ENGLISH CCSS: Fiction Workshop: The Art of the Short Story

In the area below, provide basic, standard course information ahead of registration period to help students make informed course choices. Click the EDIT button and input your responses by over-writing the field description below each bolded heading. Consult the IT Help knowledge base or reach out to FAS Academic Technology at atg@fas.harvard.edu for assistance.

Fiction Workshop: The Art of the Short Story

Laura van den Berg, Fall 2024

Tuesday, 12-2:45 PM

Email: laura_vandenberg@fas.harvard.edu

Office Hours: Lamont Library, 4th Floor. By appointment.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Sample Reading List:

“Bloodchild” by Octavia Butler

“Adela’s House” by Mariana Enriquez

“Island at Noon” by Julio Cortázar

“The Wind” by Lauren Groff

“Story of my Life” by Ted Chiang

“The Husband Stitch” by Carmen Maria Machado

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of writing fiction, with an emphasis on the contemporary short story. How can we set about creating “big” worlds in compact spaces? What kinds of creative freedoms can the form offer us? The initial weeks will focus on exploratory exercises and the study of published short stories. Later, student work will become the primary text as the focus shifts to workshop discussion. This workshop places an emphasis on discussion, craft, experimentation / risk, and fostering a supportive community. This workshop welcome writers of all levels of experience. There are no prerequisites, and the course is designed for both writers who are new to fiction and those who have more experience on the page.

Course Goals, Policies, & Expectations.

This course will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of the short story. This semester, you will complete short exercises; write two original short stories for workshop; read and discuss published works of fiction and craft essays; and read and discuss the work of your peers. The semester will culminate with the submission of a final portfolio.

Creative Work. Your creative work will consist of exercises; two short stories for workshop; and your final portfolio. The exercises are designed to develop your technical skills and expand your imaginative horizons, encourage new risks. The exercises will take the shape of “flash fiction”—stories under 1k words—while your workshop stories will have a more expansive page count. The final portfolio will emphasize revision.

Assigned Reading. The stories you are assigned this term will encourage you to develop a reading practice alongside a writing practice. These stories will vary widely in style and subject—as there are a near infinite number of shapes a story can take—and each one has something to teach us. Plan to read each story carefully and attentively, with the following questions in mind: What is interesting about this story? What questions does it raise? What can I take from it in respect to craft?

Attendance & Participation. Attendance is important, as the workshop relies heavily on your presence. Repeated lateness is disruptive, especially during workshop; make every effort to arrive on time. If you foresee a situation that might require you to be late or to miss a class, or if you are confronting extenuating circumstances, communicate with me ASAP. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to complete the assigned work. Strong participation is essential, and students should plan to participate fully in all discussions and activities. Come to class prepared, present, and ready to share your ideas.