Friday, December 30, 2011

New Release: The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Volume 1




I don't usually start a post with a video but this one is the perfect introduction for this original little volume. hitRECord (said like you're pushing a button on a recording device, not like a popular song on the charts) is a collaborative online art community that's headed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who you might recognize as an actor but he goes by RegularJOE online. This first volume, The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Volume 1 represents the work of 67 writers and artists. Most of the stories are a single sentence (and at most three) and are truly flash fiction.

Here are a couple of the stories in the book that I liked --






Not all of the stories are so dark in tone though. In fact, there are some that are quite uplifting and beautiful. My favorite story, one that I'm sure you all will also love is this one --

His hands were weak and shaking
from carrying far too many
books from the bookshop.

It was the best feeling.
Another cool thing I saw in the fine print at the beginning of the book is this --

The work may be further edited, sampled, or remixed at www.hitRECord.org according to the posted terms of service.
I love the idea that, as this was a collaborative effort in the first place, the collaboration never truly ends. One idea may spark another or a different artist may want a chance to illustrate a story in a whole 'nother way. Art doesn't have to be static and lonely and I like that.


So, if you're interested, go out and buy this palm-sized gem and support a whole community of writers and artists as 50% of the profits go to the contributors. And if you're even more motivated, go to this page on the hitRECord site to submit an entry for Volume 2!

Her heart rejoiced at the beauty of the tales but sank a bit at the final closing of the tiny book --
K


Yes, I received a copy of this book for review but my thoughts are honest.

7 comments:

  1. What a delightful little book! is it wrong that I want it purely for its cuteness?

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  2. I got this for my daughter for Christmas. I can't wait to borrow it when she's done!

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  3. I can't wait to get my hands on this!

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  4. I've seen a few reviews of this book and they both highlighted some of the same stories you did! It looks so cute and charming!

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  5. Jessica - Not wrong at all! That's why I wanted it and then I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of art and stories in it.

    Col - Luckily she will be done with it in about 20 minutes. ;)

    Amanda - It's one I plan to go back to regularly for inspiration.

    Jenners - It's a unique little book. I could have shared a dozen or more favorite stories out of it. :)

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  6. I didn't realize it was a wee little book as well as being full of wee little stories. I thought it was SHORT but I didn't realize it was WEE. How adorable! I'm for it!

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  7. I adore art books like this! Thanks for the post, this books looks great. :)

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