Writing Short Stories: The Essential Guide

If you want to write fiction, then short stories are a great place to start and they can be a good source of income. This course will show you how to find ideas, how to put your stories together, and how to submit them to an editor.

You'll learn the essential elements of short story writing such as plot and structure, dialogue, characterisation, setting, tense, viewpoint, and much more.

Why not give it a try? Sell one short story and the course will more than pay for itself!

With over 1,500 students, this is my most popular course. Sign up today and learn the art of short fiction.

And don't forget that the course is backed by Udemy's 30 day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, you can ask for a full, no-questions-asked refund - which means you've got absolutely nothing to lose by enrolling on the course TODAY.

During the course we'll look at:

• story openings
• conflict
• using flashback
• creating characters
• writing dialogue
• viewpoint and tense
• settings and description, and
• how to end your story.

You'll be able to download writing exercises, a regularly updated list of current short story markets (including how much you can expect to be paid), lecture handouts, and short stories.

Towards the end of the course we'll look at one of the most important parts of the writing process - editing. You'll also get tips on proofreading, and how to prepare and submit your manuscript to fiction editors.

And in case you get struck down with it, we'll look at how to overcome writer's block.

The course will be delivered using video lectures, writing exercises, information sheets, stories to read, and a recap quiz.

🌟 **Global Course Rating:** 4.55 Based on the recent reviews, students have expressed a wide range of positive sentiments regarding "Writing Short Stories: The Essential Guide" by Jane Bettany. The course has been described as insightful, informative, and helpful for both novices and those with some writing experience. Here's a detailed breakdown of the feedback: ### Pros: - **Comprehensive Overview:** The course provides a thorough overview of what is involved in writing short stories, including story types and the essential elements from beginning to end. - **Expert Guidance:** Jane Bettany's expertise is evident, with many students appreciating her clear focus, accessible style, and the confidence she instills in learners to get started on their writing journey. - **Resourceful Materials:** Downloadable materials are highly valued by students, serving as useful references throughout the learning process. - **Improvement in Writing Skills:** The course has helped students revise their short stories and notice tangible improvements in their storytelling abilities. - **Flexibility for Various Levels of Writers:** Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to get published, this course caters to diverse needs and levels of expertise. - **Engaging Content:** The course structure, graphics, and good information layout are appealing and contribute to a positive learning experience. ### Cons: - **Musical Interlude:** A few students found an optional musical interlude in one section to be distracting or irrelevant, though they understood its purpose as part of the course's advertising. - **Technical Issues with Resources:** There were some isolated reports of difficulties in accessing and printing the course's downloadable resources. - **Redundant Information for Some Students:** A handful of reviewers mentioned that some of the content was already familiar to them, though they still found value in the course. - **Course Completion Tracking Issue:** One student noted an issue with the course completion tracker not updating after retaking the quiz. ### Student Experiences: - **Adhvika's Testimony:** A student who was suffering from writer's block and struggling with story development found the course incredibly helpful, leading to a significant improvement in their writing. - **Returning Writer's Perspective:** An individual with previous novel writing workshop experience appreciated the course for rekindling their passion for storytelling and providing guidance on formatting and editing. ### Final Thoughts: The overwhelmingly positive feedback indicates that "Writing Short Stories: The Essential Guide" is a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their short story writing skills or kickstart their writing journey. The course's combination of expert guidance, comprehensive content, and practical resources makes it an attractive option for aspiring writers. However, it's important to note the technical glitch mentioned regarding the course progress tracking. Students are encouraged to provide feedback on such issues to ensure a smooth learning experience. If you're considering this course, it seems that it is well-regarded by its audience and could be an excellent choice for personal or creative growth in short story writing.