Short Story Workshop: Write Short Stories that Stand Out
3 x two-hour workshop sessions
Workshop Description
In this course you will find out what competition judges, anthology and journal editors look for in a short story. You will get tips on where to start the action and how to grab the reader. You will also look at submission opportunities, how to find them and where you should be sending your stories.
Workshop Dates
This workshop will be hosted in the Marketplace Theatre, Armagh on the following dates. Your £66 fee covers all three workshop sessions.
Been up before the larks this morning lamenting that I should be in Melbourne right now… sigh. But a sold out class does make me feel a tiny bit better. Hello Writers Victoria… I’m ready for you.
Great to be working with Writers Victoria again. Although unable to visit Melbourne due to Covid, the course will still happen but will be online. One plus is you can be anywhere and join in!
ONLINE WORKSHOP:
Writing a Character Worth Reading About
How do you create a character that grabs the attention of agents, editors and the all-important book buyer? You will explore the concept that character is story and how to create a character that compels your reader to stay with them until the end of the book. You will look at using behaviour, dialogue, dreams, desires, psychology and relationship dynamics to reveal character, create authentic people and get your reader to emotionally invest in their fate.
Dates for this Course:
Friday 23 October 2020, 6pm-8pm (AEDT)
Saturday 24 October 2020, 6pm-8pm (AEDT)
Included in this course:
4 hours of information, education, industry insider advice, tricks and tips
Writing exercises to help hone your craft and reinforce your new skills
Interactive webinars with space for questions, clarifications, and skills extension
Personalised feedback from Paul on up-to-500 words
Learning outcomes
You will learn:
• How to create complex characters
• How to create authentic characters
• How to use dialogue to reveal character and further the plot
• How to emotionally engage the reader
• How to get, and keep, the attention of agents, editors and readers
Schedule for the Workshop:
Before the workshop, send 500 words to program@writersvictoria.org.au for Paul’s attention
Friday 23 October 2020, 6pm-8pm: First Webinar
Saturday 24 October 2020, 6pm-8pm: Second Webinar
Feedback from Paul returned to participants
About Paul McVeigh
Paul has written for radio, theatre and TV. His debut novel, The Good Son, won The Polari First Novel Prize and The McCrea Literary Award and was shortlisted for many others including The Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award and the Prix du Roman Cezam, in France. He judges international literary prizes and his work has been translated into seven languages. He teaches around the world in Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain and Singapore.
If you’re purchasing a full price workshop at $215, consider a full price one-year membership ($75) plus member-priced workshop ($155) will cost just $230 and give you discounts on all our services plus six free copies of ‘The Victorian Writer’ magazine.
As I put together Southword Literary Journal and begin judging the shortlist for the Edge Hill Short Story Prize, my first ever online course goes live, run by the wonderful Writers Centre Victoria in Melbourne. Having completed 5 sold out events for them over the last couple of years we’ve decided to collaborate and create this online feedback-based course. Have a look.
Dates: 01 August 2018 – 11:59 to 07 November 2018 – 11:59
With: Paul McVeigh
Rating: Established
Receive direct feedback from your tutor and fellow course participants with this email correspondence course for advanced short story writers.
Develop your stories over four months. Whether you’re an experienced writer working towards the completion of a manuscript or looking to maintain momentum and sharpen your writing skills, this clinic provides specific feedback for the refinement of your own voice and style.
Participants must have had a short story published OR have already participated in a Writers Victoria Advanced Short Story Clinic to enrol in this course.
Stories of up to 1,500 words due Wednesdays 1 August, 5 September, 10 October and 7 November
About Paul McVeigh
Paul McVeigh’s short fiction has been published in journals and anthologies and been commissioned by BBC Radio 4. He has read his work for BBC Radio and at many international festivals. His award-winning debut novel ‘The Good Son’ was published by Salt Publishing in 2015. Paul is Director of the London Short Story Festival and Associate Director at Word Factory, the UK’s national organisation for excellence in the short story. He is also a judge for international short story competitions and prizes and his work has been translated into seven languages.
Prepare for your upcoming publication and give your debut the best chance for success.
In this workshop, you’ll discuss how to keep momentum going once your book is out in the world. This talk will give you the key do’s and don’ts from a master communicator and award winning novelist.
You will learn
how to make that debut stand out
how to plan ahead for the day they get that book contract
how to prepare for publication day and
how to kickstart new interest in your novel
About Paul McVeigh
Paul McVeigh’s debut novel, ‘The Good Son’, won The Polari First Novel Prize, The McCrea Literary Award, was Brighton’s City Reads 2016 and part of the UK’s World Book Night 2017. His short stories have appeared in journals and anthologies, on BBC Radio 3,4 & 5 and he is the founder of London Short Story Festival. His work has appeared on TV, on stage in London’s West End and has been translated into 7 languages.
This workshop is made possible with the generous assistance of Culture Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Cancellation Policy
Venue:
176 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Australia
Date: 20 November 2017 – 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Rating: Emerging
The last time I visited the Writers Centre Melbourne my class sold out in 30 mins – the fastest in their 10 year history.
I hope to visit my good friend, Australian author Cate Kennedy, while I’m there and maybe visit Adelaide or Perth. I’ll keep you posted on any new details.
The Good Son 