Creative Writing - Short Stories Next Steps - Arnold Library - Adult Learning

Have you tried writing short stories and want to take your fiction further?

Do you want to refine your storytelling techniques, go deeper with character development, and learn how to shape stories for publication or competitions?

This course is designed for those with some creative writing experience who want to progress.

You’ll explore techniques for strengthening your narrative voice, experimenting with structure, and writing with intention.

There will be opportunities to workshop your writing, respond to feedback, and develop a more polished and professional final story. Alongside building confidence in your writing, this course also supports key employability skills.

You’ll be able to give and receive constructive feedback, improve your written communication, and enhance your attention to detail. Creative writing also builds resilience, problem-solving and self-expression, skills valued in a wide range of careers. Develop your short story writing skills in a supportive and creative environment.

You will deepen your understanding of short story craft through guided exercises, prompts, peer feedback and tutor advice.

You’ll explore techniques such as narrative perspective, pacing, and theme, while working towards producing a compelling and submission-ready story or flash fiction.

This course is ideal for learners aged 19+ who have completed a beginners' creative writing course or have some prior writing experience. Whether you’re looking to submit to journals, enter competitions or simply write for pleasure, this course will help sharpen your skills and build your confidence.

By the end of the course you will:

• Write one complete short story or flash fiction piece, using a clear structure with developed characters, setting and theme.

• Apply at least three editing techniques (e.g. cutting wordiness, clarifying tone, correcting grammar) to improve your own writing by the final session.

• Use tutor and peer feedback to make two specific revisions to a draft story during the course.

• Identify and use at least two advanced storytelling techniques, such as narrative perspective, pacing, or symbolism, in your final piece.

• Format a short story for potential submission standard and identify at least one suitable competition, magazine or online platform for entry.

• Reflect in writing on three transferable skills you’ve developed (e.g. written communication, creative thinking, attention to detail) and explain how these could support employability or further study.

Suggested Reading for the course:

Short Circuit: A Guide to the Art of the Short Story edited by Vanessa Gebbie