The best way to improve as a writer is to write. The second best way is to read and analyze contemporary literature. Join us for this reader series class where we will take a deep dive into the craft of one short story each month. We’ll unpack character, structure, dialogue, plot, details, theme, tone, cultural context and more using examples from a wide variety of contemporary writers representing the future of short fiction. We’ll also discuss what we can takeaway and learn for our own writing styles, projects, and processes. Copies of the stories will be provided in advance of each class. Join us for advanced-level craft lessons, writer-centered discussion, and great reading.
NOTE: You can register for just the first session, or receive a discount by committing to the full year.
Session 1
Jan 9: “Witness" – Jamel BrinkleyFeb 6: “The White Cat’s Divorce" – Kelly LinkMar 5: “A Soul of Small Places" – Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo (2023 Caine Prize Winner)Apr 2: “The Pull" – Lydia Yuknavich
Session 2
May 7: “In Flux" – Jonathan EscofferyJune 4: “Rabbit Test" – Samantha Mills (2023 Hugo and Nebula Winner)July 2: “Prussian Blue" – Benjamin LabatutAug 6: “Xífù" – K-Ming Chang (O’Henry Prize)
Session 3
Sep 3: “Filthy Animals" – Brandan TaylorOct 1: “Ira and the Whale" – Rachel B Glaser (O’Henry Prize)Nov 5: “Seeing Through Maps" – Madeline ffitchDec 3: “Pig Son" – Sequoia Nagamatsu
Instructor: Matt Weinkam is a writer, editor, instructor and the executive director of Literary Cleveland. His work has been published in Denver Quarterly, Sonora Review, New South, DIAGRAM, and Electric Literature. He holds an MA in creative writing from Miami University, an MFA in fiction from Northern Michigan University, and he has taught creative writing as far away as Sun Yat-sen University in Zhuhai, China.
---Details: Read Like a Writer: Short Fiction - Session One takes place the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm remotely through Zoom.Prerequisite: None.Genre: Fiction reader series.Level: All experience levels welcome.Format: Craft-based discussion.Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.Size: Limited to 25 participants (including scholarships).Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 11.Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.
