The Joys of Writing Short Stories with Anna Potter (via Zoom)

“For while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.”—James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues”

In this online workshop, we will be diving into what’s possible within the constraints of the short story format. We will consider how to bring forth the ferocious characters, wild plots, and all-consuming settings of our dreams. Oftentimes, as writers, we worry about getting it just right, but what if the trick is to let loose and play? Each class will begin with a short generative exercise to get our fingers and hearts moving. Then we’ll dive into workshopping each other’s work with an emphasis on observation and positive feedback. This class is designed to build confidence on the page and to encourage a sense of fun in the process. Each student will also have the opportunity for a one-on-one conference with me to discuss a particular story or a larger project.

NB: This is a six-week class starting on Monday Jan 23 and ending on Monday March 6th. No class on Feb 20. It will be taught on Zoom and will be capped at 10 students. Registrants will receive the Zoom link to the email address they use to register. It will arrive immediately after registration so please check your spam folder if you do not receive it. It will also be sent the day before class as a reminder. Please review the course policies page before registering for any classes. Please email ask @writerscenter.org with any questions. The scholarship application for the Altman Person of Color Scholarships and the Need-Based Scholarships will be available on Nov 15 and will be due Dec 15.

Anna Potter’s writing has appeared in Jellyfish Review, Spilled Milk, phoebe, Contrary Magazine, and elsewhere. She is a a former James Merrill House fellow and an American Academy of Arts and Letters grant recipient. She was one of two lead singers for Chickita, an all-women, double-bass, no-guitar, make-your-ears-bleed punk band, with two 7 inches: “Eat When Soft to the Touch” and “Karen Learns About Our Nation.”