This is an introductory course in the reading and writing of good fiction. We will read short stories from authors both canonical and contemporary, figure out how they work, and then write some short stories of our own. During the first third of the class we will learn basic strategies for storytelling and composition, as well as how to read like writers, with a focus on craft. The latter two-thirds of the class will be consumed by workshop, in which we will read and critique each other’s work with an eye towards improvement. A love of words and an open mind is required, although prior experience is not.