Write Like a Human Being: Short Story Critique Group with Ben Stephens

Are you a fiction writer looking to tap into your unique voice? Do you want your stories to sound more like *you*? Would you like to share your work with a smart, supportive community of fellow writers?

On this course, we will work together to create and hone short stories that engage readers by capturing the writer’s true voice. Whether you are a seasoned writer or new to the craft, this course will provide you with the structure, the tools and the community to produce work that is authentic and compelling.

Classes will include reading and discussion of published pieces by established writers, in-class writing exercises, and the sharing and thoughtful critique of stories from students. Emphasis will be on making each piece into the best — the most engaging and alive — possible version of itself.

Session Dates (2:00 pm-4:00 pm CST):

October 5

October 12

October 19

October 26

November 2

November 9

November 16

November 23

ZOOM LINK WILL BE PROVIDED one week before start of course.

Ben Stephens holds an MFA in Fiction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has worked as a professional writer in a wide variety of settings for 25 years. His creative non-fiction has been published in FATHERS magazine and elsewhere. He is the creator and writer of the film blog Small Moments In Big Movies.

Mr. Stephens has also spent more than a decade performing and teaching improvised comedy in the UK and US — he devised, directed and performed in the hit UK Fringe show Yes Anderson: The Improvised Wes Anderson Movie.

Host or Publisher Hive Center for the Book Arts