In this workshop, writers will have the opportunity to explore the world of short fiction. We will read contemporary short stories, discuss elements of craft—plot, characterization, and dramatization—and most importantly, we will have the time and space to devote to critiques of our fellow writers’ work. So much of writing is a solitary (ad)venture, and we will be creating a community of sharing, giving constructive and useful feedback, and asking hard questions: What makes a story work? How do we complicate a character’s desire with convincing action? How do we bring a story to life on the page?

Each week, you will be asked to read (and re-read) your classmates’ short stories, provide comments, and discuss in detail what works and what doesn’t work. One way to improve as a writer is to see where other writers succeed, and where they don’t. We will discuss the art of giving helpful critique, and there will be weekly discussions of published short stories, all intended to stir up new ideas and inspire fresh creativity.