This writing course, Online: Crafting Short Stories with Gretchen Shirm, will be held online.

The short story is the most elegant and penetrating of fictional forms. It is also, notoriously, one of the most difficult forms to write.

In this one-week course with author Gretchen Shirm, participants will discuss the short story form as a narrative in miniature, looking at Ernest Hemingway’s ‘iceberg’ theory, and the way the short story often works by what is left unsaid. You will consider examples of short stories as different ways in which the short story structure can be realised, such as through precision, absence and clarity. Participants will also examine ways of finding voice and the techniques of short story writers such as Anton Chekhov, Anne Enright, Lauren Groff, Melissa Lucashenko, and Elizabeth Strout, to name a few.

Since endings are often defining of the short story form, we will discuss different approaches to endings and how an ending might be uncovered as we write. Finally, we will consider the way the short story, though small, expands outwards, drawing in meaning that extends beyond its own words.

Expected learning outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Gain an understanding of the short story form, and how to distinguish it from other forms of writing
2. Gain an understanding of the mechanisms that make a short story work, and learn how to structure their own stories
3. Learn what sort of material and experience is apt for the short story, and learn the art of compression via the form
4. Learn the delicate art of the short story ending and how an ending can illuminate everything that comes before it.

Participant requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.

Is this course right for you? Please read our FAQ> for important information before enrolling. 

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

Reviews

‘Gretchen provided us with a structure to follow for a short story which was extremely helpful.’ – Kate, 2024

‘Gretchen is a great teacher – extremely knowledgeable, thoroughly prepared, focused and generous.’ – Lucinda, 2024

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online and in-person writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our prizes and opportunities, writing spaces, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.