Small Stories, Big Impact: Writing Short Fiction

£11.55 per person if booking online. £10 in person at the shop

Suitable for ages 16+

Join award-winning author Jay McKenzie for a flexible workshop offering practical techniques and exercises to help writers of all levels develop and enhance their short fiction.

Author of How to Lose the Lottery and award-winning short fiction writer Jay McKenzie presents this session on ways into or techniques to elevate your short fiction writing.

This 2 hour session is for scribes of all levels including participants who may already have experience with creative writing, as well as those newer to it.

Former teacher and actor Jay will take you through flexible, open-ended exercises that will allow individuals to work at their own level, with optional extensions for those who want to develop their work further.

The session will use:

• Close reading of a small selection of short fiction to spark creativity and discussion
• Guided writing exercises designed to generate new material
• Structural guidelines for short fiction
• Editing short fictions
• Opportunities to share work (optional) and reflect as a group
• Take-home materials outlining pathways to publication with information about publication opportunities for new writers
• A focus on building confidence, engagement, and creative ownership

Mon 21 September, 1-3pm at The Word

£11.55 per person if booking online. £10 in person at the shop

ABOUT WRITE FESTIVAL 2026

This event is part of The Word’s WRITE Festival which takes place throughout the whole of September. Enjoy a programme of unmissable events, workshops and performances! Find out more by viewing our full WRITE Festival programme.

By booking tickets for this event, you are agreeing to our booking terms and conditions.