When I teach workshops on writing and/or publishing, I often start out by asking writers to work on the "one-liner" for their projects, whether fiction, nonfiction, or collections. I encourage them to try winnowing it down to just one line — and no, that single line can't comprise 200 words.

Usually someone will ask, sometimes a little aggressively, "Why?" The subtext is perfectly reasonable: their book or collection is too complex to be expressed in one line

“The Short Story Incubator gave me the confidence to acknowledge and respect my own point of view. More than anything, the Incubator made me willing to take my seat at the table.”

If you're ready to take your seat at the table—and take your stories to the next level—apply today for the Short Story Incubator with instructor Ron MacLean. 

A competitive, accessible – and repeatable – MFA-level course, spanning 8 months, the Short Story Incubator Program is for ten short story writers from all backgrounds who want to move their stories from “workshop good” to publishable quality.  …

By Katrin Schumann

You may have heard, these days many writers are waiting. Waiting to hear back from their overwhelmed agents. Waiting to hear from busy publishers. Waiting for Covid to really be OVER so they can do live book events again. Waiting for inspiration becuase they're exhausted by the last year and a half. Waiting because their release dates have been moved (again).

Ready to take your short stories to the next level? If so, apply today for the Short Story Incubator with instructor Ron MacLean. 

A competitive, accessible – and repeatable – MFA-level course, spanning 8 months, the Short Story Incubator Program is for ten short story writers from all backgrounds who want to move their stories from “workshop good” to publishable quality. It also offers a comprehensive, craft-based study of the story form and a thoughtful introduction to the publishing market.

“A wonderful experience with a group of writers of such high caliber and a level of workshop critique …

Thinking of taking an intensive course this year? Interested in taking your short stories or essays to the next level? Ready to write your memoir or novel draft? Applications for our upcoming intensives are now open! Learn more about each of the unique intensive programs below:

Memoir Generator 

Application Deadline: Monday, July 26th at 11:59 PM (ET)