How can we use form to shape the content of a story? How does content lead us to alternative forms? Can we make a piece of writing more interesting by playing with its structure? In this session, we will consider how unusual forms can amplify the themes of our stories, generate new ideas, and push boundaries to make our work stand out.

What will you do in the workshop?

We’ll discuss contemporary short stories and consider how their non-traditional forms are effective. There will be short exercises with the opportunity to brainstorm story ideas and experiment writing in a new form. Students are welcome to bring existing work to edit or write from scratch.  

What can you expect?

Reading will be circulated beforehand for discussion, with further examples shared during the workshop. We will look at stories by writers such as Carmen Maria Machado and Nibedita Sen. Writing exercises will include prompts and attendees will receive a reading list to take away for further inspiration. 

Who is this workshop for? 

Short story writers. Anyone interested in stories and form. All levels. 

What is Developing Tutors?

Developing Tutors is a series of free workshops delivered by London Writers Awards writers who are talented writers looking to grow their workshop delivery experience. We ask that you only book for one workshop in this season. The other two are: Writing Multiple Points of View with Loretta Ramkissoon; and Writing the Trans Body with Liam Konemann.

A note about this being free

This workshop has a limited capacity and is free to you. We ask that you only book a space if you are committed to attending. By doing this, you are supporting Spread the Word to continue to offer free workshops.

Access Notice 

• This workshop is auto-captioned.

• If you require BSL interpretation to take part, please email us at [email protected] by 1 February 2022 and we will try to secure BSL interpretation for you. Spread the Word will cover this cost.

• All our online events have a relaxed format; you are welcome to take breaks at any point and turn your camera off. All our online sessions have breaks.

• We’ll send through any reading seven days in advance. We can create adapted handouts to writers attending our workshops and events by request.

• Our online workshops and events take place on Zoom. As standard, we will send the weblinks to participants a week in advance. If you require the dial in phone number, email us [email protected] and we can send it through to you. Please take a look at Zoom’s accessibility info: https://zoom.us/accessibility/faq#faq1

• If you have additional access needs or questions, please email us on [email protected]