James P. Blaylock (editor), Metamorphosis (Subterranean Press, 2008)
Metamorphosis is an anthology of short stories written in collaboration between James P. Blaylock and three students of his students at OCHSA, the Orange County High School Of the Arts, where Blaylock is head of the Creative Writing department. OCHSA sounds like the sort of place that I would have lived in as a student if they had one at my school, instead of hiding in the stacks of the library with, as it turned out, a colony of mice. Certainly the quality of the stories collected in this chapbook -- inspired by a challenge to write a 'Blaylockian' short story after a master-class with Blaylock -- demonstrate the worth of the program.
I also have to admit a personal -- beyond the yearning envy of my own teenage self -- interest in the OCHSA and the anthology. In my copious -- ha! -- spare time I teach Creative Writing. Some of the most enjoyable workshops I've ever taken have been with children and teenagers. Their minds are still malleable enough to take conceptual corners like a Formula One sports car. They've no preconceptions and no self-imposed limitations on their imagination or capabilities. It's always invigorating to work with them. From Metamorphosis, it's obvious that James P. Blaylock shares that enthusiasm for his student's talents.
'Stone Eggs' with Adriana Campoy, 'P-38' with Brittany Cox and 'Houses' with Alex Haniford are all well-crafted, engaging stories and I'd be surprised if at least one of them doesn't make an appearance in a bookshop near you in the future. The stories are all cleverly conceived, well-written and full of the authors' enthusiasm. 'Stone Eggs' is a charming, slightly claustrophobic story that takes both its main character and its reader beyond the horizon. It's also my personal favourite, if only for the hand-me-down cat. 'P-38' is a wistful story of loss and the erosion caused to both places and memory by the passage of time, an impressively mature tale by Brittany Cox. Last, but not least, is 'Houses', a quietly eerie story that explores loss and disillusionment through the neighbourhood myths that grow up around any old, abandoned house. It's a dark little tale, but certainly not without its charm.
Certainly the proud parents of these three young authors will be handing out this slim volume instead of Christmas cards this year; however, even if you don't know the authors this is a fun, quick read. And keep an eye out for these young authors in future.
