A workshop promotional image readiong “The Short Story Blueprint” with Cate Kennedy featuring a photo of Cate.

Learn the secrets behind unforgettable short fiction

Facilitated by Cate Kennedy

Key Information

When: Wednesday 10 June 2026, 6 pm – 8:30 pm

Venue: Online (link emailed day before workshop)

Cost:

Full Price: $95
Member: $70
Member concession / youth: $55

* Hunter Writers Centre defines youth as someone aged 25 years or under.

Become a Member

Please note this workshop is now at capacity. If interested in attending, please join the waitlist.

Workshop Overview

In this 2.5 hour workshop, participants will learn how to maximise the impact of their short story drafts or ideas, especially if they are preparing to enter their work in a competition. Cate will cover:

  • Locating and refining your subject matter
  • Some important structural principles
  • Effective ways to use dialogue and imagery, and
  • Tips for the start and the end of your short story to hook your reader and create a satisfying sense of resolution.


There will be time for some brief generative exercises and lots of tips to get you on your way. Come and recharge your story batteries!

Accessibility

Please let us know of any accessibility requirements you have when you book for the workshop. If you would like to discuss your requirement, please contact Katherine on 0435 858 145.

About Cate Kennedy

Cate Kennedy is well-known as a short story practitioner, with two critically acclaimed published collections (Dark Roots, 2006, and Like a House on Fire, 2012) both winning numerous awards and being used as texts on the Victorian School Syllabus. She has won the Age Short Story Prize, the Scarlet Stiletto Prize, the Furphy Short Story Award and the HQ short story prize, among others, and currently teaches writing workshops in Australia and as a faculty member of the Pacific University’s MFA in Creative Writing in Portland, Oregon.