Online Class: How to Write a Short Story
no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
12Lessons
-
22Exams &
Assignments -
3,410Students
have taken this course -
11Hours
average time -
1.1CEUs
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
Course Lessons
Learning Outcomes
- 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
- 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
Choose Your Subscription Plan
No Certificate / No CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | X |
Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced | |
Instructor support | |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | |
Includes CEUs | |
Self-paced | |
Instructor support | |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate | |
Includes CEUs | |
Self-paced | |
Instructor support | |
Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate | |
Includes CEUs | |
Self-paced | |
Instructor support | |
Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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.
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