This advanced fiction workshop will include a craft component in which we will study several published stories to glean craft lessons you can apply to your own work, and a workshop component in which we will read one story from each student and analyze the craft decisions at play in that submission.

The first three weeks of the class will be devoted to studying stories by writers such as Edward P. Jones, Karen Russell, and Margaret Atwood. During the final three weeks, we’ll turn our attention to student submissions, using the analytical framework we developed in our prior discussions. Our goal in the workshop portion of the course will be to give each student specific suggestions for how to improve their submission in revision.

During our six weeks together, we’ll talk about what makes a great opening; how to use voice, mystery, and details to keep your readers engaged; how to make sure the way you reveal information builds momentum, rather than slowing down the pace of your story; and how to create complex, three-dimensional characters. Specific craft topics to be examined will include: point of view, narrative distance, use of time, narrative arc, character development, use of compelling details, world building, voice, and dialogue.

This class is limited to 10 students and is designed for writers with workshop experience. Tuition includes a 30-minute meeting with the instructor.

Student Feedback from the 2024 Workshop

“I’ve taken a number of writing workshops and this was by far the best one. So many of us commented on how the pieces we submitted were greatly improved following the class and Matthew’s feedback. Matthew was fantastic about insuring everyone was heard and he asked people specific questions to elicit dialogue. He is very knowledgeable about writing and eager to share what he knows without ever making us feel like we were being lectured to. His style is encouraging and supportive, even when he’s suggesting something that may not be working.”

“This was one of the best workshop experiences I have ever had. The participants selected were all highly engaged and constructive, and the variety of their submissions made for excellent critique sessions. Matthew was exceptional in many ways – e.g., his selection of published stories for discussion, the way he quickly established comfort and openness in our discussions, and the quality and thoroughness of his guidance.”

“Matthew’s structure for the workshop was wonderful. Spending the first half reading and discussing published stories helped us build a shared language for critiquing short fiction and built community and trust before we began workshopping one another’s work.”

How To Apply

This workshop is open to fiction writers 21 years of age and older. Applications will open on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The deadline to apply for the workshop is Sunday, August 3 at 11:59pm ET. Please send in your application, which should consist of a personal statement and a manuscript (either a short story or novel excerpt of 5000 words or less) of what you would like to workshop, via Submittable. Note that what you submit will be what you will be workshopping in class. 

We are seeking writers who are looking to hone their craft and are excited to learn from each other and the instructor in an intimate and supportive environment. Workshop participants will be selected based on the strength of their writing sample and personal statement.

Complete application guidelines are available on the application. Please note that you will need to create a Submittable account to apply.

There is a non-refundable $10 application fee.

Please note that to be eligible for the Patron rate, applicants must be an active Patron of One Story as of August 3. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in the organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patrons, you can do so here.

Applicants will be notified of their status in late August.

Policies

Our classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.

Full refunds are available up through September 29. Partial refunds (50%) are granted if the class is dropped within one week of the class start date (September 30-October 6). Payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or to receive a refund, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.

Application fee waivers are available. If you require one, please contact edu.support@one-story.com. We are unable to offer scholarships for our advanced fiction workshops.

If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.