‘Fiction for Improvisers’ is a four-week introductory course to writing short fiction, designed for those with an interest in narrative writing who already have a background in improv or are familiar with some of the core principles of improv/sketch, for example, premise, game, heightening, character/POV, status, framing and reacting.

Looking at stories by writers like George Saunders, Alexandra Kleeman, Charles Yu, Aimee Bender, Peter Carey, Kate Folk and others, the course will provide insight into how to generate ideas for short stories, as well as ways participants can use the performance techniques and approaches they have already developed to navigate the writing and editing process.

Though the course will primarily focus on speculative, surreal or fabulist fiction, such as the work of the writers above, there will also be some more realist examples to show how these frameworks can be used regardless of the genre or mode of the story participants are hoping to tell. Participants will also be introduced to some other ways to approach their work, as might be covered in more traditional discussions of fiction – though, as the course will discuss, many of these overlap with the performance principles that will be used as a unique way into understanding the short story form.

In order to facilitate discussion, participants will be required to read some short stories in advance of each session, as well as some short notes from the instructor. Brief writing exercises will take place during the workshops, as well as discussion of excerpts participants wish to share.

By the end of the course, participants will have:

• An overview of the possibilities of short fiction and the range of styles and subject matter able to be explored in this form
• An understanding of ways to generate ideas and use a combination of performance and narrative principles to develop these into pieces of short fiction
• One or two short stories of their own underway, with suggestions for ways forward on at least one of these stories
• Personalised recommendations of writers whose work they might like to explore further, based on what they have most enjoyed reading and discussing during the course
• Guidance on how and where to look for opportunities to submit short stories for publication in Australia and overseas

Please read through our Cancellation & Refund Policy prior to booking this workshop.