Developing Your Short Fiction - Remote!

Class Description

In this course, we'll learn and practice the tried-and-true elements of fiction—like style, character, narrative, dialogue, point of view, and revision—with an emphasis on the short story form. As we mine for material, we will also explore new possibilities in subject, style, and voice. Classes will include discussions on various elements of craft, close readings of published stories, and workshopping of student work. We’ll write or revise at least two complete stories, and receive detailed written feedback from classmates. Instead of remaining silent, writers will be active participants in their own workshop. Classmates will be encouraged to incorporate content-based criticism (e.g. “how does this character challenge or reinforce stereotypes? what are the socio-cultural implications in this piece?”) with craft-based criticism (e.g. “how does the author use language to show this character’s change over time?). This structure aims to give the writer a stronger voice in their own critique, for readers to thoughtfully examine and learn from their feedback during the workshop, and for everyone to leave class with a clearer revision strategy for their work. Authors studied may include: Rebecca Curtis, Jamaica Kincaid, Cristina Rivera Garza, Can Xue, and Anna Kavan.

Please Note: Class will not meet on October 11th.

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.