Intermediate short story writing
Key facts
- Cost: £170
- Credits: 10
Summary
As Julio Cortázar once put it, ‘The novel wins by points, the short story by knockout.’ But how do you learn to deliver that killer line, vivid scene, unforgettable character or haunting ending? The pressure to condense the storytelling into fewer words pushes story writers to innovate and harness every stylistic, technical and formal muscle they can to bring it to life. For those already interested in creative writing, they offer a powerful training ground to develop new skills and produce stronger, more compelling writing. For those already honing their short story craft, learning new tricks is important to continually refresh and re-energise their practice.
Join this intermediate course for developing writers to learn further how to write short stories with drive, depth and ambition. Building on your previous experience of writing, this course offers a chance to kickstart your practice, hone your skills and discover inspiring new texts and techniques to take your work to the next level.
Over a series of talks, close-readings and stimulating writing exercises, our expert tutor will explain:
- more in-depth features of short stories including plot pacing, characterisation and narrative focus
- how to hone these techniques in your own writing
- how to more confidently share what you’ve written and improve with more detailed mutual feedback
You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars.
Choose this course if you want to learn:
- more about what makes short stories work
- more intermediate skills to help you write short stories
- how to share your work and improve with mutual feedback
- (for those who submit for assessment) how to improve with written feedback, how to reflect on your writing process and how to build your own editorial skills
Who is this course for?
Anyone already developing as a writer and interested in:
- writing imaginatively and improving their short story writing skills
- Developing further creative writing skills and refreshing their practise
- finding a supportive writing community to share work and gain feedback
- the short story as a literary form
Qualifications/credits
10 credits at SCQF 8 / Level 2
Can contribute towards the attainment of Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education (Creative Writing)
Assessment
- One 3,000-word creative portfolio (75% of final grade)
- One sample of feedback on a fellow student’s work (10%)
- One 1,000 word self-reflective essay (15% of final grade)
Mode of study
This 10-week course will be delivered via 2-hour seminars led by a tutor.
Course materials will be provided via our online learning platform Moodle
Prospects
- Take you further on your development journey as a writer and help you find a supportive community
- Can reenergise and refresh your existing writing practice
- Can begin your study of creative writing at university level
- contribute towards a Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education
- can inform your personal reading list and introduce you to some inspiring writing
Find out more
The University holds open days throughout the year where you can meet with staff to discuss our short course provision. Find out more about University of Glasgow open days
Available sessions
- Date: 12/04/2025 - 14/06/2025
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00 - 12:00 - Tutor: To be confirmed
Reference: Intermediate short story writing(6671)- Online live book now