Creative Writing Techniques for Short Stories
A course by Jane CorryWriter
A course by Jane Corry, Writer
Write and submit a complete short story by exploring creative writing exercises from character and plot development to proofing and editing
Writing is an unpredictable and beautiful journey, much like navigating the high seas. The ebb and flow of ideas can be as serene as a calm ocean, or as tempestuous as a raging storm. The essence lies in your ability to channel these currents into captivating tales that stir the reader's curiosity. Meet Jane Corry, an accomplished mariner of words. With a portfolio boasting of Sunday Times bestsellers, numerous short stories, and millions of novels sold worldwide, Jane is a proficient explorer in the world of creative writing. Renowned for her ability to blend humor with unexpected plot twists, she captures hearts by crafting characters that feel astoundingly real.
Step into Jane's world with this Domestika online course as she imparts her unique creative techniques, guiding you on an enlightening journey from ideation to completion of your own compelling short story. Unleash your creativity, gain new perspectives, and learn how to transform simple ideas into engaging narratives that leave an indelible impact.
What will you learn in this online course?
20 lessons & 14 downloads
Getting Ready
4 minutes, 48 seconds
How to Find the Idea for a Short Story
6 minutes, 8 seconds
The Anatomy of a Story 1
20 minutes, 48 seconds
The Anatomy of a Story 2
16 minutes, 2 seconds
How to Create Characters Who Feel Real 1
17 minutes, 43 seconds
How to Create Characters Who Feel Real 2
7 minutes, 25 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Jane Corry. She shares her creative background, as well as her influences and sources of inspiration.
Your journey commences with an exploration of an original idea. You'll dissect the anatomy of a story and breathe life into characters, setting the foundation for your narrative. The art of engaging dialogue and designing the setting comes next, allowing you to give your tale its unique flavor.
One of the most daunting challenges, crafting the first line, is your next venture. Learn how to devise an opening that leaps off the page, instantly gripping your readers. Follow this by weaving together the rest of your narrative, gradually building up to your first draft.
After putting the finishing touches on your initial draft, it's time to let it rest. Learn the value of revisiting your work with a fresh perspective, noticing elements you might have overlooked before. This phase is followed by a meticulous round of polishing and editing, refining your story to perfection.
As a bonus, Jane introduces you to potential platforms for showcasing your talent. Gain insight into the myriad magazines and competitions available for submitting your work.
By the end of this online course, you'll have crafted an intriguing short story that you can truly be proud of. So come aboard, and let Jane guide you on your next creative voyage. The journey to becoming a remarkable storyteller begins now.
What is this course's project?
Write and submit a complete short story using the creative techniques taught in the course.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for aspiring writers or anyone who wants to discover new ways to express themselves.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience required. You just need your favorite medium to write with, whether its digital or analog.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
Jane é excelente. Estou bem no início do curso, mas ela já me despertou a atenção sobre pontos importantes da escrita literária. Explica de forma clara, direta e fácil a estrutura textual, propondo exercícios interessantes.
- 2 months ago
Lovely, informative course with a great lector. Very well teached, thank you:)
- 3 months ago
Walking with a real author through the step-by-step process of writing a short story was an extremely fun adventure for me. Thank you, Jane, it was really great.
- 5 months ago
Great course from someone who you can tell has a passion for the craft, and a wealth of knowledge and experience. Love the actionable steps.
- 6 months ago
I like that fact that we broken down the components of a short story and watched the instructor go through the whole process of brainstorming an idea, researching, writing, and editing the short story.
Seven of her novels have secured spots in the top ten of The Sunday Times. Her latest novel is called 'Coming to find you' and is published by Penguin. Her works have crossed borders, being published in more than 20 countries worldwide. Her success has equipped her with valuable insights, which she enthusiastically passes onto others. She currently lives by the sea in southwest England, and even in the coldest of weathers, she enjoys swimming all throughout the year. She gets most of her ideas while she's in the water.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Building Your Own Creative Gym
- Getting Ready
- How to Find the Idea for a Short Story
- The Anatomy of a Story 1
- The Anatomy of a Story 2
- How to Create Characters Who Feel Real 1
- How to Create Characters Who Feel Real 2
- The Dialogue
- The Setting
- U3
Starting to Write
- How to Write That First Line
- Writing the Rest of the Story
- The First Draft 1
- The First Draft 2
- U4
Polishing, Editing, and Publishing
- The Second Draft 1
- The Second Draft 2
- The Second Draft 3
- Final Changes and Presentation 1
- Final Changes and Presentation 2
- Examining the Market and Getting Published
- FP
Final project
- Creative Writing Techniques for Short Stories
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for writers with some experience who want to deepen their skills in short story structure, character development, and submission strategies.
You’ll learn how to generate original story ideas, develop engaging characters, create plot twists, structure short stories, refine dialogue, and prepare your work for publication in magazines and competitions.
You only need basic writing materials—paper, notebooks, pens, or a computer. The course also covers how to use digital tools like phones for capturing ideas and organizing your writing.
Yes, the course is ideal for writers who have some experience and want to improve their craft, though beginners who are motivated to learn will also benefit.
Short stories focus on a single plot or conflict and are more concise, while novels allow for multiple storylines and deeper character development. This course helps you identify which ideas work best as short stories.
You’ll learn techniques like using ‘what-if’ prompts, drawing from real life, and capturing inspiration through notebooks, voice notes, or digital tools to generate and develop short story ideas.
Yes, the course covers finding the right markets, understanding submission guidelines, and preparing your manuscript for professional presentation.