Class Syllabus: How to Write a Short Story 101
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Class Syllabus: How to Write a Short Story 101

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Course Meeting Times: Continuous
 

Course Description

Writing

If you're a reader and thought you might like to try your hand at short story  writing but just don't know how to get started, this basic course will help.  The class takes you through the entire process -- from preparing your mind and getting ideas on paper, to editing and proofing.  You'll learn new skills, and find new ways to express yourself.

 

As you advance through this course, you're going to learn the correct way to write a short story.  More than that, you're going to learn the aspects of every good short story and how to create your own. 

 

Amateur short story writers try to write their stories like miniature novels.  Their stories read as either an excerpt or a condensed novel.  They do not write short stories that are actual complete stories.  They do not know what sets the short story apart from the novel, and why one can never be substituted for the other.  This course will show you how to write effectively and creatively.

 

Topics will include:

 

  • Lesson 1: The Differences between a Short Story and a Novel
  • Lesson 2: Starting a Short Story
  • Lesson 3: Writing a Catchy First Paragraph
  • Lesson 4: Developing Characters
  • Lesson 5: Choosing a Point of View and Tense
  • Lesson 6: Dialogue
  • Lesson 7: Setting, Context, and Plot
  • Lesson 8: Conflict and Tension
  • Lesson 9: Building to a Climax
  • Lesson 10: The Resolution
  • Lesson 11: Tips for Writing Your Short Stories
  • 24 Answers Every Writer Should Know

Course Requirements

At least a high school reading and writing educational level is required.

Course Topics

 

Lesson 1: The Differences between a Short Story and a Novel

Lesson 2: Starting a Short Story

Lesson 3: Writing a Catchy First Paragraph

Lesson 4: Developing Characters

Lesson 5: Choosing a Point of View and Tense

Lesson 6: Dialogue

Lesson 7: Setting, Context, and Plot

Lesson 8: Conflict and Tension

Lesson 9: Building to a Climax

Lesson 10: The Resolution

Lesson 11: Tips for Writing Your Short Stories

24 Answers Every Writer Should Know

Course Materials

All course materials will be online and no outside purchases will be required.

Grading Policy

The course consists of twelve lessons. At the end of each lesson will be  one writing  assignment and a lesson review quiz based on the lesson material. A percentage grade will be given based on point accumulation.

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