My first story accepted for publication was ‘The Many Deaths of Johnny Silver’, back in November 2009. Originally due to be published as a print magazine, the publication, Sideshow Fables, went through a number of changes before issue 3 was released over the Easter 2011 weekend. I’m thrilled that they’ve released the issue (and I’d recommend reading the other stories – they’re excellent) and that there’s a kindle version coming soon.
Annie Tong (The Tong Sisters 1940-1960): Johnny Silver? Now there was a man. Everyone loved Johnny. Well, ‘cept that clown who killed him, of course.
Claude Wolfe (Wolfman Stunts 1966-present): The way I heard it, Terry, the old elephant keeper, he told me that they found Johnny strung up in the Top, hanging from the trapeze like Jesus on the cross. Arms spread, head hanging low, he’d been done in.
Chappie Quick (Quick Trapeze 1942-1968): Both our families have worked the Bear Family Circus for generations, so me and Johnny grew up together. Even as a kid, he was the centre of attention, the biggest, the smartest, the most handsome. All the girls loved him. He was born to be under the big top. When he started in the ring, well, that when the gadjes truly fell in love with him.
Gadjes? Oh you know, people from outside, the customers. You.
Great to see it finally published. Always loved this story. Keep us up to date on the kindle version.
Ooh, thanks for this, Georgina! I love your shorts. Saved to read over lunch – will pop back with comment!
I will Nige – it’s an excuse to play with a kindle again. (I do like them – but so propitiatory!). And I hope you enjoy it Leanne – thanks for reading
Excellent! A whodunnit… or did they? Love it. Your characters are amazing, and you drop their unique characteristics in beautifully subtly. Pretty damn good when you think what the characteristics are. Well done, George!
Thanks for reading – it was fun to explore how different people remember things differently – whatever their reasons. Glad you enjoyed it
xx
You realise what you’ve done? You’ve created a range of characters, each with a wealth of tales of their own. You’ve a honey-pot of future stories. In years to come these circus freaks might evolve into near-real people and become friends of yours. One of them might even narrate his/her own novel.
Ahh you’ve not seen my friends – most of us are freaks indeed – so much more fun that way
But thanks for reading, I enjoyed dipping a toe into the world of ‘parlari’ – circus slang – and probably do have enough research to start off a book, at least. Now, if only I had a plot…
Yay one of my favourites, nice to see it finally published.
)
Good news, George. Will have a read ASAP x