You’ll find out what competition judges and journal editors look for in a short story and how to avoid the rejection pile. You’ll write a short piece and get feedback on that crucial story opening. In a form where every word counts, get tips on staying focused on your story and where to start the action. You’ll also look at submission opportunities; how to find them and where you should be sending your stories. 

Focus:
How to get the attention of competition judges and editors
Writing fiction with emotional impact 
Writing that killer first page 
How to edit your story 
Where to send your work 

Paul McVeigh’s short fiction has been published in journals and anthologies and been commissioned by BBC Radio 4. His novel ‘The Good Son’ is out with Salt Publishing April 2015. He has read his work for BBC Radio 5, the International Conference on the Short Story in Vienna, Belfast Book Festival and Cork International Short Story Festival. 

Reviews for his writing:
“Absolutely loved it. The voice of that story so arresting.” Jackie Kay
“Beautiful and very moving.” Booker shortlisted Alison Moore
“How moving and stunning that story is. It’s so raw and incredibly human.” Costa shortlisted Jess Richards
“Its such a clever story, gentle, poignant, emotionally straight as a dart.” Vanessa Gebbie
“(one of) Ireland’s most exciting and talented writers. Incredibly moving; poignant but utterly real, funny and beautifully observant.” BBC Radio 4
“Paul McVeigh’s story stands out. Funny, moving, poignant. Brilliant.” Metro Newspaper

Paul’s short story blog shares writing opportunities and advice and gets 40,000 hits a month internationally. He’s interviewed short story masters like Kevin Barry, Cate Kennedy and George Saunders and upcoming Laura van den Berg and Elizabeth McCrackin.

Paul is Director of London Short Story Festival and Creative Director at Word Factory, the UK’s leading short story literary salon. He is also been a reader and judge for national and international short story competitions.

Venue: Waterstones Piccadilly, 203-206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD.

Date: Jan 31st. 10am-4pm.

Places are limited to 20. Cost £60.

This event was first run in Melbourne for Writers Victoria and sold out in record time. 

Comments for this class:

“This was my fav course yet! Informative, entertaining, and engaging. Hard to beat!”
“Fantastic! Practical, targeted advice like this is wonderful!”

Book here.