How To Write A Short Story: Online Course

Join Short Cuts and master the art of short story writing. Learn how to craft captivating ideas and tight plots for short stories that leave a lasting impact.

Short Cuts: Online Course

Write your short story with Short Cuts—a practical, step-by-step online course designed to get you from an idea to a finished piece.

We’ll show you a proven plot recipe you can use again and again to create compelling stories with confidence.

What you’ll learn:

1. A clear, repeatable method for building strong short story plots.
2. How to create memorable characters that stay with readers.
3. How to avoid the dreaded ‘muddle in the middle’.
4. Why powerful endings grow naturally from character and situation.
5. How to prepare and submit a manuscript that stands out in competitions.

What’s included in this course:

1. What is a short story? — and what readers look for.
2. What makes a good short story?
3. How to generate powerful ideas for unforgettable stories.
4. Character or plot? Which works best for short stories?
5. Creating clear story goals that work in short stories.
6. Understanding scene and sequel in short stories.
7. Our short story plot plan.
8. Mastering viewpoint: who tells the story, and why it matters.
9. Using setting to create atmosphere, tension, and meaning.
10. Writing natural, effective dialogue that brings short story characters to life.
11. Self-editing and rewriting techniques to strengthen your work.
12. Preparing and presenting your short story manuscript for submission.

What you get:

1. Immediate access through your account.
2. 18 awesome online modules.
3. A printable workbook.
4. A printable PDF of the course.
5. An online session* with writing coach, Mia Botha.

* Use this session to ask questions and discuss your writing. Submit a piece of writing of no longer than 1 000 words. The session must be taken within six months of signing up for the course.

1. You need access to a computer, the internet, and if you decide to print the workbook, a printer.
2. Writing materials. We would encourage you to write by hand as much as possible, but, you are welcome to use any tool or material that you are comfortable with. No two methods, or two writers, are the same.

How do you complete the exercises?

1. Either download the course and work off a printed version OR work from the online modules on the website.
2. For the free writing exercises, simply put pen to paper and see where it takes you.
3. For the more structured exercises, try to follow the instructions. But then again, it’s creative writing and there are no rules.

How much is it?

US $199

How to buy your online course:

How to pay:

1. Add to basket.
2. Click on basket at top right hand side of the page.
3. Pay:

• Use Paypal, or
• Use your coupon if you have one.

4. Create account. (please remember to do this)

Your purchase and details will be confirmed on a page where you can download the course book and workbook.

Access your account:

If you want to access the course content online go to: My Account

You will be able to access the modules online and download the course book and workbook from there as well.

P.S. If you want to speak to us, please email news@writerswrite.co.za with your request.

Refund Policy: Our online courses are non-refundable.