Joyce Carol Oates Short Story MasterClass Notes

Writing advice from a Princeton Professor and Best-Selling Author

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

These are the paraphrased notes I’ve taken from Joyce Carol Oates and her MasterClass.

A writer wants to tell a story.

Take that instinct and form it into a craft.

If you are wondering if you’re a writer, you probably are.

Joyce teaches at Princeton University and works at telling, mentoring, and teaching students how to write short stories.

Many writers must start small and focus on finishing a short story first.

Focus on one paragraph.

Writing a short story is like moving into a fast-moving river. It helps you to love writing. It should feel like a good time. In the beginning, the assignments should be short and fast and get finished so you can build momentum as a starting writer.

Why Joyce Carol Oates is a Master of short stories

Joyce believes writing is a chance to discover your stories.

Your family’s bitterness at holidays.