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Join our resident writing coach and instructor, Daniel, for compelling video lessons and additional live sessions throughout the month.
Session 1 - Tuesday, June 6th, 8pm ET Session 2 - Tuesday, June 13th, 8pm ET Session 3 - Tuesday, June 20th, 8pm ET Session 4 - Tuesday, June 27th, 8pm ET
If you can't make it to a session, don't worry – recordings will be uploaded for you to enjoy at your own pace alongside the rest of the course!
Author of the Writer's Craft series and editor of several short story anthologies, Rayne Hall has crafted several modules and exercises to take you through the entire short story process from start to finish. These modules are self-paced and can be accessed at any time.
No matter the genre – from horror to sci-fi, fantasy to crime, and all the way to literary experimentation and specific special interests – the market for short stories is perpetually hungry. Websites, periodicals, and anthologies both established and emerging are always on the lookout for new material and new talent.
And yes... they'll pay you for it.
In today's fast-paced world, audiences are eager for captivating and satisfying bite-sized content they can consume quickly and on the go... and they need writers to make them happy!
Short stories are an ideal springboard for any author's career. They'll help you nail down your craft while you spread your name, build recognition, and nurture a hungry fanbase eager for the release of your novels when you're ready to take it up a notch.
Better yet, short stories are never "one and done" sales. After initial publication, you can sell them as reprints or include them in your own collections – meaning they'll continue to work for you for years, or even decades, to come.
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Short storytelling requires a different approach than novels. From foundational practices to analyzing your work at the word level, with the Short Story Lab you’ll explore the core techniques behind writing saleable short stories that pack a punch.
Learn how to create memorable characters that resonate with readers, manage effective tension, create a mood, and deliver an ending that truly satisfies – all within a limited space.
Whether you're a veteran writer looking to refine your craft or a newcomer to the world of short stories, our live interactive sessions and wealth of assignments will give you the tools and techniques you need to craft compelling stories that work perfectly within the confines of a shorter format.
In this foundation-setting introductory module, we’ll :
Nothing is more important in storytelling than having strong characters. In this module we’ll:
Without a clear structure, your story will never hold together. In this module we’ll:
We’re almost at the finish line! In this module we’ll:
Alongside your course materials and worksheets, you'll also find extensive samples of short stories by Rayne Hall.
See how the concepts, tips and techniques you'll explore throughout the course are implemented in the context of real-world books that readers are buying right now...
So you know exactly how and when to use them to make your own short storytelling shine.
Your Path to Short Story Success
4 in-depth modules of short story advice featuring video lessons, live classes and module assignments.
Access to supplements and examples for key learning.
Easy-to-follow worksheets, including our full Character Creator to help bring your unique characters to life.
50 amazing writing prompts to fire up your imagination.
AutoCrit's Member Community network - so you can connect with like-minded authors and attend member exclusive live events!
Full access to AutoCrit Pro for 30 days! Enjoy complimentary access to our comprehensive writing and editing platform.
Also included in your short story writing course is 30 days of full AutoCrit Pro membership.
As a Pro member, you get complete access to the AutoCrit writing and editing platform – so you can plan, write, and perfect your new stories. When every word counts, it's especially helpful.
You'll also get your very own ticket to our weekly live Accountability club and drop-in sessions, filled with inspiring and helpful discussion, hands-on help in open story clinics, presentations on technique and more.
Human connection matters, and that's why you’ll also receive access to our members-only community forums.
Chat about all things writing, share your work, engage in creative writing activities with like-minded authors, and more.
Get involved, ask questions and get accountability with weekly check-in events, as well as our genre clubs and members-only events.
If you miss an event, don’t worry – recordings are posted for community members, offering hour after hour of expertise for you to enjoy as soon as you log in.
The Short Story Lab is designed to help you hone your craft and perfect the art of storytelling in a compact form. We think you'll love it.
But if you don’t believe that anything you’ve encountered throughout this short story writing course has helped make you a better author, we’re not going to get short with you. Your purchase is an investment in your skills as a writer – so it’s only fair you expect to level up your skills.
If you feel that hasn’t happened, just let us know within 60 days of purchase and we’ll be happy to offer you a full refund.