Writing Contemporary Short Stories - June 2025

Are you interested in writing contemporary short stories but aren’t sure where to start with them? Or are you someone who’s been writing fiction for a while and are ready to take your short stories to the next level? In this 6 week class, we’ll spend the first few weeks in reading/generative mode. Each week, the instructor will choose 2 contemporary short stories for the class to focus on. We’ll break down what each story does and talk about how we can use these elements and techniques in our own work. There will also be class time devoted to writing prompts, craft talks, and discussions about the contemporary short story landscape of journals, magazines, anthologies, and collections. In the last few weeks, we’ll shift to writing and workshopping our own short stories. Ideally, each student will leave this class with a solid draft of one story (or a story in progress) and an action plan on how to revise or submit it. This class will primarily focus on literary short stories published within the last 10 years, but we’ll also look at some speculative and experimental short stories. In some cases, we may also look at classic literature to see how certain influences stretch into today.

---

Details: Writing Contemporary Short Stories with Meghan Louise Wagner takes place Mondays June 2nd, June 9th, June 16th, June 23rd, June 30th, July 7th remotely online via Zoom.

Prerequisite: A beginner-level workshop class in fiction or another genre.

Genre: Fiction

Level: Intermediate

Format: Workshop

Location: This class takes place remotely 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 April 28.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.