ReadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2025

The Subtle Art of Short Fiction

Isabelle Kenyon editor Dr Paul March-Russell editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Fly on the Wall Press

Published:1st Dec '25

Should be back in stock very soon

The Subtle Art of Short Fiction cover

A must-have craft book featuring expert essays from renowned authors, top literary editors, and acclaimed critics.

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.

“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

ISBN: 9781915789488

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

112 pages