The Subtle Art of Short Fiction. This item is unavailable.The Subtle Art of Short Fiction

Advanced techniques, essays & practical exercises for mastering the craft of the short story

The Subtle Art of Short Fiction explores the power of short fiction in today’s fragmented world. Renowned authors and critics offer advanced techniques for crafting nuanced, impactful stories. Learn to master short story structure, subtext, micro-tension, and sensory minimalism. Ideal for experienced writers seeking to refine their skills in this sophisticated art form, or those who love short fiction, and want to learn about the craft behind it.

Featuring contributions from: Booker-Shortlisted author Daisy Johnson, Matt Wesolowski, Dr Kerry Hadley-Pryce, Mahsuda Snaith, Sascha Akhtar, David Hartley, Dr Jonathan Taylor, Sarah Schofield, SJ Bradley, Farhana Shaikh and others. With an introduction by Dr Paul March-Russell.

You'll learn how to shape short-story structure, using subtext and micro-tension to create emotional depth, and sensory minimalism: when to show, when to imply. It's filled with practical exercises to tighten language and sharpen scenes and contains essays by leading contemporary writers, step-by-step exercises, and editorial guidance that bridges theory and practice. Perfect for anyone ready to refine their command of the short story from structure and subtext to the subtle use of detail.

Introduction by Dr Paul March-Russell.

“A revelatory and engaging read.” - Irenosen Okojie

Isabelle Kenyon is the Managing Director of Manchester publishing house 'Fly on the Wall Press', and was named a Leader of the Year by the Bookseller in 2025. Founded in 2018, she has led Fly on the Wall Press from Small Press of the Year finalist status at the British Book Awards 2021-23 to their win in the North, in 2024!

She is the MA Module Leader for 'Publishing in the 21st Century' at Arts University Bournemouth, and the author of psychological thriller 'The Dark Within Them' and poetry collections including Growing Pains (Indigo Dreams).​ She previously coordinated the Northern Fiction Alliance and runs PR campaigns for writers and publishers under Kenyon Author Services (www.kenyonauthorservices.co.uk).

Paul March-Russell is the author of The Short Story: An Introduction and co-editor, with Maggie Awadalla, of The Postcolonial Short Story. He is an
editorial advisor for the Journal of the Short Story in English and Short Fiction in Theory and Practice. He also edits the science fiction journal, Foundation, and is co-commissioning editor for the feminist sf imprint Gold SF.