How to Write Short Stories and Use Them to Further Your Writing Career, starting on January 14th, 2024, 7 PM to 9 PM

Description

Eight-Week Short Story Writing Course

Course Overview:

This eight-week course is designed to guide aspiring writers through the art and craft of short story writing. Combining the study of classic and contemporary short stories with practical writing exercises, participants will develop their storytelling skills and produce original works.

Course Structure:

• Week 1: Introduction to the Short Story Genre
  • Explore the history and evolution of the short story.
  • Discuss key elements that define the genre.
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 2: Short Story Structure
  • One Arc
  • One Point of View
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 3: Plot and Structure
  • The Big Key
  • Delivering the Shattering Moment
  • The Beginning, the Middle, and the End
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 4: Setting and Atmosphere
  • Examine the role of setting in enhancing narratives.
  • Experiment with creating vivid and immersive environments.
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 5: Point of View and Narrative Voice
  • Understand different narrative perspectives and their impacts.
  • Develop a unique narrative voice through writing exercises.
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 6: Dialogue and Pacing
  • Practice writing authentic dialogue that reveals character and advances the plot.
  • Learn how to control pacing to maintain reader interest.
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 7: Theme and Symbolism
  • Identify and incorporate themes and symbols to add depth.
  • Analyze stories for underlying messages and motifs.
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story
• Week 8: Revision and Publishing Strategies
  • Engage in peer reviews and constructive feedback sessions.
  • On Kindle or in a journal?
  • Read a Story and Review a Student Story

Recommended Reading:

• The Art of the Short Story by Dana Gioia and R.S. Gwynn
• How to Write Stories and Use Them to Further Your Writing Career by James Scott Bell
• Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight

These texts provide valuable insights into narrative techniques and serve as references throughout the course.

Who Should Join:

This class is perfect for active, beginning writers who are eager to learn, grow, and connect with a community of fellow storytellers. No prior experience is necessary, just a passion for writing and a willingness to share your work.

Meet Your Instructor:

Rich, a celebrated author of six novels, a poetry collection, and numerous articles, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the virtual classroom. With a successful career in both technology and the arts, Rich understands the power of storytelling to connect with others and make a difference in the world. His novels explore universal themes of love, loss, creativity, and forgiveness, while his teaching style is warm, engaging, and inspiring.

Sign Up Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on an exciting adventure in fiction writing. Join How to Write Short Stories and let your stories take flight.

This class will be taught on Zoom.