What Is a Short Story Cycle, why write one, and how? Recently, Morgan Talty, author of Night of the Living Rez, gave a shout-out to short story cycles on Maine Public Radio’s Maine Calling, noting that they’re an increasingly popular genre of fiction. But why? What exactly is a short story cycle? What are its characteristics, and what advantages—and challenges—does it offer readers? And if you’re intrigued by the possibility of writing one, how might you begin?

Join Rockport author Laura Bonazzoli to explore these and other questions you might have about this fascinating genre. Laura will also read excerpts from her own short story cycle, Consecration Pond, which was described by Publishers Weekly as “a solid, meditative collection of interconnected short stories that weave together seemingly disparate narratives into a satisfying and cohesive whole. Consecration Pond was published by indie press Toad Hall Editions in August 2022, and is available at local bookstores and directly from the publisher at toadhalleditions.ink. Books will also be available at the event.

Laura Bonazzoli’s fiction has appeared in Evening Street Review, Exposition Review, The Sandy River Review, and many other publications. She has also published poetry and personal essays in dozens of literary magazines and several anthologies. After the publication of her stories “Prayer of the Bell” and “Spring Ice,” she began working on a collection of linked stories that all take place on a pond in Maine. That collection became the short story cycle, Consecration Pond.