Online Class: How to Write a Short Story

Students will learn how to write original short stories. They will feel comfortable moving from an initial idea and prewriting to plotting and writing and editing/rewriting.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3,410
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Crafting Short Stories: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Authors

Short stories, encapsulating entire worlds within a few pages, have enchanted readers for generations. Whether you're an avid reader, a novice writer, or someone looking to expand their literary skills, delving into the world of short story writing can be both thrilling and challenging. This course is meticulously designed to guide budding writers like you through the intricate maze of crafting compelling short stories.

A staggering statistic highlights that more than 60% of aspiring writers abandon their short story aspirations because they can't differentiate between the structures of novels and short stories. Instead of creating impactful short tales, they often end up with condensed versions of longer narratives. Our course is tailored to help you avoid this common pitfall.

Lesson 1: The Differences between a Short Story and a Novel Dive into the nuanced contrasts between these two formats, from length and depth to character development and plot intricacies.

Lesson 2: Starting a Short Story Learn the art of initiation. The starting lines can set the mood, intrigue the reader, and set the foundation for everything that follows.

Lesson 3: Writing a Catchy First Paragraph The first paragraph often determines whether a reader continues or sets the story aside. Uncover techniques to craft a gripping introduction.

Lesson 4: Developing Characters Characters breathe life into your story. Learn to sculpt them with depth, relatability, and authenticity. Explore examples from literature giants like Ernest Hemingway to modern masters like Jhumpa Lahiri.

Lesson 5: Choosing a Point of View and Tense Discover the implications of choosing first-person, third-person, or omniscient viewpoints. Delve into past, present, and future tenses and how they shape narratives.

Lesson 6: Dialogue Conversations can reveal character traits, push the plot forward, and add authenticity. Master the rhythm, pacing, and nuances of crafting engaging dialogues.

Lesson 7: Setting, Context, and Plot From the bustling streets of New York to a quiet village in Tuscany, settings anchor your story in time and place. Understand the importance of backdrop, cultural context, and plot mechanics.

Lesson 8: Conflict and Tension Every gripping story thrives on conflict and tension. Dive into techniques to introduce and escalate tension, keeping readers hooked till the end.

Lesson 9: Building to a Climax The peak of your narrative arc, the climax is where tensions come to a head. Learn to construct a climax that resonates, surprises, and satisfies readers.

Lesson 10: The Resolution After the storm comes the calm. Understand how to wind down your story, offering resolution, reflection, or even a twist.

Lesson 11: Tips for Writing Your Short Stories From combating writer's block to refining your voice, gather essential tips to enhance your writing journey.

By course end, you'll be equipped not only with the theoretical understanding but also the practical skills to pen short stories that captivate, inspire, and resonate. So, if you're ready to transition from a reader to a creator, this course stands as your comprehensive guide. Join us, and let's create literary magic together.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.53 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,636 votes)

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

29 Points
Please remember, this is a mechanics class. You will not be writing short stories in this course. You will, however, learn the mechanics to help you write a great short story! 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 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: The Short Story
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: The Differences between a Short Story and a Novel

Lesson 2: Starting a Short Story

28 Points
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 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Characters
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Starting a Short Story

Lesson 3: Writing a Catchy First Paragraph

28 Points
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 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Show, Don't Tell
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Writing a Catchy First Paragraph

Lesson 4: Developing Characters

7 Points
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 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Developing Characters

Lesson 5: Choosing a Point of View and Tense

30 Points
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 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Simple Tense
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Choosing a Point of View and Tense

Lesson 6: Dialogue

40 Points
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 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Writing Dialogue
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Dialogue

Lesson 7: Setting, Context, and Plot

28 Points
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 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: What's the plot?
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Setting, Context, and Plot

Lesson 8: Conflict and Tension

30 Points
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 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Conflicts
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Conflict and Tension

Lesson 9: Building to a Climax

28 Points
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 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignments: The Climax
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Building to a Climax

Lesson 10: The Resolution

28 Points
This lesson focuses on the resolution to the conflict in the short story. It covers what it is and how it's used.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: The Resolution
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: The Resolution

Lesson 11: Tips for Writing Your Short Stories

50 Points
This lesson covers information about writing short stories, finding fresh ideas, and finding a market to get them published.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Short Story Writing
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Tips for Writing Your Short Stories

24 Answers Every Writer Should Know

0 Points
24 Answers Every Writer Should Know
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
326
Total Course Points
 

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.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Write a Short Story
Course Number: 9770548
Lessons Rating: 4.53 / 5 Stars (3,636 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: January 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Excellent course, well-structured and gives one confidence in improving one's craft as a short story writer." -- Aaman L.
  • "I really enjoyed this class, it was very informative and really helped me with understanding short story writing. I didn't think before this class that there was so many different parts to short stories, but it was broken down very well. I think the way the lessons were organized very well and flowed very well in relation to how I would write an actual story. Thanks for a really great class." -- Martin M.
  • "I loved the course, and I am very glad I enrolled in this course. It was very helpful. The instructor was wonderful. Thank you." -- Rebecca M.
  • "i enjoyed the class and learned some new information to help with my short story writing. Thank you." -- Elizabeth S.
  • "I am an aspiring writer, and I have been looking for a condensed course that can guide me through the process of creating a short story. This course answers my questions, and the instructor gives me detailed and effective feedback on my assignments and exams." -- Frances G.
  • "I thought it was extremely helpful and did a good job of describing the key elements of a short story." -- Rebecca D.
  • "I learned a lot from this course and I think that this course was extremely helpful. It was a lot of fun to learn about what makes a short story a short story." -- Sarah G.
  • "This course was scary for me. It was a challenge, and even though I passed, I was full of anxiety, which made it hard for me to focus. You are a fantastic teacher/professor, and I am going to continue taking your courses." -- Betty B.
  • "It was very helpful. I learned a lot of words. I will keep on writing!" -- Samantha S.
  • "It was a very important and helped me learn a lot. Thank you!" -- Omid J.
View More Testimonials...
 

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