Complete Fabrication Short Story Challenge … is it right for you?
Are you new to short-story writing? Or does it take you an age to finish a short story? Or do you benefit from the company of others to write? If so, maybe Complete Fabrication is for you!
The first Complete Fabrication Short Story Challenge took place in July this year. It was such a success, we’re doing it again in November! Write a 1000-word story from scratch in 5 weeks with the support of other writers and guidance from Writers Workshop directors Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington. If you’re not sure what it’s all about, we asked two of the previous participants to explain what they got from the experience. If you think it could help you develop your story craft, book here to join us in November!
Why did you sign up for Complete Fabrication?
Rebecca: I signed up because I've always wanted to be a writer, but I've never had any formal education on how best to put a working story together or the important considerations when editing.
Mamie: I've been to Rosie and Lorna's workshops before and always come away with beginnings of stories and story ideas. Once I leave though, the stories don't make it to completion. Short stories are my passion, so it was a no-brainer of a decision to sign up for Complete Fabrication, the promise of time and space and expertise to complete a 1000 word story.
What did you produce as a result of the course?
Rebecca: I produced a short story with a clear plot line, a solid sense of place, a developed character, and a feel for the themes. I have since worked on editing it further, and it has been long-listed in the Sheffield Author's Off the Shelf short story competition.
Mamie: I got a 1000-word short story, which I’ve already submitted to competitions.
What did you learn during the course that helped you with your story and perhaps changed the way you approach short-story writing?
Rebecca: I learned the importance of having a good realisation/change in your characters. That less is often more. That a theme can and should be threaded throughout. And that clarity is vital.
Mamie: Rosie and Lorna gave great tips on what makes a good short story, taught us about structure and so much more. They set achievable goals for us. Being accountable to them and other attendees meant my story moved on each week. The group was so supportive, too. It felt like we were on a journey together.
Have you done anything with your story since the course, or are you working on any new stories?
Rebecca: As mentioned above, I edited and submitted the story. I am currently working on a longer piece of writing, and trying to apply the same principles I learned on the course.
Mamie: I've already submitted it to competitions — confidently, because I know it’s crafted. The feedback from Rosie and Lorna and the other attendees was immensely helpful and encouraging. It might not win, but that doesn't matter. Since the course, I’ve completed and submitted another 1000-word story, which has been longlisted for a prize. I’m certain the confidence I gained from Complete Fabrication sped up my writing and completion process.
What would you say to someone considering doing the course?
Rebecca: Do it! It's worth it to get a working story out at the end. And the wonderful community feel of everyone working towards the same goal on the course is a big bonus, too!
Mamie: If you're like me and start stories but don't finish them, this is the course for you. Rosie and Lorna take you through the process from coming up with the idea to writing and finishing the story. Along the way, they show you examples of what makes a good short story and their own experience and advice is invaluable. Sharing ideas with others on the course was really beneficial, too. Dive in, sign up: you've absolutely nothing to lose!
COMPLETE FABRICATION is a multi-session workshop designed to help you create an original short story from scratch.
The sessions take place on Wednesdays on the following dates:
November 6th - Session 1: Ideas generation (Writers Workshop, 6:45-9:00PM)
November 13th - Session 2: Story structure (Writers Workshop, 6:45-9:00PM)
November 20th - Session 3: Creative critique and editing ONLINE (7:00-9:00PM)
November 27th - Session 4: Writing time and story surgeries ONLINE (7:00-9:00PM)
December 4th - Session 5: Share and celebrate! (Writers Workshop, 6:45-9:00PM)
Each workshop will be facilitated by Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington.