The Subtle Art of Short Fiction

"A revelatory and engaging read." - Irenosen Okojie

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.

"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

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.