Writing Short Fiction with Amanda O'Callaghan

Sharper. Cleaner. Better. Creating powerful short stories.

Join award-winning writer, Amanda O’Callaghan, on this exciting full-day workshop aimed at creating more effective short fiction. The day will be pacy, informative and fun as we explore the unique joys and challenges of writing short stories and flash fiction. The workshop will include Q&A sessions, group discussions and writing exercises, all delivered in an encouraging and friendly format. It will help you develop a clearer understanding of how to approach new stories and improve existing ones. 

Learning outcomes

Through examples, practical exercises and group discussions, we’ll touch on a wide range of topics including:

• Plunging in: how to delete your first paragraph and find a better story.
• Why you’re not a genius and what to do about that.
• Lend me your ears: writing credible dialogue.
• Popcorn and axe wounds: how to deal with rejection.
• Ditching the drumroll: talking about endings. 
• How to stop writing with your head.
  
• Going short: how flash fiction will make you a better writer.

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on craft; it will be held in-person at Queensland Writers Centre, State Library of Queensland. As a Level 1 workshop, it is suitable for all writers.

About Amanda

Amanda O’Callaghan’s short fiction has been published in Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Her work has been awarded and shortlisted in the Bridport Prize, Carmel Bird Award, E J Brady Award, Bristol Prize, Bath Flash Fiction Award, Fish Short Story Prize, Aeon Award, Flash 500 Award, and others. She is a recipient of a Queensland Writers Fellowship. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Queensland. Her short story collection, This Taste for Silence (UQP), was shortlisted for the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction. She has taught extensively, including at Queensland Writers Centre and the University of Queensland. She lives in Brisbane.

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