The Short Story

“Totally compelling! So nice to meet and be amongst people who inspire you.”

Trevor, May 30, 2011

“Since the class I have been writing mini fragments most nights in bed – with pen and paper in the old-fashioned way…it was a relief and an inspiration to be with people obsessed with writing.”

Rebecca, May 30, 2011

“I learned to write fast, produce material, and work fast to get to a basic story…then rework it later.”

Marie-Jeanne, May 30, 2011

“Waterstone’s after hours was fantastic, inspirational.”

Clover, May 30, 2011

“I learnt to just throw the story out there and to structure later…
and to give myself deadline for having something on paper.

I also learnt to ‘apply bum to seat’ and do it; that I have a lot of reading to do, and a lot of development. Perhaps a further study?

I loved the setting (Waterstone’s after hours); it was a great stimulator.
Almost romantic 🙂

I find the workshops a great stimulating event, and a great way to meet other people ‘in the same boat’”

Debbie, May 30, 2011

“Most importantly I learned to appreciate the short story. I’ve always been a novel reader and therefore have always thought when I write something it should be novel length. After the workshop I realized how powerful a short story can be and how difficult it really is to write one. I also learned about the importance of writing a first draft, allowing yourself to really write and not think about whether it’s good or what you should change. I also found the use of prompts very useful. In general I get my prompts from daily life: I’ll see something and use it in my story. But often enough, while writing, I get stuck. Prompts could really help me get past that. (more…)

Christine, November 30, 2010

“I learnt about classic literary structure; literary terms; and how to read with a writer’s eye, while still listening with your whole body. I also learnt to be open to all styles and types of writing, and to be sensitive to other people’s process, in the same way you wish them to be sensitive to yours.

The hand-out is excellent, informative and very useful to take away and continue to refer back to. The choice of short story as an educational teaching-aid was brilliant, as it was both classical and yet highly contemporary. (more…)

Penny, October 14, 2010

“I learned more about the structure of a short-story and what makes it different from other literary forms. It was good to see the example of a professional writer.

What did I think of Waterstone’s as a setting? I thought the fact that we were surrounded by all those marvelous books made it all very special. It really added to the inspiration. I thought it was a nice touch to have examples of short-story collections beside us – and I loved glancing through them during the breaks.”

Cintia, October 14, 2010