The Basics of Writing a Compelling Short Story

--- **Overview of Course Review** The online short story creative writing course has received a global rating of 4.15, with all recent reviews being positive. The majority of reviewers found the course to be an excellent starting point for both beginners and those looking to refine their craft. The instructor's delivery is praised for being engaging, conversational, and clear, making complex concepts accessible and relatable. **Pros:** - **Engaging and Informative Content:** Reviewers appreciate the course for its ability to cover important writing concepts succinctly and in a way that is enjoyable and easy to understand. - **Clear and Authentic Instruction:** The instructor's teaching style is commended for being both clear and authentic, which contributes positively to the learning experience. - **Useful Resources:** Many reviewers highlight the practical resources provided, such as links to submitting short stories and information about writing residencies. - **Accessibility for Different Levels of Writers:** The course is well-received among writers at varying stages of their journey, from beginners to those looking to improve their existing skills. - **Relatable Examples:** The course often references well-known literature, which helps in illustrating points effectively. - **Flexible Pacing:** The ability to progress through the course at one's own pace is seen as a significant advantage for busy or less tech-savvy individuals, like the 60-year-old physics graduate who recently revisited online learning. **Cons:** - **Basic Level of Content:** A few reviewers felt that the course was more elementary than anticipated and expressed a desire for deeper strategies, particularly for planning and outlining short stories. - **Video Editing Issues:** Some reviewers pointed out choppy video editing in the course, which, while not significantly detracting from the content, was noted as an area for improvement. - **Desire for More Recent Literary Examples:** There is a suggestion that more recent examples of good writing, beyond classics like "1984," would be beneficial for writers looking to modernize their craft. - **Choppy Video Transitions:** A couple of reviewers mentioned the video editing could be smoother to enhance the viewing experience. **Additional Comments:** - **Inspiring and Encouraging:** The course is not only instructive but also inspiring, pushing new writers to find their voice and confidence in their writing journey. - **Relatable Personal Experiences:** The instructor sharing his personal experiences as a 'pantser' (discovery writer) is found to be particularly helpful for those who prefer or practice a similar style of writing. - **Practical Tips:** Little tips on observations and practices are appreciated, with many reviewers looking forward to implementing these in their writing. In summary, this course is highly recommended for individuals interested in exploring or refining their short story writing skills. It is praised for its engaging content, clear instruction, and practical resources, while also providing an opportunity for learners to progress at their own pace. Constructive feedback suggests that future iterations of the course could delve deeper into advanced techniques and offer smoother video transitions.