There’s a magic to short-form prose that’s often overlooked in favor of novels or memoirs. At Short Form Fest, we’re dedicating two days to celebrating this specific art form. From short stories to essays to flash, it takes skill to craft a piece of writing that leaves a big impression in a small space. In workshops, panels, seminars, and special events, we’ll explore questions specific to short form writing: How can we develop rich characters, emotional complexity, and satisfying themes in just a few thousand words? How do structure, pacing, and style change within a compressed form? Can short pieces truly stand alone? And, of course, how do you get them published?
Featuring short-form masters Jenny Shank, Erika Krouse, Juan J. Morales, Natalie Hodges, and more, this festival is your chance to delve into the world of short-form and connect with Denver’s literary community. We’ll also welcome special guest Samantha Hunt, author of The Dark Dark and The Unwritten Book: An Investigation, for Saturday’s lecture and evening reading.
Festival Guide
Click below to view the full daily schedule for the weekend, plus descriptions for every class and event at the Fest.
Passes
For those looking for the fullest experience, a pass gets you multiple events or classes at a discount.
Craft Seminars
Dive deeper into the craft of short stories, essays, and flash prose with some of Lighthouse’s favorite instructors.
Panels
Join panels of experts as they discuss the unique perks and pitfalls of short-form writing and publishing.
Evening Events
Connect to your community during happy hours, readings, and a special event.