Short courses

Summary

“Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds” says writer Neil Gaiman. And it is true, in a relatively small number of words, entire lifetimes and worlds can be conjured up by a good short story. But they also take a lot of practise, redrafting and experimentation to learn how to write well – which makes them a great training ground for beginners or re-energising challenge for existing writers. So how do writers convey so much in such a short read exactly? What further tips and tricks can help create dynamic characters, vivid worlds and engaging stakes in just a few words? 

Join this playful and practical beginner’s course to further learn and apply the foundational skills involved in writing short stories with encouragement, support and guidance. Open to newcomers or those seeking further inspiration and practise. 

Over a series of welcoming talks, close-readings and approachable writing exercises, our expert tutor will explain: 

• The key features of some further inspiring short stories  
• how to further apply these ideas and techniques to your own writing 
• how to continue to share what you’ve written with others and improve with feedback  

You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars. 

Choose this course if you want to learn: 

• the basics of what makes short stories work 
• Further key techniques to help you write short stories 
• More chances to share your work and improve with mutual feedback 
• (for those who submit for assessment) how to improve with written feedback, how to reflect on your writing process