Tiny Worlds

A workshop for writing short stories

Ready to create something brand new?

In this class we’ll explore the magic of short fiction. We’ll start from nothing and watch fictional worlds grow around us, traveling through every stage of story-writing, from inception to editing. Each participant will end with a finished short story, a pile of tools to do it all again, and a new appreciation for what this amazing genre can be.

As Neil Gaiman wrote, “A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick — a couple of thousand words to take you around the universe or break your heart.”

Here’s how it works

We’ll meet eight times in a small group. In the first session we’ll explore where stories come from, and sketch out a handful of ideas for ones we might want to write.

Then we’ll choose one, and take it through six sessions of exploring elements of short fiction, including characters, suspense, plot, and dialogue.

Once we’ve hashed out messy first drafts, we’ll move to editing and polishing. Our final evening will be a celebration of what we’ve created.

There will be writing homework between each session, with optional extra readings for the keeners.

    • Want to write their first short story, or a fresh one from scratch.

    • Are curious about where fiction comes from, even if they’ve never written it before.

    • Are motivated by the idea of a regular date with a community of like-minded writers.

    • Are ready to work hard, both in class and at home between classes.

    • Feel aligned with our fundamental beliefs.

    • A pile of fresh, new writing including a finished short story.

    • A renewed or brand new love of short fiction.

    • Creative courage, possibility and energy.

    • A set of tools and ideas you can use anytime to write more short fiction.

    • Writing peers whose work you are invested in.

    • Critique or competition. We’re all about the love.

    • Strict rules or guidelines on what short fiction is or should look like. While we will provide guidelines and options, we believe there are a million ways to do this perfectly.

    • Guidance on writing about your life… Though all fiction is rooted in who we are, this class will be firmly focused on transforming our ideas and experience into fiction.

    • Feedback on already-completed work.

Details for Winter 2025:

On Zoom with Mari (she/her)

8 Monday afternoons, weekly
1 - 3:30pm ET
January 20 - March 24
(no class Feb 17, Mar 10)

Cost:

The fee for this 8-session workshop is $595. If you prefer, you can pay in 4 monthly installments of $148.75. Tax will be added for Canadians in your local provincial rate. See our financial policies.

Four times a year, we give out bursaries for our programs to people with financial barriers. Check out our upcoming dates.

If you don’t have a credit card, let us know and we’ll gladly find a way to make it work.

Sign up here:

What clients are saying…

  • Headshot of Patricia South

    For those considering delving into the world of short story writing, Tiny Worlds is an excellent introduction. The classroom exercises serve to spark story ideas, create characters and from week to week, help bring stories to fruition. Ailsa was brilliant at seeing people’s strengths and encouraging them. Her feedback during class helped bolster my self confidence and made me want to continue my writing journey. This was a truly rewarding experience.

    Patricia South
    Writer

  • Headshot of Tess Allen

    Tiny Worlds allowed me space to actually finish a piece of writing. I can’t remember the last time that happened! The activities and exercises along with the truly safe space Ailsa fostered around the table allowed me to write freely and joyfully. This class was the highlight of my week, every week. Plus, the good feelings didn’t stop when the class did. I feel more confident in my ability to commit myself to a piece of writing than I have in years.

    Tess Allen
    Writer, Communications Professional