What Makes a Good Story Good?

Facilitator: Ann McArdle

Schedule: Thursdays, 10 am to noon; October 5th - 29th (4 sessions)

Fee: $150 suggested donation

Note: No one will be turned away for financial reasons; all workshops have multiple donation options.

This class is for lovers of reading and for writers of stories. (You don’t have to be both.) We’ll dig into eight short stories to gain understanding of how authors make their good stories good. The stories will include a range of styles, eras, and countries of origin. We’ll start with our general responses: Did we like them? Why or why not? If we didn’t, were we repelled or just not interested? What kept us reading? How did it make us feel? Then we’ll move in closer and consider specific elements of fiction, voice and point of view, character development and setting, the authors’ use of language, and the dramatic movement of story. Homework will be to read two stories a week. Classes will consist in discussion of the week’s reading, and targeted writing exercises.

Enrollment is limited to 8 . Once you have registered you will receive a copy of the syllabus/reading list.

Workshop: What Makes a Good Story Good?