A book of creative fiction which captures the widest diversity of Worders writing from around the world entitled Wonderful World of Worders (WWW). Most of the work was first published on various Worder writing groups within these online writing communities: BBC Get Writing Site (aka GW which was closed down in April 2005); the More Writing site (aka MW) and Writers' Dock (aka WD) between 2004 - 2007.
Worders are also included from some members based at the Edit Red and MySpace communities, as well as some submissions invited from a few sole writers via email.
The idea of gathering all these gems into publication was first suggested by GW and MW site member, Lynda Kenny (aka Lyndabk) from Newry, N Ireland.
What are Worders?
Worders are short stories, very short stories. They can vary from 60 to 100 to 250 words and are written on specific titles/themes. The Worder style was first introduced to many of us on the BBB GW site by member Ali Froud (aka Spiderbaby/Spidey)
The Background
The idea came from the discovery of the wealth of talent observed and enjoyed during membership and active participation in online writing communities as opposed to an actual ‘real world’ writers’ group. Joining a local writing group isn’t always an option as people work long hours, have less free time, live in remote areas or these opportunities are non-existent.
Writing is an isolated pastime. For many writers, feedback and discussion are crucial in honing the craft and skills needed to shape their work into something that is original and interesting. Receiving immediate feedback and comment online has been crucial to every one of the writers in this proposed collection.
Where else could writers so easily discuss and explain their work with other writers – all readers themselves? Where else but online could you find such a vibrant gathering, showcasing a singular, thrilling, and hugely diverse community of writers from throughout the world? And the result of this co-operative online work is the contents of this book – Worders varying from 60 to 100 to 150 words from over 72 writers - ranging from eight years of age to middle age.
The Authors and the Contents
WWW is a collection like no other – an international chorus of many voices in numerous writing styles covering similar themes.
Here are writers – some already published, some first timers – who all have personal stories they need to express in fiction. For some, English has not been their first language therefore some Worders have been specifically written or translated into the English language for the publication.
The writers are based throughout Ireland, UK, Europe, America, Asia and as far away as Australia and New Zealand - 27 countries in all.
Here are 525 stories, alive with originality, craft, emotion and ideas. These instant micro pieces range from contemporary modern-day issues to horror, from science fiction to romance, humour to grief, religion to satire, philosophy to surrealism, experimental to wacky. Diverse indeed, but all genres and styles that we have come to expect from full novels. Individually, the Worders may have little or no access or outlet to the reading public, no other way of being heard or read. But – as a complete package – they work brilliantly together.
The Foreword has been beautifully written by best-selling Irish writer Sean O'Reilly, author of three novels and one collection of short stories.
The Audience
In this fast-moving age of juggling work and family life, commuting and queuing, overtime competing with quality time, it has become harder for people to find extended opportunities to relax and read. These Worders can be accessed in those spare moments between appointments and business meetings, on the train to work, on a tea break, at the doctor’s or hairdresser’s etc – all places where we can either choose to waste our time or put it to better use. By reading.
Each distinct thread will please existing fans of fiction and inspire newcomers. The audience can pick and mix their topics, their genres, their writing styles and their reading times. Ideal for adults on the go and those with short concentration spans.
To Summarise
This is a wild, invigorating, exciting extravaganza of assorted literary works from all walks of life and corners of the world. It’s fresh, fast and loads of fun.
This collection proves we can communicate at anytime, any place and anywhere. It also proves that fiction continues to be a stimulating, boundary-breaking genre with many dimensions still to be explored. The Wonderful World of Worders is just one of those exciting dimensions that will reach readers that other writing cannot reach.
Conclusion
We are no longer isolated but brought together by word and language, by idea and passion both in print and online. Friendships have been made and stories have been shared. It has been a wonderful experience for all involved. Long live the short story in this wonderful world of words.
So, let this journey - your journey - to another world begin and never cease. The word is that you'll enjoy the adventure!
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Published by Guildhall Press and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Special thanks to those contributors who very generously donated their fee to the AWE: Action With Effect Charity - a new Northern Ireland based ‘third world’ charity working in tandem with Eco-Adventreks & Welfare Society in India. It is most gratefully appreciated.
