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39 Best Short Story Creative Writing Classes in 2026

Showing 39 courses that match your search.

The Book Leap: Turning Short Pieces Into a Manuscript

GrubStreet

This session focuses on transitioning from short stories to a full-length manuscript, covering character development, conflict deepening, and expanding themes. It is part of Manuscript Month, designed for writers seeking to publish.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$65.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 1 day, est. 2 hours

Class size: 50 seats max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to Firm Up the “Mushy Middle” of Any Story

Writers.com

A 5-week course focusing on strengthening the middle of stories, teaching narrative structures and character arcs. Includes live video sessions with personal feedback from instructor Jeff Lyons.

Website: https://writers.com/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

July, 2026

Price:

$345.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 5 weeks

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Style Matters: Priming Your Prose for Publication

GrubStreet

This four-week online workshop focuses on enhancing prose style for publication readiness. It includes lectures, discussions, writing prompts, and feedback, exploring sentence-level techniques and developing a unique voice.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$365.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 4 weeks

Class size: 15 seats max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

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Networking Strategies For the Introverted Writer

GrubStreet

This course teaches strategies for approaching literary events, building connections, and developing a supportive community. It emphasizes confidence in networking and effective communication about one's work.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$75.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 2 hours, single session

Class size: 50 Seats Max

Writing Autofiction

GrubStreet

The course explores personal experiences to craft compelling fiction. It includes in-class writing exercises, readings, and discussions. Students will work on a longer piece and share their work with peers.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$445.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 6 weeks

Class size: Limited

Setting in Fiction: Beyond Time and Place

The Writer's Center

This workshop focuses on expanding traditional ideas of setting as merely the where and when of a story. Participants will engage in a short lecture, in-class readings, and writing prompts to develop concrete tools for their current or future writing projects.

Website: https://writer.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$45.00

Based in Washington

Level: Any

Length: 1 session, 2 hours

Class size: 22 seats max.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Create: Free Draft Generator

GrubStreet

A one-hour online seminar for all levels to respond to writing prompts, share work, and connect with other writers. It's designed to kickstart new writing projects and foster community.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

Free

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 hour

Class size: 100

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Setting in Fiction: Beyond Time and Place

The Writer's Center

This workshop focuses on the role of setting as a foundation for storytelling, expanding beyond traditional notions of time and place. Participants will engage in lectures, readings, and writing prompts to enhance their understanding and application of setting in their writing, whether realistic or fantastical.

Website: https://writer.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$45.00

Based in Washington

Level: Any

Length: 1 Session, 2 hours

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

No Money, No Problem: Publicity and Marketing For Writers On a Budget

GrubStreet

This course focuses on strategies for writers to manage their own marketing without high costs, covering how to leverage community support, contact venues, engage with book clubs, and find funding opportunities.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$75.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 session, 2 hours

Class size: 50

Creative Writing 101

Gotham Writers

The course includes lectures and writing exercises, focusing on both fiction and nonfiction without the pressure of a specific project. It's designed to help beginners explore creative writing, gain confidence, and experiment.

Website: https://wp.writingclasses.com/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$354.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 6 weeks

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Short Story Writing Course

Fish Publishing

An online course with 10 modules focusing on key aspects of short story writing, including characterization and narrative perspective. Each module includes assignments and personal feedback from the tutor.

Website: https://www.fishpublishing.com/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

£335.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 5 months, 10 modules

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Getting Started in Writing

Writers Online Workshops

Interactive online course that combines world-class instruction with the convenience of virtual education, designed to help participants develop their writing skills.

Website: https://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$196.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 4 weeks with 8 lessons

Class size: Unlimited

How to choose a short story writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that short story article you’ve been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to join a short story writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about short story writing.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching short story writing courses:

  • Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in short story writing?
  • Is there something in particular you’d like to learn about short story writing? Does this course include it?
  • How long is the course, and where is it taught?
  • How much does the short story writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More short story writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on short story writing. 

Free online materials

Recommended books

 

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