Shooter’s editor, Melanie White, leads eight-week short story courses throughout the academic year. These are conducted online, via email and Facebook, with the aim of helping emerging writers to develop their craft and complete a polished short story by the end of the course. They are best suited to aspiring fiction writers who are looking to hone their skills and publish their work.

What’s included?

• A weekly class via email including an introduction to the topic (course outline below), readings and exercises. Classes are designed to deepen understanding of the mechanics of short fiction, cultivate creative thought, and help craft a finished piece of writing by the end of the course.
• A private Facebook group where participants can discuss class topics and readings, share weekly writing exercises, and connect with fellow writers
• One-to-one guidance from the course leader each week in response to questions and work-in-progress
• Optional feedback on your completed short story following the end of the course
• The best stories to emerge from each course will be considered for publication in Shooter Literary Magazine.

Course outline:

Week 1 – What makes a (great) short story

Week 2 – Genre: master the rules or break them?

Week 3 – Structure, then style

Week 4 – On (not) losing the plot

Week 5 – Character, from the inside out

Week 6 – White space: Dialogue and subtext

Week 7 – Rewriting, rewriting, rewriting

Week 8 – To publication and beyond!

Dates and availability for the 2020/2021 academic year:

October 9 – November 27 (ENROLMENT CLOSED)

January 8 – February 26 (3/20 places filled)

March 5 – April 23 (0/20 places filled)

April 30 – June 18 (0/20 places filled)

To book:

Participation costs £120 without feedback or £145 with feedback. To confirm your place, please email Melanie White at shooterlitmag@gmail.com with your preferred course dates and book via the PayPal links below.

Shooter Short Story Course (no feedback), £120

Shooter Short Story Course (with feedback), £145