American Short Fiction blog

Looking for a quality (free) virtual social networking writing group? ASF has some suggestions.

Zoetrope Virtual Studio: a collaborative tool for writers and other artists. Submit, give feedback, get feedback—and your submissions may be read and considered for publication by the Zoetrope: All-Story editorial staff.

She Writes: a new social network where women writers working in every genre—in every part of the world and of all ages and backgrounds—can come together in a space of mutual support.

Fictionaut: part self-selecting magazine, part community network, Fictionaut is a way for readers to discover new voices and for writers to share their art, gain recognition, and connect with their audience and each other.

Facebook’s Poets & Writers Registry: a group designed to help professional and aspiring poets (writers, screenwriters, and songwriters) find and post information about poetry organizations, publishing/small presses, book releases, contests and award info, festivals, and more. (Not affiliated with Poets & Writers magazine.)

*
Let ASF know about your favorite writing communities in the comments.

The American Short Fiction Workshop Series launches two online classes soon—July 15—so sign up now for a spot in an introductory workshop or learn how to apply for an advanced one. Classes run for eight weeks, through September 2. All students will receive individualized attention from instructors, be given targeted exercises to generate new work, and gain access to a supportive community of writers.

Both classes are workshop based. The introductory class will teach students how to read as writers and will focus on the elements of fiction. The advanced class will examine contemporary short stories and delve into Charles Baxter’s wonderful book on craft, The Art of Subtext: Beyond Plot.

Below is just a sampling of what some of our online students have to say about the workshops:

• “You run a hell of a workshop.”
• “I love online workshops. Just like reading a good short story, you get to know people (characters) from the inside out. The emphasis is on the work rather than the personalities of the writers. Plus, they offer opportunities for aspiring writers across the country to work with writers they wouldn’t otherwise be able to, and at a reasonable cost and time commitment.”
• “Starting the course with some opening readings and exercises and craft discussions was a wise choice. Naming the World [creative writing exercises, a course text] is excellent and I’ve already recommended it to a bunch of people. The discussion with the instructor about my writing was extremely helpful.”

We are thrilled to announce that the first class in the ASF Workshop Series, Short Story Essentials: Writing Fiction for Publication, kicks off on March 4. This class is close to our hearts–not only we will be discussing great published fiction and workshopping your stories, we’ll also be demystifying the submission process.

Taught by ASF editors, the 8-week online workshop will focus on voice and story structure. We’ll also be exploring different markets for fiction and providing tips on submitting to literary journals. Visit americanshortfiction.org/workshops for course details and how to apply. The application deadline is February 20, 2009.