Writing the Great American Short Story

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
7Lessons
-
11Exams &
Assignments -
556Students
have taken this course -
5Hours
average time -
0.5CEUs
Course Description
A pair of hands on the keyboard, a blank screen, and a single wish: You want to write the Great American Short Story! You've read many of them -- Poe's "Black Cat," Cheever's "Enormous Radio," Welty's "The Worn Path" -- but have you come close to writing a tale that lingers with readers after the last page is turned?
In this class, you will gain the inspiration and the discipline to write a short story of 1000 to 8000 words. We will use examples from all genres, exploring the techniques of plot, style, flow, voice and tone that will make your fiction sing. This close reading of master works is accompanied by tried and true methods for putting words on the page, revising, and handling criticism from others. One thing's for sure: Your stories are ready to tell themselves to you. And, if all goes well enough, they'll tell themselves to the world as well. So, are you ready to start writing?
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: The Short Story Landscape in America
Lesson 1 Video
Take Poll: Who Will Read Your Short Story?
Take Survey: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Assignment 1A: Class Forum Postings
Complete Exam: The Short Story Landscape
Lesson 2: Answering to the Muse
Lesson 2 Video
Take Poll: Inspiration
Complete: Assignment 2: Write the First Page of Your Story
Complete Exam: Answering to the Muse
Lesson 3: Developing a Main Character
Lesson 3 Video
Review Article: How to Develop a Character in a Short Story or Novel
Take Poll: The People Around You
Complete: Assignment 3: Character Profile Worksheet
Complete Exam: Developing a Main Character
Lesson 4: Telling the Story: Structure and Plot
Lesson 4 Video
Review 2 Articles: Plot Structure; The Short Story on Structuring Your Short Story
Take Poll: Approaches to Storytelling
Complete Exam: Telling the Story: Structure & Plot
Lesson 5: Styling the Words You Write
Lesson 5 Video
Review Article: Short Story Writing Styles
Take Poll: What's Your Flavor?
Complete Exam: Styling the Words You Write
Lesson 6: End Your Story Like a Master
Lesson 6 Video
Take Poll: The Easy Way Out
Complete: Assignment 4: Finish Your Short Story
Complete Exam: End Your Story Like a Master
Lesson 7: Revising Your Writing
Lesson 7 Video
Take Poll: Receiving Feedback
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete Exam: Revising Your Writing
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize the short story landscape in America.
- Describe developing a main character.
- Summarize telling the story.
- Describe styling the words you write.
- Summarize ending your story like a master.
- Revise and edit the story, and
- 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 |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 500+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 500+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I've had the pleasure of having this instructor before, she's GREAT!!" -- Joy K.
- "Great Course. Great Instructor." -- Kyle B.