You'll find out why it's important to discover stories that you love to read, and I'll give you some free resources to get you started.

In this video you'll find out how to start tapping into the tacit knowledge in your local writing scene - whether that's online or in your community. 

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course. This is a practical, hands-on writing course. It won't work if you simply listen to me talking. Make sure you stop the videos and schedule some writing time - do the activities as you go along. 

You'll find out why you don't need to start with an idea to begin to write a short story. You'll try out direct observation from life and we'll generate some source material instead. 

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

I give you a simple exercise to do where you explore the things that you love - and in the process generate some more source material for your stories. 

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

This video is all about why spending time with yourself is crucial for the short story writer. 

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

You get the chance to review the material you've generated, and to come up with some story ideas.

In this video I ask you to commit to one of your ideas, and to write a 'statement of commitment' to the story.

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

This lecture is all about the people in your story and how to make them authentic.

A story is about a character overcoming a problem - without problems you don't have a story.

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course

A step that many writers find hard - you've got to make things tough for your central character! In this lecture you'll discover why.

In this lecture I'll demystify classic (or 'traditional') narrative structure - once you know about it you'll start seeing it everywhere!

In this video you'll learn why character, story and place go together - and start thinking about how they work in your own story. 

You'll learn why you've got to make your character want something - which forces him or her into action, so your story can unfold. 

There are so many versions of this online that a short story writer can be left confused - which versions apply to me, and how should I use them? I explain how the narrative arc works, so you can apply it to your own story.

You'll find out which resources to turn to if you'd like further information on story structure.

This is the first of two summaries where I go over the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

In the second of two summaries, I go over the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

In this video you'll learn about getting words down on the page, and then reworking them, and how it all comes down to scheduling - even if you don't feel like doing it.

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.

In this bonus lecture, I give you some strategies for your final edit - plus a download of questions to ask of your manuscript when you get to this stage. 

You'll find out about a simple but powerful structuring technique that will help you to plan, write and finish your story.

How long should my story be? Short story lengths vary from 6 words to 10K words plus. You'll discover the word length that works for you, using one of three possible strategies.

I sum up the actions you need to take to complete this section of the course.