Short Story Writing

Master the art of the short form. Learn to tell complete, powerful stories in fewer pages, from flash fiction to literary magazines. With personal feedback from Steve Alcorn.
USA Today best-selling author · 29 books · 100,000+ students · 25 years teaching

Enroll Now →

What’s Included

Everything you need to write, polish, and publish your novel.
📹

28 Video Lectures

Over 5 hours of focused instruction covering every stage of the novel-writing process.

💬

Personal Feedback from Steve

Post your writing in the discussion areas and get direct feedback from Steve Alcorn, not a TA, not a bot. Steve reads every post and responds personally.

📋

Manuscript Evaluation Checklist

The same 25-point checklist Steve’s students use to evaluate protagonist, story structure, plot, and writing quality.

Steve AlcornWhen you post your writing, Steve reads it and responds personally. That’s what makes Writing Academy different from every other online course.Steve Alcorn is a USA Today best-selling author of 30 books and has taught more than 100,000 aspiring authors over 25 years through 1,500+ college partnerships.


Writing workspace overhead view

What You’ll Learn

Six steps from blank page to published book.
1

Plan Your Story

Learn what makes short fiction work: economy, compression, and the art of saying more with less. Build a concept that fits the form.

2

Create Your Characters

Build characters who come alive in a few pages, with sharp, efficient characterization that reveals depth without sprawl.

3

Structure Your Story

Master short story structure: the opening hook, rising action, the turn, and an ending that resonates. Every sentence earns its place.

4

Write Your Draft

Scene construction, dialogue, pacing, and point of view in miniature. Learn the craft of compression without sacrificing emotional power.

5

Polish Your Story

The “Write Big” and “Write Well” techniques that turn a flat draft into a sparkling, publishable manuscript.

6

Get Published

Literary magazines, contests, anthologies, online markets, and building a publishing track record through short fiction.


Woman writing at desk

What Students Say

Over 1,000 students have taken this course.
“Wonderful course! The most straight-talking, practical advice on writing I’ve ever experienced. Would highly recommend to anyone who’s keen to write, but just can’t get started.”
Anna
“I’m learning something that will help me fix my manuscript. This course covers all the basics but does not belabor the points. I got way more value for my buck than I expected.”
Cheryl
“I’ve been writing since I was a child, own every book on writing known to man, taken numerous classes and seminars. This is by far the easiest, most understandable information on writing I’ve ever heard. It has given me the confidence I need to get through the dreaded ACT II.”
Kim
“One of the best courses I have taken on writing and has filled in more blanks than any have in the past. Steve’s approach to writing instruction will give you what you need to finally make sense of it all!”
Jeffrey
“Steve Alcorn really breaks down the process of writing into easily digestible bits and provides a clear pathway for developing your work. It was a great course and I learned a lot.”
Golda
“This class was life-changing when it comes to my ability to structure and complete a work of fiction. It answered all my questions and forced me to get to work on my idea. All around fantastic, worth every penny!”
L. Morrison

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

Anyone who wants to write a novel, whether you’re just starting, stuck in the middle, or revising a finished draft. No experience required.

How long do I have access?

If you purchase the course, you own it for life. If you subscribe to the bundle, you have access to all of our courses for the duration of your subscription.

Do I really get personal feedback?

Yes. Every lesson has a discussion area. Post your work and Steve responds personally, usually within hours.

What if I’m not happy?

30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. If the course isn’t right for you, you get a full refund.

Can I just get this one course?

Yes. Enroll above for lifetime access to this course. Or, if you want all 20 Writing Academy courses, the Author’s Success Bundle gives you everything for one low monthly fee.

Enroll Today

Lifetime access · Personal feedback · 30-day guarantee

Buy This Course

$199
  • Lifetime access to all 28 video lectures
  • 28 discussion areas with personal feedback from Steve
  • Downloadable handouts and exercises
  • Manuscript Evaluation Checklist
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
Enroll Now for $199

© 2026 Writing Academy · Where Writers Become Authors
Terms of Use Privacy Policy