The Short Story

“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

“I learned about the need for patience, vision, attention to detail, a love for the sound of the written word, self-belief and the need for constant re-drafting! I learned that I can do it. It is empowering and liberating to be able to learn how to create a memorable image…. Waterstone’s after hours was ideal – the perfect setting for a short story itself!”

Fiona, October 14, 2010

“I learned so much! I thought it was lovely to be surrounded by books at Waterstone’s. The workshop managed to make me write again, and that alone is remarkable. Thank you!”

Teresa, October 14, 2010

“I learned that I can write a story in one night–and translate it into English in the morning. I also learned that the feeling I was trying to get across was picked up by the group. And that a second draft is even harder to write than the first.”

Dionne, June 11, 2010

“I was happy that we received a lot of technique tips and tricks which will prove useful. I learned that I have to spend more time on writing if I am genuinely interested, but I already sort of knew this. I liked the discipline and I needed the discipline. The hand-out contains very good material, good for teasing out a desire to write into something more concrete. I was not sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised and more engaged than I thought I would be; well worth the fees.”

Helen, June 11, 2010

“I learned a lot about technique and structure of writing short stories – I also think this course will help with other forms of writing too (longer fiction, nonfiction). I felt the key messages were about ensuring that we communicate what we really want to, and the structures and techniques will help me to do that.

I thought the management of the group was outstanding, keeping us focused on the issues, structure and technique and not letting us run off into unstructured opinion-giving.

One suggestion would be to schedule an optional dinner or drinks session after the workshop so that we can get to know each other a bit.”

David, June 11, 2010