The short story accomplishes a feat that feels impossible--it gives us deep insight into characters and emotional resonance in the space of only a few pages. In this course, we will closely read a range of contemporary short stories, from micro to longer pieces, to consider how authors work within the constraints of the form to drive plot forward while also managing the backstory of the characters.

We will seek inspiration for our own writing by examining newspaper headlines, fairy tales, and myth, and apply lessons learned from exemplar short stories. We will workshop our own drafts in progress, offering feedback and support. Every student will come away with a new story draft and the tools to hone it.