Class

Write a Short Story in 8 Weeks

Short stories can distill the art and skill of fiction in such a rewarding way for readers and writers. This class is all about filling your sandbox with ideas, characters, settings, and twists. Then you’ll move from the sandbox to the blank page, which won’t be blank for long!

With the support of the teaching artist and your fellow students, as well as the class time constraints, you’ll beat back perfectionism and discover the joys of a messy first draft. Building on the fiction basics you know, you’ll develop compelling short stories that satisfy—and subvert—your readers’ expectations.

In-class exercises, readings, and discussions will further your skills with opportunities to experiment with story shapes and structures, create strong reversals, and construct “surprising yet inevitable” endings. You can expect opportunities to share in class for verbal feedback throughout the drafting of your short story.

Class time and homework are carefully designed to help you meet the goal of writing a short story in eight weeks. Along the way, you’ll celebrate the milestones of creating your story and you'll connect with a community of writers.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.