The Subtle Art of Short Fiction
Published on 1. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
112 pages
978-1-915789-48-8 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Essays and writing exercises by Dr Kerry Hadley-Pryce, Daisy Johnson, Matt Wesolowski, Sascha Akhtar, David Hartley, Mahsuda Snaith, Dr Jonathan Taylor, Sarah Schofield, SJ Bradley and Farhana Shaikh. With an introduction by Dr Paul March-Russell.
Essays and writing exercises by Dr Kerry Hadley-Pryce, Daisy Johnson, Matt Wesolowski, Sascha Akhtar, David Hartley, Mahsuda Snaith, Dr Jonathan Taylor, Sarah Schofield, SJ Bradley and Farhana Shaikh. With an introduction by Dr Paul March-Russell.
Reviews / Votes
"A revelatory and engaging read." - Irenosen Okojie "Like the best short stories, this book cuts to the chase, not a word wasted. Each tightly-written chapter grabs you by the lapels and imparts wisdom with rigour, vigour and verve. The scope and approach of this tight little volume is pleasing too, offering us fresh ways into thinking about the short story in the light of haiku, jokes, social media posts, the urban weird, and more. Each chapter ends with a practical and original prompt, urging us to put our new knowledge into playful practice. Kenyon has achieved her aim of bringing us a 'mentor in a book.' I will definitely be recommending this nifty, up-to-the-minute craft guide to my students."Dr Shelley Roche-Jacques, Course Leader for BA and MA Creative Writing, Sheffield Hallam University "More and more I have come to appreciate and love short fiction. Reading The Subtle Art of Short Fiction has increased my understanding of why that is and shown me that the ability to deliver a short story that is worth reading is not only an art but a gift." - Love Books, Read Books
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight
131 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-915789-48-8 (9781915789488)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Isabelle Kenyon
The Subtle Art of Short Fiction
E-Book
12/2025
Fly on the Wall Press
€8.49
Available for download
Persons
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 is the leader of the Fly on the Wall Press Publishing Academy and runs the Northern Publishers' Fair.
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 is the leader of the Fly on the Wall Press Publishing Academy and runs the Northern Publishers' Fair.