Hello! Welcome to Writing the Short Story. In this course, you will learn about the craft of short story writing through exploring brevity, storytelling, and surprise. You’ll also read and analyze contemporary story stories while developing your own original works. (use copy from prototype)
Learning Objectives
- Read contemporary short stories by a variety of writers.
- Exercise brevity and surprise in your writing.
- Conduct close readings of assigned texts.
- Develop your own unique voice through writing.
- Learn about the craft of fiction writing through literary theory.
Requirements
- Complete all assigned readings.
- Create a writing sample of three original short stories (2-5 double space spaced pages) by the end of the course.
- Engage in course forums.
- Respond to at least one of your peers’ posts in each forum.
- Attend course live events.
Coursework
Complete each lesson in the the following course.
- Narrative Snapshots: Crafting Short Stories
Mentorship
You are in one of the following pair types. You pair type is listed on your GWN Portal profile.
- Type 1: Meet (enter number) x per month and as a pair attend one of the engagement events listed below at least once per month.)
- Type 2 : Meet (enter number) x per month and as a pair attend one of the engagement events listed below at least once per month.)
- Type 3: Meet (enter number) x per month and as a pair attend one of the engagement events listed below at least once per month.)
- use copy from prototype
Engagement Types
- Requirement 1 course meeting etc
- Requirement 2
- Requirement 3
Submissions
To successfully complete your assignment, create a writing sample comprising three original short stories, each ranging from 2 to 5 double-spaced pages, due by the end of the course.
Ensure to integrate techniques learned from class lessons and apply insights gained from course readings to enrich your narratives. Aim to showcase your creativity while demonstrating a deep understanding of the storytelling principles covered in the course.
Submit:
1. Short Story #1
2. Short Story #2
3. Short Story #3
Asynchronous Coursework
- Available [October 2, 2024]: Introduction: Defining the Short Story, Short Story Theory: Aristotles Three Act Structure, Story #1: “Boxing Day”, Rion Amilcar Scott Due 10/25, Discussion in CS on 10/28
- Available [October 16, 2024]: Short Story Theory: The Singular Effect, Story Story #2: “Ain’t That Good News”, Brit Bennett, Brevity: Making an Impact with Few Words Due 11/15, Discussion in CS on 11/18
- Available [November 1, 2024]: Writing Tips: Dialogue AND Story #3: “Hills Like White Elephants”, Ernest Hemingway, Writing Tips: Crafting Characters Due 12/13, Discussion in CS on 12/16
- Available [November 30]: Story #4: Excerpt from “Sing Unburied Sing”, Jesmyn Ward, Revision: Polishing and Refining Your Work Due 01/10, Discussion in CS on 01/13/25
Live Events
Please check the Announcements tab for information on upcoming live events.
Submissions
[This section is for providing information on course submissions such as deadlines and instructions. Link to girlswritenow.org/stories/submit/ for instructions on submitting material through the portal.]
