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Master the Short Story: Fundamentals of Fiction Writing
Introduction
Welcome to Master the Short Story!
General Questions Discussion Forum
Great Short Stories to Read and Study
Additional Readings for Writers
Module 1: Characterization
Characterization Overview (video) (7:28)
3 Methods of Character Revelation (video) (8:45)
Round vs. Flat Characters
You Have to Want Something: Protagonist & Desire
Characterization Quick Tips
MODULE 1 READING - Signs and Symbols
Exercise 1 (Characterization): The Character Dossier
Exercise 2 (Characterization): Crisis
QUIZ 1
Module 2 - Point of View
The Four Major Points of View (video) (8:56)
Finding Perspective - An Overview of Point of View
Point of View In-Depth
Module 2 Reading: The Train
Exercise 3 (Point of View): A Terrible Deed
Exercise 4 (Point of View): Unforgettable
Quiz 2 - Point of View
Module 3 - Structure
Secrets of Story Structure (video) (7:27)
The Shape of the Story
Structure from A to E
Elements of an Ending
Module 3 Reading: The School
Exercise 9 (Structure): Action and beyond
Exercise 10 (Structure): A Sense of an Ending
Quiz 3
Module 4 - Setting and Description
How to Ground Your Story (Video) (9:29)
Where Everything Happens
Engaging the Senses: Description
Module 4 Reading
Further Reading - Setting
Exercise 5 (Setting): Wanderings
Exercise 6 (Setting and Description): Visible, Visual, & Real
Module 5 - Plot
Pacing, Plot, Scene, & Summary (Video) (3:30)
Pacing & Plot
Scene vs. Summary
Conflict
Module 5 Reading
Exercise 7 (Plot): Scene
Exercise 8 (Plot): Summary
Exercise 10 (Plot): Conflict
QUIZ 5
Module 6 - Dialogue
Functions of Dialogue & Tips for Effective Dialogue (Video) (7:45)
Dialogue in Depth: Getting Your Characters to Talk
Tips for Writing Effective Dialogue
Module 6 Reading
Exercise 11 (Dialogue): Saying What You Mean (or not)
Exercise 12 (Dialogue): The Unspoken Conflict
QUIZ 6
Module 7 - Voice, Theme, & Research
Human Nature, The Moral Argument, & Other Thoughts on Theme
The Sound in Your Head: On Developing Your Voice
Research and the Writing Life
Three Kinds of Research (Video) (5:26)
Week 7 Reading
Exercise 13
Module 8: Revise and Publish
How and When to Revise Your Story
Revision Checklist
First Draft vs. Final Draft (podcast)
Submitting to Literary Journals (Video) (12:22)
Submitting to Literary Journals (worksheet)
Week 8 Assignment
Onward
Exercise 12 (Dialogue): The Unspoken Conflict
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