Huldufolk (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Birth stories--some of us are given them; others of us have to find them. This short story celebrates the discoveries. Huldufolk was inspired by Icelandic folklore. I hope you enjoy reading it...

photo by ldyck

Huldufolk

When Mom tucked me in at night she told me bedtime stories. "It was a warm spring day. I sat in the park, overlooking the ocean. Out of nowhere, this woman appeared, deposited you in my arms and disappeared. Where did she go? Why did she choose me to raise you? These questions are yours to answer."
She called me her child of dust and magic. She called me a Huldufolk. 
Huldufolk? That word stuck in my ear, followed me.
After I leaned to read, I found a tall brown book among the others on the shelf--The Icelandic Heritage by Nelson S. Gerrard. This book inspired me to take pride in my race. Gerrard said we Huldufolk are superior to humans--in power and knowledge. He said we are able to hide ourselves from humans not gifted with second-sight.

When you realize the richness of your culture you become stronger -Chef Olvera

More...

Huldufolk:  Supernatural Creatures Hiding in Iceland 
Wu Mingren

In Iceland, 'respect the elves--or else' 
Oliver Wainwright

photo by ldyck

On this blog in May...


Short stories: Two stories set in daycare centres and inspired by Mother's Day
Baby Rescuer published on this blog on Sunday, May 5
Annie published on this blog on Sunday, May 19

Special post:  Wednesday, May 15
Highly recommended writers' workshop (list)
Author Ellen Schwartz is coming to Mayne Island, BC(my island home) and on May 15 I'll publish  a list of the reasons you (yes, you) should attend her writers' workshop and author talk

Book Reviews:  Two award-winning books
Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill
set in Canada 
won the 2017 Scotiabank Giller Prize
Sunday, May 12
Milkman by Anna Burns
set in Ireland
won the 2018 Man Booker Prize
Sunday, May 26

photo by bdyck

Sharing my author journey...

When is a short story not a short story?

Book Review: Something for Everyone by Lisa Moore (short story collection)

Something for Everyone by Lisa Moore is tailor-made for a creative writing course. The collection could be used for exploring form, structure (What is the difference between form and structure?), and genre. Most of the stories are contemporary. The exceptions are “Marconi” (historical fiction) and “Light Up the Dark” (magical realism). “Light Up the Dark” is my pick of the litter with its positive message. As told by a mysterious (and legendary) hero, “Light Up the Dark” is a tender story about the love a grandson has for his grandmother. Some of the stories explore the same themes as Atwood's Bluebeard's Egg—especially “Skywalk”. I think Atwood would be impressed by Moore's powerful language—especially pages 264 to 267. Though diverse in form, structure, and genre the stories have a commonality—Newfoundland. Most stories are set in that province and those that don't have a protagonist from Newfoundland—for example, “The Viper's Revenge” (set in Orlando, Florida).

photo by ldyck

Buy this book

Published in 2018

Published by House of Anansi

longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, in 2018

In her author acknowledgements, Lisa Moore thanks her students and colleagues—Lisa Moore is an Assistant Professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

Reviewing Something for Everyone for the Toronto Star, Stephen Finucan writes:  'Moore's great gift is her ability to make common the uncommon and extraordinary the mundane...Without question, Moore is a great conscience and compassion.'

More...

Lisa Moore's 5 tips for writing a great short story

Meeting Author Lisa Moore

Book Review:  February

Book Review: Caught

Scotiabank Giller interview with Lisa Moore

Next post...

Sunday, April 28 (at approximately 5 PM PST)

Huldufolk (short story)
Who is your mother? Where did you come from? These are easy questions for most--but not all.