This class will explore the components of fiction (e.g., voice, dialogue, plot) in a variety of short stories and observe how short story writing has evolved through literary history. Participants will use knowledge, writing exercises, and discussions from the class to write their own story or build on a project they already have. Instruction will include assigned readings from great writers (traditionally published and from online magazines), stimulating writing prompts, and encouraging discussions about celebrated short stories to help reflect on what makes meaningful and effective work.
Each week we will focus on a different element of fiction such as voice, dialogue, plot, character, and setting, through brief lectures and examples from short stories. Writing prompts will be given to help stimulate writing practice and craft new work. Participants will be given opportunities to share their work and receive brief feedback to help magnify their writing strengths and review what works for readers. Writers will walk away with a better sense of how each element of fiction can strengthen a story and what their own writing may be asking of them to better communicate their story. Whether you are brand new to fiction writing, need inspiration, or looking to polish up on fiction fundamentals, you are welcome to Introduction to Fiction: Components of Short Stories.
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Details: Intro to Fiction takes place Mondays, January 6, January 13, (not January 20), January 27, February 3, February 10, and February 17 from 6:30-8:30pm online via Zoom.
Prerequisite: None.
Genre: Fiction
Level: Emerging
Format: Generative Workshop
Location: This class takes place online via Zoom
Size: Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships).
Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 16.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.
Nardine Taleb is a speech-language pathologist, Prose Editor at Gordon Square Review, and writer. She is the author of warda, published in 2023 by Passengers Press. Her poetry and fiction has been published in award-winning online journals including Electric Literature, The Offing, Rattle, Frontier Poetry, Mizna, Parentheses Journal, Wildness, Tinderbox Poetry Journal, and others.