Have you ever wanted to try your hand at writing fiction? In this two-session class, you will learn the basics of writing a short fictional story. Join author Debra Bokur in this interactive course as she explains the craft of writing short fiction and explains how it is different from writing novels. She will describe the:
- Elements that make short fiction different from novel-length fiction
o Types of short fiction with examples of micro fiction, flash fiction, and traditional short stories
o Why reading great fiction is essential to writing great fiction: short fiction writers of note
- The who, what, when, where, and why of story structure
o Components of story writing
o How to create a compelling, memorable setting for your story
o Beginnings, middles, and ends
o AP vs Chicago Style: What do fiction editors prefer?
o Creating characters
- Writing prompt for those who wish to submit work for commentary
- The instructor will supply a prompt for writers who want a jumping off place (or writers can use their own idea)
Attendees are encouraged to ask questions in person and by email. Between the two sessions, attendees will be asked to create their own short story and to submit it to Debra for review.
During the second session students will have the opportunity to read the first paragraph of the works they have submitted followed by a discussion of any works that were submitted. Positive feedback will be provided.
The instructor will then provide:
- Tips on formatting works for submission to literary journals
- Explain the process of submission to publications:
o Give you tips on identifying markets for your work
o Writing a cover letter/query letter to accompany your submission
o What to expect from editors you’ve submitted to
o Keeping a record of your submissions
Instructor: Debra Bokur is an award-winning writer, journalist and poet whose work has appeared in a wide variety of publications and literary journals. She’s the author of the Dark Paradise Mysteries series from Kensington Books (The Fire Thief, The Bone Field, and The Lava Witch), and is currently at work on a new mystery series set in Downeast Maine. Ms. Bokur has served as an editor and staff writer at a number of newspapers and national publications. She is currently a columnist and feature writer at Global Traveler Magazine and the Global Researcher and Writer for the Washington, DC-based Association of Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT). She served as a contributing author to Spreading the Word: Editors on Poetry (The Bench Press, 2001), and was a long-time poetry editor at Many Mountains Moving literary journal. Her awards include a Lowell Thomas Award for Travel Journalism and the Frances Buck Sherman Award for Outstanding Woman Poet.