LLA0010 - Short Story Writing Workshop
Course Description
Explore your self-expression through the art of writing short stories. Short fiction is hugely popular, from the standard short story to flash fiction. Whether you want to publish stories or just experiment with this fascinating genre, this workshop is for you. We’ll read and discuss a variety of short works for inspiration and explore the art and elements of writing short fiction. Through engaging assignments and in-class writing exercises, you’ll experience the many facets of the genre. Sharing your writing in our supportive workshop environment will help develop your skill and confidence. We’ll also explore options from building your portfolio to generating extra income as a short story writer. Bring your favorite notebook and writing instrument!
Notes
Ages 18+
Testimonials
"This class offered well-paced guidance through the structure, content, and style of short stories. Using models both classic and modern, we explored how authors created their stories and then attempted to emulate parts of this in our own writing. As someone who had been away from writing for a while, this class was a joy! Laura’s insightful expertise and sound direction were always delivered with kindness and good humor. I wish the class had lasted much longer." R. P.
"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the Short Story Writing Workshop. I have never taken a writing class, much less an online class, so I was a bit apprehensive, not being sure that I would fit in. My fears were allayed in the first class when Laura's easy warmth came through and a structure for the class showed itself. I was afraid it would be all writing, but she presented a lot of material about aspects of writing like plot and character and setting that I had not really fully appreciated. I also loved the opening activity of discussing an assigned short story with her and the class. They were all different and gave me a lot to think about and way more knowledge about story construction. We also had writing exercises and opportunities to use the short story each of us was working on in learning more about the necessities of short story writing such as conflict. Laura also facilitated our working with the other students in the class. I learned not to be so afraid of sharing my work with others. In short, I got a lot out of this class and want to pursue my fledgling efforts in writing fiction. Thank you, Laura!" K. M.
"I’ve taken two writing classes (Short Story Writing Workshop) and Write a Novel in 30 Days Workshop) with Laura Ehrke, and enjoyed them both. Her exercises and supporting material are helpful and informative. She is a caring instructor, and her classes are just plain fun." P. G.
Laura Ehrke is an award-winning novelist, blogger, marketing specialist and writing coach. Her education includes studying British literature and poetry at Oxford University, a bachelor’s degree in communications from DePaul University and a master’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Chicago, with supplemental graduate coursework in writing at Northwestern University. As an author, Laura has been featured at several events, including Comic Con, Pop Culture Con, the University of Chicago Liberal Arts Panel, NaNoWriMo forums, and library programs. She brings her passion for writing into her courses, inspiring students to have fun while developing their creativity and writing skills. Laura was recently awarded the Excellence in Arts: Outstanding Educator Award by the Barrington Cultural Commission.