All Pennwriters Courses are conducted in a “live” presentation format utilizing the Zoom platform. If a conflict arises based on the required meeting times, please contact the instructor and Online Courses Coordinator to find a possible solution. ALL sessions will be recorded. Recordings are available to participants for 1-2 weeks after each recorded session.
PLEASE NOTE: You should receive a confirmation email upon registering for the course from both Club Express and the Online Classes Coordinator. If you do not receive either emails, please reach out to the Online Classes Coordinator immediately so you do not miss out on information for your class.
Description: Welcome to Long Story Short: The Fundamentals of Crafting a Short Story! This engaging and comprehensive course is designed for fiction and nonfiction writers alike, whether you're an emerging storyteller or a seasoned author seeking to refine your craft. Through a series of dynamic sessions, you’ll explore the core principles of storytelling, focusing on how to create impactful and memorable short stories.
In four interactive 90-minute sessions, you’ll delve into everything from plot creation and character development to the art of editing and rewriting. By the end of the course, you’ll have the tools to confidently craft compelling narratives and take your storytelling skills to the next level.
Why Take This Course?
By enrolling in Long Story Short, you'll gain:
- A deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of storytelling.
- Practical skills to outline, write, and edit short stories effectively.
- Techniques to craft authentic, multi-dimensional characters.
- Insights into recognizing and avoiding common literary tropes and stereotypes.
- Strategies for connecting emotionally with readers through powerful scenes.
- Confidence in choosing the right narrative structure for your story.
- A clear grasp of how to balance creativity with the technical aspects of writing.
- Knowledge of industry best practices for editing and rewriting.
- Inspiration and encouragement to explore new storytelling possibilities.
- The opportunity to join a supportive community of fellow writers.
What Makes This Class Different?
This class, Long Story Short: The Fundamentals of Crafting a Short Story, offers a unique and transformative approach to storytelling, guided by award-winning author Derek Tyler Attico. Unlike other writing classes, this course doesn’t just focus on technical writing skills—it immerses students in the art of storytelling itself, helping them understand how to captivate readers, evoke emotion, and craft narratives that linger long after the final sentence. With a proven track record, Derek brings invaluable insight into the creative process, having won acclaim for his very first short story, “Alpha and Omega”, which was published in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Anthology. His first screenplay earned the Excellence in Playwriting Award from the Dramatist Guild of America, and his debut novel, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko, was nominated for a prestigious Scribe Award.
These milestones demonstrate Derek’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers and audiences alike. What sets this class apart is its focus on the intricacies of short story writing, from creating authentic characters and dynamic plots to mastering the art of editing and rewriting. Students will leave with not only a stronger grasp of storytelling fundamentals but also the inspiration and confidence to write stories that stand out in a crowded literary landscape.
Course Sessions
Session I: Laying the Foundation
- Making a Contract with the Reader: Learn how to establish trust and set expectations with your audience.
- Outlining vs. Pantsing: Discover the benefits and challenges of structured versus spontaneous storytelling.
- Plots and Themes: Master the art of creating a concise plot and uncovering the core theme of your story.
Session II: Creating Dynamic Characters
- Protagonist, Antagonist, and Minor Characters: Learn how to establish trust and set expectations with your Build well-rounded characters with clear motivations and arcs.
- Authenticity vs. Tropes vs. Stereotypes: Explore how to craft original, believable characters while avoiding clichés.
Session III: Writing the Story
- Mechanics of Writing a Short Story: Understand the nuts and bolts of short story structure.
- Finding the Emotion in a Scene: Learn how to evoke strong emotions and create memorable moments.
- The Rule of Three: Harness this timeless storytelling principle to create impactful narratives.
- Scenes and Chapters: Discover the relationship between scenes and chapters in storytelling.
Session IV: Polishing Your Work
- Editing: Letting Go: Embrace the editing process as a crucial step in shaping your story.
- Writing is Rewriting: Refine your story by revisiting and enhancing your drafts.
About the Instructor: Derek Tyler Attico is an award-winning speculative fiction author, essayist, screenwriter, and role-playing game designer with a deep passion for storytelling. A series of remarkable firsts mark his creative journey: his first screenplay earned the Excellence in Playwriting Award from the Dramatist Guild of America; his debut short story is the award-winning "Alpha and Omega,” featured in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Anthology; and his bestselling debut novel, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko, was nominated for a prestigious Scribe Award. These milestones exemplify Derek’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers and audiences alike. Derek is also the senior instructor for the Dublin Tasq-Art Academy, where he teaches the fundamentals of storytelling for sequential art.
Email & Links:
contact email: derekattico@gmail.com
web page: www.derekattico.com
Instagram: @Dattico
Twitter: @dattico
TikTok: Dattico
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Derek-Tyler-Attico/author/B01MA3PLGA?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true