Introduction to Short Story Writing

Instructor: Monica Bergers
Date: Monday & Tuesday, June 12 &13
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Location: IWC
Cost: $125 nonmembers, $80 members, $70 student members/teacher members/senior members/military members/librarian members

This is a class for beginners interested in exploring the world of short fiction. We will start with brainstorming character and setting, and then move into free writing with in-class writing exercises. In two sessions, we will discuss key elements of a successful short story: conflict, character, desire, and action, and we will read contemporary stories that demonstrate how these are effectively used to evoke emotion from the reader.

Students will also have the opportunity to share in-class writing exercises with the group and to discuss ways to generate a story from the writing. My intent is to encourage creation and exploration, to broaden the perspective of what the writer considers possible, and to inspire risk taking in the work. Writers with no previous experience will find this a friendly place to engage in the discussion and potential of writing short fiction.