The Art of the Short Story
$360
This class will provide practical insights and techniques to craft short stories that captivate and create an emotional resonance with readers. We will explore the practice of writing fiction as an experience that not only includes putting words to page, but also as an act of listening, observing, and paying attention.
We shall explore what makes a compelling short story by thinking through how to write a powerful opening/create a strong hook, establishing stakes in a story, making the best narrative choices, and achieving a powerful ending/resolution. Throughout the course, we’ll discuss important craft elements, including the plot, characterization, setting, and point of view, amongst others.
Our work will be guided by readings of diverse contemporary authors and discussions of core craft elements, as well as writing exercises and workshops. We’ll explore what it means to articulate and be challenged by language, and to reconstruct closeness with language.
Class Outcomes
â—Ź Define and identify core elements of fiction, including character/characterization, dialogue, points of view, setting, time, narrative structure, and tone.
â—Ź Use these elements intentionally in the class’s written work.
â—Ź Provide generative feedback to others and revise own work.
Readings: Short stories by diverse authors from across the world will be provided.
Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
Margaret Muthee
Margaret Muthee is a creative writer from Kenya, currently based in Portland. She is a recent graduate of the Portland State MFA in Creative Writing program, where she taught fiction and won the Nathan Cogan Award, Tom Doulis Award, among others. Margaret has published short stories in OneThrone Magazine, Lawino Magazine, Brittle Paper, Agbowo Magazine, and Lolwe Magazine. Her short stories were shortlisted for the Iskanchi Book Prize in 2025.
Margaret has also published various children’s books with Nabu.org. and StoryMoja Africa. She enjoys teaching writing, as well as organising literary events. Margaret has previously worked with Kwani Trust and the Macondo International Literary Festival in Kenya. She is currently working on a novel manuscript.
Read more on https://margaretmuthee.com/
