Reading and Writing Short Stories with Michelle Cahill

In this course with author Michelle Cahill, you will learn how to appreciate and hone the craft of short fiction through the analysis of contemporary short stories by PJ Norman and Lauren Groff. In particular we focus on how reading short fiction makes us better writers and members of an interpretive community.

The course will provide guidance on the elements of voice, narrative tension, plot, and dramatic structure. We consider how these elements can work in different ways to engage readers, affirming or challenging their assumptions. You’ll learn how to bring distinction to prose writing, become more flexible with your skills, improve your editing, and gain publishing insights.

The short story can bring futuristic awakenings and invigorated ways of seeing and understanding ourselves in the places where we live, and in our connectedness to other beings.

Bring some work you may wish to share an extract from, and some writing materials for exercises. Workshopping is a respectful, interactive practice that sustains the ancient art of storytelling. We focus on the embodied aspects of prose: voice and form. You’ll meet other writers so you can continue to be inspired, network with and support each other as a group.