. Backed for now
Charlie

Hello Mark, what a wonderful collection of short stories...managed to read 'Crying Wolf' first off. initially, I thought we were in the wild west, a goldmining town and I thought, yes, I like westerns. Then it became clear. you stories take the reader out of their comfort zone. when you think it's one kind of story, it turns out to be another. I was waiting to see how you fit wayne Rooney into the story then - pow - we're in some secret research base for cloning humans (or something) disguised as an Ikea store! Then, what looks like a mysterious wartime love story, it unfolds as a romantic ghost story - brilliant. and there's so many of them, I was spoilt for choice. 189 plus words and it's still incomplete! Have you thought of making up about ten collections of short stories each with a different title, each short story maybe set in their categories? Maybe it's an idea. But for sheer intriguing, poignant story-telling, I think you're in a special kind of class of your own BACKED Could you take a look at mine? Chris1

I randomly clicked on Running With Reagan.

Fluid, nice pace and well written.

Cheers

Lorrii

I randomly clicked on Running With Reagan.

Fluid, nice pace and well written.

Cheers

Lorrii

I randomly clicked on Running With Reagan.

Fluid, nice pace and well written.

Cheers

Lorrii