Generate new story ideas and revise one to completion
Get detailed written critiques on drafts to improve your writing
Learn how to publish your work in literary magazines and markets
About this course:
The short story, one of the most challenging of all literary forms, requires the precision and imagistic intensity of poetry combined with novelistic elements of structure, setting and characterization. This workshop helps you to realize your fictional intentions through detailed written critiques and to prepare your stories for publication in targeted markets. The course goal is to complete two new stories and one revision.
Prerequisites
WRITING X 412.2 Short Story II or comparable workshop experience.
Admission to this course is by application only and the selection process is competitive. It is recommended that students take intermediate-level courses prior to submitting their work. When this course is open for enrollment, click "See Details" for application guidelines and quarterly application deadlines.
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. $100 non-refundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
The priority deadline for applications was December 9, 2024. Applications are still being accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered as long as space remains in the course. Please do not delay in submitting.
Submission guidelines:
Submit one document (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides) containing:
a 10-page writing sample;
a synopsis of up to one page if the writing sample is an excerpt from a longer work (i.e. novel or memoir);
a personal statement of one paragraph outlining what the student hopes to gain from the class;
and a list of previous courses completed in the Writers’ Program or other programs, with instructors (when known).
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then add to cart and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
Click “Start” on the first Application page.
On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
NOTE: Despite being asked to enter payment information, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 09, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. $100 non-refundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
The priority application deadline for applications is Monday, March 3 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Submission guidelines:
Submit one document (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides) containing:
a 10-page writing sample;
a synopsis of up to one page if the writing sample is an excerpt from a longer work (i.e. novel or memoir);
a personal statement of one paragraph outlining what the student hopes to gain from the class;
and a list of previous courses completed in the Writers’ Program or other programs, with instructors (when known).
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then add to cart and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
Click “Start” on the first Application page.
On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
Note: Despite being asked to enter payment information, you will not be charged for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after March 25, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Tue Apr 1, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 8, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 15, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 22, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 29, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 6, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 13, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 20, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 27, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 3, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens February 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. $100 non-refundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
The priority application deadline for applications is Monday, March 3 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Submission guidelines:
Submit one document (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides) containing:
a 10-page writing sample;
a synopsis of up to one page if the writing sample is an excerpt from a longer work (i.e. novel or memoir);
a personal statement of one paragraph outlining what the student hopes to gain from the class;
and a list of previous courses completed in the Writers’ Program or other programs, with instructors (when known).
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then add to cart and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
Click “Start” on the first Application page.
On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
Note: Despite being asked to enter payment information, you will not be charged for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after March 26, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
How Fiction Works
by James Wood
Picador
ISBN 978-1250183927
Contact Us
Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience, including personalizing content and to store your content preferences. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies.
Read our privacy policy.