Learn techniques for writing compelling short fiction.

In this workshop, we will explore ways of achieving the economy and focus essential to an effective short story. We’ll look at fundamental story elements such as structure, pacing, language, point of view, and dialogue, and consider how they work together to create short, punchy narratives. Practical exercises will enable participants to develop their own story ideas.

Learning outcomes

In this workshop, you will learn to:

Grab the reader’s attention with a strong beginning.
Impose constraints to activate the imagination and energise the story.
Use concrete language to create an engaging fictional world.
Employ dialogue to convey character and move the story forward.
Appreciate that what’s left out is as important as what’s put in.

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on craft; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for short fiction writers of all levels and writing backgrounds.

About David

David Cohen is the author of the short-story collections The Terrible Event (shortlisted for the 2024 Steele Rudd Award) and The Hunter (winner of the 2019 Russell Prize for humour writing), and the novels Disappearing off the Face of the Earth and Fear of Tennis. His stories have appeared in Australian Book Review, The Big Issue, The Griffith Review, Meanjin, and elsewhere.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info

Contact the host of The Power of the Short Story with David Cohen