Telling Stories: A Short Story Course

Do you often find yourself playing with words and images? Do you dream of conjuring new worlds? Is there a character you have imagined into being or a story you long to tell?

Over ten weeks, this course will invite you to explore your ideas and help you create your own piece of short fiction. Each session will involve guided exercises and discussion, with story extracts by a range of authors provided as examples to learn from.

You will be introduced to the tools you need to build a satisfying story: taking you from initial inspiration to an understanding of techniques in characterisation, setting, voice, and plot.

You will receive tutor feedback on your writing and will be encouraged to share and celebrate your work with other members of the group, if you feel comfortable doing so.

Telling Stories is suitable for all aspiring or developing writers and is a fun way to start writing fiction in a safe and collaborative space.

Course Dates: Tuesdays, 7.30-9pm, 7 October - 9 December 2025

Cost: £220 - we have one Bursary place available

Tutor: Alison Waller is a writer and coach with a background in higher education and a passion for getting outdoors. She blogs about walking in West Oxfordshire at https://thewritingpath.substack.com and runs The Writing Path, helping writers find their way.

Enrollment: Please message Kim at Madhatter Bookshop 07774637941 to confirm your space.