Folktales: a new short story course with Comma Press

In autumn 2024, I had the absolute pleasure of teaching a short fiction course with Comma Press. With writers from across the world, we came together to learn how to approach writing fiction with folklore. Every fortnight, I'd log on and meet the most enthusiastic writers, working hard on their short fiction and generating the most amazing ideas. We shared diverse folklore, we had fascinating discussions, and I read some great writing. (In fact, you can read it, too, right here, as all writers contribute a story to the course anthology.)

I'm delighted to say that we're doing it all again, although this time the focus is on the folk tale (or folktale) and how traditional narratives remain so captivating for writers and readers. Here's the official blurb:

Folk tales: fairytales, wonder tales, Märchen, memorates, contemporary legends, fables, myths. There are many different types of traditional narrative – or folk tale – and they evolve and adapt to remain captivating through the ages.

Folk tales are compelling source material for creative writers, too. How can prose so deceptively simple continue to enthral us as children, as adults, as warnings, as entertainment? How do they tell us what it is to be human?

In this short course, you will work on your own short fiction while learning about the different forms of folk tale. We will discuss what makes folk tales so effective, and how we might use them in our own works of fiction. We will think about cultural heritage and how to treat works of anonymity. We will read, write, and share ideas.

Over the duration of the course, you will work on two or three short stories, with your favourite published in a Comma Press ebook.

Numbers are capped so classes don't become too unwieldy, so if you'd like to join us, please don't delay in booking - it sold out last time, and judging by the kind comments and questions, I suspect it will this time, too. Any questions, please get in touch.