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Short Story Workshop

A small workshop led by a master writer

Course is closed.
Short Story Workshop

WHEN Saturday, January 26, 10 am-4 pm

WHERE 7494 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 303, West Hollywood, Calif. 90046

LEVEL Intermediate

MORE INFO Email us or call (310) 659-5668

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
more info

Course Details

What do the films Brokeback Mountain and Million Dollar Baby have in common? They were both based on short stories, as were many of the films that made the recent "Best 100 of All Time" list. Short stories, by their very nature, have the ability to hook you quickly, draw you in, and resolve themselves in much less time than most novels do.

What makes a good hook and rich characters? How do you establish the mood and theme of a short story? This workshop answers all those questions and a lot more. You'll get a chance to have your own work critiqued by a professional, and to receive feedback from fellow participants. You'll learn how to avoid cliches and how to objectify the experience so it doesn't become a personal essay.

In this workshop you will learn:

  • The difference between character, plot, and theme-driven stories
  • How to show conflict rather than tell
  • The difference between well-written dialogue and "clunkers"
  • How to hook readers into your story
  • How to establish mood

To apply:
Please submit a letter of interest and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

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Instructor Bio

David Israel's Courses

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David Israel
David K. Israel is the author of the recent novel Behind Everyman. He is a frequent contributor to mental_floss magazine and his writings have been published in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. David is also an accomplished songwriter and composer. His works have been commissioned by Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, and The American Symphony Orchestra.


Testimonials


David is the only catalyst you'll need to finish your novel. He's supportive and unflinching, and is an impeccable listener. I'd always been able to start novels, but under his guidance I finally finished one. Stop rationalizing your life away and take his class. -- Becky Hayes, casting director

"Not only is David a great writer, he's an inspirational teacher as well. With his encouragement I finished the first draft of my novel." -- Mike Welch, producer

"By the end of this class, I had three hundred pages of a novel that I hadn't had before, and a whole new appreciation for how much time I'd been wasting not writing. No regrets!" -- Vanessa McGee

"David is incredible. His comments are at once encouraging and constructive without being unduly flattering. He's a writer's writer who really helped me tell the story I wanted to tell. Great guy." -- Chris Rogers

"David was excellent -- a true professional. He was able to point out flaws in writing styles plus constructively critique without ruffling feathers. He also created a true writer's circle. I will definitely continue on with him." -- Stephanie Cox

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