Developing Your Short Fiction - Remote!

Class Description

What makes a short story, and what makes one alive? In this course, we will explore and practice the tried-and-true elements of fiction—character, plot, dialogue, setting, point of view, and revision—with an emphasis on the short story form. As you delve and gather material, you will also explore new possibilities in subject, structure, and voice. Classes include short lectures and discussions on various elements of craft, writing exercises to sharpen your skills, and regular workshops of student work.

The goal is to write and/or revise two complete stories (up to 25 pages each), giving you the momentum you need to continue writing well after the workshop ends. While this course will focus on short stories, it also serves as an introduction to the elements of fiction that every novelist will need to know. You will give and receive detailed written feedback on your short stories, and we’ll read and discuss short stories by authors including Amiri Baraka, Charles Yu, Lesley Nneka Arimah, Justin Torres, Lydia Davis, Han Kang, Yiyun Li, Clarice Lispector, and Carmen Maria Machado.

Please note: Class does not meet November 3rd.

This class will be hosted using live Zoom meetings! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom videoconference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! If you have questions about remote learning, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information.

For a glimpse at how remote learning works, look no further than the deep Zoom discussion of writing and literature below:

Scholarship Information

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 more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.