How to Write Short Stories (and Publish Them)

Descripción

Short stories are perfect written artworks in miniature. This course looks at short story writing in detail to help you craft compelling short narratives that please readers and editor alike. In this course, you will learn about the key elements of short stories, starting with a suggested reading list of well-known authors for comparison. The course will cover common components of short stories, including the three-act structure, various settings, and essential choices regarding person and tense. The concept of rising conflict will be discussed as a dynamic between the protagonist and antagonist, exploring the variety and complexity of these vital elements. The course will also examine how genre expectations influence a story's impact on readers, considering structure and common tropes that can be either followed or subverted. Experimental short fiction, including works by Donald Barthelme and Oulipo writers, will be addressed as examples of unconventional narrative techniques. The course tutor will also give personal examples from his own published work. Participants will complete two assignments: a piece of micro-fiction (100 words) and a longer flash piece (up to 1000 words). Feedback will be provided to students who choose to submit their work for assessment. The course concludes with practical advice on submitting work for publication, handling rejection, and progressing to longer fiction, if desired.

Lo que aprenderás

• Learn what makes the perfect short story.
• Examine the three part structure of any tale, long or short.
• Study setting, theme, conflict, protagonist, and antagonist.
• Look at some classic short story examples from the 1800s to the present day.
• Write a 100 word and 1000 word short story, incorporating all that you've learned
• Receive tips for how to successfully publish your short fiction.

Requisitos

• No prior experience required; simply a passion for storytelling.