So with that in mind, lets have a look at the stories: ten tales in total “from all corners of the world”. Each edition has a theme – past themes include Insanity and Childhood - and this edition’s is school. Although there was some inevitable overlap in subject between stories (bullying being a popular choice), there was a great variety in style that was welcome and refreshing. Kristin Cassani’s autobiographical “A Letter to Queen Victoria” is a particularly good example of the variety in this mag, in which she explores the nature of school from – unusually - a mother’s perspective. She describes with touching honesty and originality the uncomfortable tension between wanting a child to become independent and wanting to protect them. On the subject of variety – there is also a non-fiction discussion piece on the nature of schooling, which although a little bit brief and one-sided, contributed well to the overall subject of the mag.

Although all the stories in Outercast were of a reasonable standard, three stories in particular stood out as exceptional. The first of those was “Chariots of Ire” by Stephen Firth. This story will be easy to relate to for anyone who has been a mildly rebellious teenager: a tale about two boys who duck out of the cross country race to get drunk behind some trees, then have to confess later. This story is not good because of the storyline or the clever twist at the end, but because of the very believable relationship it describes between the two friends that incorporates so many of the feelings that define being a teenager: trying to fit in, competition, wanting to try new things.

Another outstanding story was “The Absence of Carrots” By Carolyn Eddy. This story more than any other gave me a real sense of being there with her, smelling and tasting the Chicken Supreme – full of such evocative description that you really became immersed in the story, and were really able to empathise with the child.

Finally, J.R Panter’s story “White Only” describes the struggles of a boy adjusting to a new school and home environment where he feels alienated by everyone, especially the teachers. What brings this story to life is the sheer quality of the writing: realistic dialogue, well-used description, and a particularly accomplished use of self-restraint and control within the writing.

Overall Outercast gives the impression of still being in the process of developing and establishing itself. It will be interesting to see how this magazine continues – it will definitely be worth buying the next issue to see the changes they are making. The idea of an international short stories mag is undoubtedly a good one – it will be good to see perhaps a wider range of nationalities submit stories to this mag in future as it grows and gains a wider readership.

Megan is an Occupational Therapist, originally from rural Shropshire, but now working in Manchester. She enjoys stories about peoples' relationships, and stories with a bit of a dark side. She gets many of her ideas from loitering around the centre of her hometown, where there seems to be a disproportionately high number of three legged aliens and other disturbingly dysfunctional characters. She awaits contact from Tim Burton, asking her to script his latest film. To read 2 short stories by Megan on the Showcase section of this site, click here

© 2006 Laura Hird All rights reserved.