Short Stories

Short Stories--A Preface

Preface

Dear Reader,

You have now my first collection of short stories. Though I have but one pitiful attempt at writing one behind me, I think I understand now the style with which I must write them.

I am a surrealist.

That is, I find meaning in bending reality to suit a meaning. Surrealism—for me—is about representing the world in all its inane glory. So many of our actions and interactions are surreal. As an observer (that's all an author is) I feel that I have a duty to write about the world as fantastic, lucidly bizarre.

And, ultimately, as comic.

The twentieth century looks to a historian like an unending string of disasters. How, they ask, can you insist that comedy best describes the world?

Because, I may answer, it is the prerogative of the author to look past events and focus on the nature of people, and of the world. I am not neglecting serious issues to write about frivolities, I am (hopefully) stating that this is how I feel about the world: The incomprehensible happens to us all. It truly is incomprehensible, at least from our vantage point. Pessimism may be the norm, but then why shouldn't I write about those rare cases of optimism? Should a painter spend his whole life drawing concrete and dirt (being the norm) instead of seeking out and drawing rare but gorgeous landscapes?

I call this “Sympathetic Surrealism.” With sympathy for the human condition, a positive outlook on the potential of life.

Therefore if nothing else please let this surreality push you towards everyone else. Don't be the artist who lives on his own in the wilderness. Don't be so focused on tragedy that you cannot sometimes see those moments of shining optimism. Embrace other humans.

I believe that comedy builds solidarity. You will get no more of a mission statement out of me.

Martin Owens

 May 29, 2014