Giller finalist Lynn Coady a contender for Hellgoing

Its nothing new that short stories collections tend to get short shrift with the general reading public, so author Lynn Coady said she didnt even let [herself] hope that her latest work Hellgoing might become a finalist for the 2013 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Coady, who has also penned novels, admitted that the short story form can be a difficult, unforgiving genre.

Its all got to be good writing. Theres just nowhere to hide. Youre out there, youve only got what? 10, 15 pages. Any not-so-good writing is going to be glaring for all to see, she tells CBC News.

In the attached video, Edmonton writer Coady talks to CBCs Alice Hopton about Hellgoings theme of seeking escape and the difference between crafting short stories and novels.

The winner of the 2013 Giller Prize will be announced in Toronto the evening of Nov. 5, during a televised gala airing on CBC-TV.