If you love storytelling and dream of writing enticing fiction, joining a short story writing course is among the best ways to develop your writing skills. Whether you are a novice looking to explore creative writing or an experienced writer hoping to polish your style, there are great courses available online and in-person. The secret is to find a course that fits your learning goals, style and availability.
1. Universities and Writing Schools
Most universities and creative writing schools offer comprehensive short story writing course that are often embedded in their English or creative writing department. These courses are normally taught by published writers and/or senior editors who can provide feedback on your work. They cover basic elements such as character development, plot structure, narrative voice, and revisions. The University of Melbourne and RMIT and other universities in Australia run part time or weekend writing workshops for aspiring writers.
2. Online Courses
If flexibility is more your style, signing up for a course that has an online component could be the solution. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Australian College Pty Ltd, Skillshare and FutureLearn feature numerous creative writing programs often with industry professionals as instructors.
3. Community Education Programs and Writers’ Centres
In addition to university programs, local writers’ centres and community education programs provide excellent resources for short story writing courses. Community programs often provide very short courses, which give aspiring writers space to develop their voice and work on their stories within a supportive atmosphere. Community programs provide great networking opportunities, often in person, with workshops and no to minimal assignments to meet new writers, exchange ideas and provide positive critical feedback on their work.
4. Online Coaching and Private Tutors
For a more intensive and enhanced program experience, consider working with a private writing coach or private mentor. Many authors and editors offer private writing sessions to the individual writer, depending on your writing, interests or publishing experiences. A private coach or tutor may be very useful if you are submitting drafts or have a manuscript to submit or publish.
Your choice of where to receive short story writing course work depends on your desired learning style for a course or program and your goals in the publishing industry. From a degree, online program or community course, we all invest time into an academic or educational experience to help build writers’ confidence in literacy and creativity and develop the skills that are required by many potential editors and publishers–the skills of engagement, storytelling, and captivating reader insights.
Sign in to leave a comment.