Writing short stories is a fiction writing course for students whose writing skills are at an intermediate or advanced level. For admission, a writing sample must be submitted, and permission of the instructor is required. The course will be conducted as a workshop, with class time devoted almost entirely to discussing student manuscripts. The elements of storytelling will be explored; setting, character, point of view, dialogue, plot, narrative structure, voice, imagery, and style. The importance of revising and self-editing will be emphasized.

For class discussion, students may submit either finished stories or drafts of works in progress. However, all students are expected to complete a final project by the end of the course. The final project (20-25 pages) may be one complete short story or two or three shorter stories. Drafts or partial manuscripts will not be accepted for the final project, which will be due during the final examination period.

Written work must be supported by class participation. Our goal will be to discuss two or three examples of student work at each class meeting. In discussing one another’s manuscripts, students will be expected to focus on such issues as clarity and vividness of the writing and whether the elements of the story-characters, plot, dialogue, etc.-are engaging and believable. Students must be prepared to offer not only criticism but suggestions for revision as well.