Class Description
The short story is a precise and powerful form, where every detail matters and each moment shapes the whole. In this course, we’ll explore key elements of fiction writing—style, voice, character, narrative, dialogue, point of view, and revision—with a focus on the particular demands and possibilities of the short story.
Classes will combine close readings of compelling stories with focused discussions on craft and workshopping of student writing. You will have the opportunity to write or revise at least two complete stories (up to 25 pages each) and receive detailed written feedback from the instructor and your peers. Writers will actively participate in shaping the workshop, not just listen passively.
Feedback will include both content questions (“How does this character challenge or reflect cultural norms? What themes emerge beneath the surface?”) and craft questions (“How does the language show change? How does point of view influence the story?”). This approach aims to strengthen your voice as a writer and help you develop clear revision strategies.
We’ll study work by authors such as Joy Williams, Kate Folk, Giada Scodellaro, and Kelly Link, and use insights from their work to help our stories reach their full potential.
Please Note: Class does not meet on Thursday, October 1st.
Driving to the center? For evening or weekend classes, we recommend SP+ Parking at 45 Binford Street for the most affordable parking around. It's about a 10-minute walk to GrubStreet and offers a flat rate of:
- $13 after 4pm Monday-Friday
- $9 all day Saturday-Sunday
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.