An Anthology in Tribute to Ray Bradbury
Edited by Ahmed Khan
Mr. Kahn, can you
please tell me and our readers a little bit about you and your writing?
I have been writing on and off for the last 30 years. My
work has appeared in several venues, including STRANGE HORIZONS INTERZONE. My story, “Day of Dust,” published in ANOTHER REALM in 2001, was picked up to
be included in the 2003 FCAT Grade 8 Test Preparation textbook. Links to some of my published work can
be found at http://ahmedakhan.blogspot.ca/2007/11/links-to-my-writing.html.
I have also edited anthologies including, “SF Waxes Philosophical”, “A Mosque
Among the Stars” and “Cheer Up, Universe.”
Can you tell us about
Whortleberry Press?
Whortleberry Press is Jean Goldstrom’s baby and a labor of
love. In these times when short stories are short changed everywhere compared
to novels, Whortleberry Press is paying its dues in keeping short stories alive
and wekk via its regularly produced anthologies.
What was it like to
edit an anthology that is tribute to Ray Bradbury?
It was fun. The ratio of quality submissions was
exceptionally high. It was also intriguing to see how the writers related their
stories to Bradbury.
What is included in
the anthology?
Stories inspired, in one way or another, by Bradbury.
Ray Bradbury is
sometimes described as a science fiction writer. How would you describe him?
I would describe him as a writer’s writer in and out of any
genre.
As a writer, I would
say that Ray Bradbury encouraged me to take chances and expand the genres I am
willing to write in. How did he
influence you?
Ray Bradbury taught me to see the magic in the mundane. I
first read DANDELION WINE (my favorite Bradbury book) when I was in my teens,
at a time when I was feeling intellectually alone…and the stories in the book
seemed to speak directly to me, morphing my loneliness into wonder.
Do you know anyone who enjoys writing as much as he did?
Isaac Asimov, I would say.
A link to the anthology is: http://WhortleberryPress.com/
What writers influenced you?
A link to the anthology is: http://WhortleberryPress.com/
What writers influenced you?
Sounds like a charming collection of stories. What a good idea for an anthology. Thanks so much for telling us about it.
ReplyDeleteBradbury influenced me as well, but not as a science fiction writer, but as a writer of short stories. I'm not sure if it was old age or if Bradbury always cut to the bone. In One More For The Road, his stories made me cry as he described events in life that bring us to our knees--nothing out of the ordinary as Mr. Khan says. How did your story become included, Warren? Were you asked to contribute or was there a call for stories?
ReplyDeleteThe idea for the anthology and the cover are so appealing. Would you say the collection is appropriate for younger readers (older elementary students?)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Paula
ReplyDeleteEB, There was a call for submissions. I had two stories not accepted before my third effort made it. Bradbury wrote short stories throughout his career and One More For The Road stories were emotional reads for me too,
ReplyDeleteShari, I haven't received my copy of the anthology yet.
ReplyDeleteWarren,
ReplyDeleteSince I'm blogging today about selecting appropriate titles, I'll comment that I think this anthology has an excellent one.
Congratulations on getting into this anthology, Warren. The cover and title are enough to make me want to read it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Warren! This anthology looks like it's just up my alley. I'm a huge Bradbury fan.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your short story chosen, Warren. I'm a Ray Bradbury fan so, of course, I ordered the anthology.
ReplyDeleteWarren: Thank you for conducting and publishing this interview.
ReplyDeleteShari: I would say 90% of the anthology is appropriate for young readers. I can think of only a couple of stories that would get a PG-13 rating from me.
Jacqueline and Gloria: Thank you for liking the title. I will shamelessly take credit for that. As far as the cover goes, the artist, Lee Kuruganti, has done a bang-up job.