The Contemporary American Short Story with Gerard Beirne

Course Summary

This course explores a range of short stories from leading contemporary American writers, blending close reading with creative practice. Participants will study their techniques, discuss their approaches, and apply what you learn to your own writing to strengthen your craft and develop your voice.

Through workshops, discussions, and targeted exercises, participants will analyse contemporary short fiction while developing their own stories. Ideal for writers eager to deepen their understanding of the contemporary American short story—both as a literary form and a creative practice—and refine their storytelling skills through close reading, discussion, and hands-on application.

Course Outline

Reading & Literary Appreciation
Participants will read two short stories per week in advance of each class. Selected for their diverse techniques, voices, and themes, the stories provide both literary enjoyment and a foundation for exploring craft. Through guided discussions, we’ll examine stylistic and thematic depth, consider how a story’s intent shapes its form, and deepen participants’ understanding of the American short story. Students will also read with an eye for craft, noticing how language, structure, and perspective create effect — skills they can apply to their own writing.

Technique Exploration & Writing Practice
Each session focuses on specific writing techniques demonstrated in the selected stories, breaking down how and why they work to provide practical insights into the craft of short fiction. By observing how renowned short story writers make choices, participants try out these techniques in their own exercises, encouraging creativity and exploration in a supportive environment.

Workshop & Discussion
The course emphasises process and discovery over producing a polished piece in class. Participants will share their writing exercises, with the instructor facilitating discussion and feedback. The focus is on exploration, reflection, and growth, helping writers refine their craft and develop their unique voice. Exercises can also be developed outside of class, contributing to a personal body of work by the end of the course.

Reflection & Development
Throughout the course, participants are invited to produce a portfolio of work to document their exercises, insights, and progress. Maintaining a personal writing journal is optional, providing an additional space for self-reflection and experimentation. This practice helps writers track their development as they engage with new techniques and ideas.

Course Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyse the techniques, themes, and forms of contemporary short stories.
2. Apply key writing techniques to enhance their own short fiction.
3. Produce a body of writing that can be further developed into complete short stories if desired.
4. Track and reflect on their development, producing a portfolio of work by the end of the course, with the option of maintaining a personal writing journal for ongoing reflection.
5. Engage in constructive discussion and feedback to strengthen craft and develop a distinctive voice, applying critical reading and analysis of the stories’ techniques to their own writing.

Gerard Beirne is a writer, fiction editor, and lecturer. He has published eight books of fiction and poetry. A past winner of the Hennessy New Irish Writer of the Year Award, he has also been shortlisted for The Kerry Group Novel of the Year, The Danuta Gleed Award, and the Irish Book Awards. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing (EWU, USA) and with thirty-four years as a writing instructor, he lectures on the BA Writing and Literature Program at ATU Sligo.

Booked out? To be added to the waiting list for this course, please email info@irishwriterscentre.ie.