The Writers' HQ Write A Short Story Festival
Write. Create. Celebrate. Your next great story starts here!
Wednesday 1 – Thursday 30 April 2026
Workshops, write-alongs and the best community - join the fun!
Join Sarah, Team WHQ and a specially curated gang of super awesome, award-winning short story writers for a month of short story workshops, masterclasses and write-a-longs designed to get you writing or to elevate your craft from good to great.
Throughout April, the Writers’ HQ Write A Short Story Festival will give you the opportunity to explore everything you need to know about the short form, from starting, middling and ending. We’ll go deep into the craft of short story writing and help you get the best from your words.
You can start at the beginning and write a story alongside other festival writers, or you can drop in and out depending on where you are with your writing.
Plus, through regular write-a-longs we’ll help you stay on track and build a writing practice that fits into your life and goals.
Also! The best writing community this side of the internet. Aww yeah! It’s gonna be a-m-a-z-i-n-g.
Here's what's on
(More workshops being added soon!)
Plus! Also! Too! As well!
These awesome bonus things...
When you get on board for the Write A Short Story Festival, you will also have access to:
Every event from the 2025 and 2024 festival!
Including workshops from Leone Ross, Lindz McLeod, Gwen E Kirby, Matt Kendrick, Alison Woodhouse, Kathy Hoyle and more!
Writing Short Fiction
Our mammoth short fiction course!
Full of practical techniques for developing your writing skills and producing stellar short stories
Three Other Awesome Short Story Courses
- Create A Short Story Collection
Learn how to turn your short stories into a collection! - Short Fiction Mini Masterclass
A quick intro to big little stories
- The Writers' HQ Guide to Flash Fiction
Conjure teeny flashy stories out of thin air
The Amazing Writers' HQ Community
Writing is a team sport and there’s no better place to find your writing team than Writers’ HQ. Many of our students have gone on to form close friendships and trusted critiquing partnerships. Introverted? Don’t worry! We’re all awkward writer-types here
“WHQ is sweary, witty, and incredibly good for your writing. I learned more in their six-week Writing Short Fiction course than I did in literally years of in-person courses with an instructor near me. Inspiration, pep, knowledge, swears, support, encouragement, hilarious gifs – WHQ is the best!”
– Mary T
You ready? Let’s gooooooo!
The Write A Short Story Festival 2026 is available exclusively for Writers’ HQ Gold Star Members. Click the buttons and secure your spot.
All prices in UK Pounds