Short Story Writing Course

These are the tips and tricks I use in my own short story writing - they work for me. They can work for you too!

Everyone lives a life full of stories

"I would never have been able to achieve what I have without this guidance.  There were many things about writing that I would never have thought of.  The tutor is enthusiastic and encouraging.  If you have always wanted to write, sign up for this course - it will be the best thing you have ever done!" Adele, Harrogate

Don't just talk about it - do it!

Hi there! I'm Maria Frankland, author of ten domestic thriller novels, a memoir and two poetry collections. I'm so excited that you're interested in Write a Collection of Short Stories in a Year, and I'm guessing that this is a dream you've been harbouring for some time. Perhaps like me, your kids are all grown up, and it's now time to do something you've always wanted to do - YOUR time!

This course does exactly what it says on the tin, (in the words of previous writers I've worked with,) and it will support you from the first to the last word of each of your stories, whilst nurturing your talent as a writer.

The path I'll take you on ensures you won't just wander, you'll know exactly where you're going!

As you scroll on, there's lots of information about how this course can support the writing of YOUR collection of stories, but if you still have questions, drop me a line.

Remember, no one can write your short story collection but YOU!

The Overview

You will write in the following genres:

Flash fiction, supernatural, romance, science fiction, crime, children's, young adult, fantasy, historical and comedy.

You will gain new tools for your writer's toolbox:

Improving vocabulary, 'show, don't tell,' dialogue, characterisation, atmosphere, tension, pace, obstacles all writers face, defining your 'USP,' interweaving text, plotting and planning.

You will be supported to live as a writer:

Editing, presentation, outlets and options for publication, networking and promoting yourself as a writer.

You will spend up to three sessions on each genre, being supported to plan, draft, then edit, resulting in ten completed short stories by the end of the course.

Each three session block contains an emphasis on a particular writing skill.

For a session by session breakdown, follow this link.

If you have any questions, drop me a line. It's your chance to ask questions about your prospective short story collection. Hearing from other writers always makes my day! Or if you just want to get started, hit the button below.

"This is a very informative and supportive course led by a knowledgeable and nurturing teacher.  I looked forward to each session as an outlet for creativity I'd forgotten I had!" Jo, Leeds

Imagine...

The enjoyment you will have as you craft your collection of stories.

The thrill of breaking out of your writing comfort zone.

The excitement of being paid for your creative passion.

The joy of seeing your work in print.

Did you know...

According to a recent study of writers,  97 out of 100 potential books are languishing in drawers and on hard drives. Write a Short Story Collection in a Year will ensure that your book is NOT one of them!

Into this course, I have distilled all my knowledge and expertise from my Masters in Creative Writing and my own experience of being a published writer.

There is nothing like the joy of holding something you have created in your hands, as I found with my own book, pictured below.  I want to help you experience this too!

(Autonomy Press)

Commonly Asked Questions

Will I really write a Collection of Short Stories within One Year?

Yes!  If you follow my method of regular writing.  Each session will contain a warm-up activity and the inspiration and guidance to plan, draft and edit your story over three sessions.

You will learn about each genre and your writing skills will be developed.

Won’t I need a lot of discipline to get going?

Not discipline, more desire.  Once you start, you won’t be able to stop.  You will find yourself planning stories as you go about your life and noticing things more that you can use in your writing.

How will it fit into my lifestyle?

I send your course in 26 sessions to your in-box every fortnight.  You decide when you complete the exercises, arranging your time when your writing will fit in with your other commitments.

Isn’t it isolating trying to work on my own?

Writing is a solitary activity so later in the course, I provide information about networking as a writer, both online and socially.

What if I change my mind?

The course is one of the few online writing courses that come with a risk-free 30 day money back guarantee.  (see t&c’s for more info)

What does it cost?

£65 per month for 6 months or one payment of £360. (This investment in yourself has the potential to return to you  many times over with all those future book sales, and even more if you use the course to write subsequent books!)

How will I know what to do with my stories once I have written them?

You will not only know how to write a story in ten genres, but in the latter stages of the course, guidance is given around preparing and presenting your manuscript for submission to get it published along with guidance about independent publishing and traditional publishing.

How will I know if what I am writing is any good?

All writers have this doubt.  I even saw a tweet from JK Rowling expressing this!  As you progress through the course and your writing skills improve, your fiction will strengthen, along with your voice as a writer.  Writing is a craft and the course will equip you to improve and be able to self-assess and edit until your stories are as polished as can be. 

As writers, we only ever get better!

"An inspiring course.  I honestly never thought I would be as motivated as I have been.  This is all down to Maria! She really made me want to do it!" Eve, Leeds

This will be the best decision you ever make as a writer

If you have any questions, drop me a line.