Join the editor of Scratch Books, Tom Conaghan, as he talks us through the methods and processes of the most brilliant short story writers. We’ll learn from the ideas of Sarah Hall, Tessa Hadley, George Saunders, Yiyun Li, Jon McGregor and many others, as we explore what makes a good opening, a strong escalation and a breathtaking ending. We'll learn how different writers listen to their inspiration, how they write and redraft and decide what is "good enough". 

​The session will lead new and emerging writers through some useful craft ideas for great short stories – new ways to think about your writing and a few things to avoid! Tom will also cover the world of the short story: how to submit your work, how to move on from rejection (and acceptance!) and what journals make a fitting home as you hone your craft.

Bring something to write with…

About Tom Conaghan
Tom Conaghan is the publisher of Scratch Books, the independent press behind the Reverse Engineering titles, a series that explore the craft of authors’ fiction. He has worked as the fiction editor of Bandit Fiction Literary Journal and commissioning editor at short story organisation, The Word Factory.

He has lectured in short story craft at Manchester, Bath Spa, Royal Holloway and Edge Hill Universities. His essays and reviews have appeared in the Observer, Times Literary Supplement, Irish Times and LA Review of Books. His fiction has been nominated for the Shirley Jackson Award and the Pushcart Prize.