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Online Class: How to Write a Short Story 101

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IACET Authorized Provider Enroll today! This is a self-paced, continuing education, online course with instructor. You have 6 months to complete.
Course Cost: 6 Month Subscription
Course (no Certificate)   =   $35.00
Course with CEU Certificate*   =   $60.00
* Instantly download, print, and share your CEU Certificate at course completion (additional shipping/handling charges apply for hard copy delivery). UniversalClass™ offers many wonderful learning tools including an online portfolio service that manages all your course completions and CEUs.  
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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 course will help!
 
 
We'll take you through the entire process…preparing your mind, getting ideas on paper, and help you through the editing and proofing process. 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 as well as learn how to create your own wonderful works!
 
Amateur short story writers try to write their stories like miniature novels. Their stories read as either an excerpt or a condensed novel. Unfortunately, undisciplined writers do not write short stories that are complete. They overlook the fundamentals--such as--what sets the short story apart from a novel, and why one can never be substituted for the other. 

This course will show you how to write effectively and creatively. So join us today! And let's write some short stories that people will want to read!
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Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Compare and contrast the differences between a short story and a novel.
  • Demonstrate writing techniques that start a short story.
  • Describe ways to write a catchy first paragraph.
  • Summarize ways to develop characters.
  • Describe how to choose a point of view and tense.
  • Demonstrate how to properly write dialogue.
  • Define setting, context, and plot.
  • Identify conflict and tension.
  • Build a climax.
  • Demonstrate writing out the resolution, and
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Course Lessons

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

To write short stories it's important that one have a good understanding of what one is and how they differ from novels. This lesson examines in detail what they are and how they differ from and novels.

Lesson 2: Starting a Short Story

While novels may have lengthy introductions with background information, short stories do not. With short stories you need to jump right in and work to advance the plot. This lesson explores all the ins and outs of starting a short story.

Lesson 3: Writing a Catchy First Paragraph

The first paragraph of a short story is the biggest determining factor as to whether or not the reader will continue reading or not. This lesson looks at what goes into writing a great opening paragraph.

Lesson 4: Developing Characters

While a strong opening to a short story is essential, the characters are the glue that hold it together. In this lesson you will learn about what should go into developing a character.

Lesson 5: Choosing a Point of View and Tense

The point of view your story will take is an important factor. This lesson explains the differences in points of view and tenses and when it's appropriate to use each of them.

Lesson 6: Dialogue

Dialogue is one of the most important and interesting things that goes on in a short story. But how do you write it correctly? This lesson looks at the rules of writing good dialogue.

Lesson 7: Setting, Context, and Plot

In this lesson you will learn about how to go about writing the setting, context, and plot of the story. A lot of what you have learned so far starts coming together with this lesson.

Lesson 8: Conflict and Tension

Conflict and tension are key elements to any short story. This lesson breaks down and explains the rules of how to use it in writing short stories.

Lesson 9: Building to a Climax

All good short stories must build to a climax. This lesson explains what the climax is and when it's ideal to reach it.

Lesson 10: The Resolution

This lesson focuses on the resolution to the conflict in the short story. It covers what it is and how it's used.

Lesson 11: Tips for Writing Your Short Stories

This lesson covers information about writing short stories, finding fresh ideas, and finding a market to get them published.

24 Answers Every Writer Should Know

24 Answers Every Writer Should Know

Additional Information

Course Title : How to Write a Short Story 101
CEU Value :

1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Standard :

Course Adheres to the ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard

Accreditation :

Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102.

Languages : English - United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other English speaking countries
Course Number : 7550283
Course Type : How To
Course URL :

http://shortstory101.onlineclasses.com

Course Rating : Excellent Course! 4 Star Rating
Instructor :

Melissa Merritt

Syllabus :

View Syllabus

Grading Policy :

Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive a CEU Certificate documenting CEUs earned

Assessment Method :

Lesson assignments and review exams

Duration : Continuous: Enroll anytime!
Requirements : View Technical Requirements
Course Fee :

Basic Course: $35.00 (no CEU Certificate)

   

with CEU Certificate: $60.00

NOT FOR COLLEGE CREDIT
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment. This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, certification or educational requirements.

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