Faculty:  Karen Russell

January 18-20, 2026

“Whenever humanity seems condemned to heaviness, I think I should fly like Perseus into a different space . . . I have to change my approach, look at the world from a different perspective, with a different logic and with fresh methods of cognition and verification,” writes Italo Calvino. In this workshop, we will read each other's work attentively and help each other to gain fresh perspectives on our works and worlds in progress. We will also read excerpts from some extraordinary short stories that model different approaches to various narrative challenges.

Submission guidelines:

In a single file, submit one or more short stories of no more than 25 pages total.  No synopsis necessary.  

PLEASE NOTE: we are reading to assess the strength and readiness of the manuscript for workshop. What you submit here will be what you workshop during the conference.  No new material will be accepted. 

Required format for writing samples:

1. Accepting only Word documents (.doc or .docx only).
2. Font must be 12-pt Times New Roman and Arial.
3. Margins must be 1 inch.
4. Manuscript must be double-spaced and contain a header or footer with page numbers and author’s name.
5. No extra spacing between paragraphs except that which indicates transitions.
6. If you submit more than 25 pages, only the first 25 pp will be read and considered. 
7. Do not include title pages or dedications.
8. Please submit in a single file.