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43 Best Short Story Creative Writing Classes in 2026

Showing 43 courses that match your search.

Writing Short Fiction: Introduction

University of Toronto

Learn basic literary techniques, write and review stories, and engage with a community of writers. No previous experience is required.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

January, 2026

Price:

$503.00

Based in Toronto

Level: Beginner

Length: 20 hours, over 8 sessions

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Short Story I

UCLA

Introductory course covering fundamentals of short fiction writing, focusing on storytelling elements like plot, point of view, setting, and character development. Includes lectures, exercises, and assignments for drafting and revising a story.

Website: https://www.uclaextension.edu/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$720.00

Based in Los Angeles

Level: Beginner

Length: Est. 10 weeks

Class size: 15 seats max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

The Ink Academy Creative Writing Course

Ink Academy

The course offers 9 one-to-one sessions tailored to individual writing needs, focusing on detailed editing of up to 43,000 words, personalized advice, and customized exercises over a flexible 6-month period.

Website: https://www.inkacademy.co.uk/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

£2,300.00

Based in London

Level: Any

Length: 9 sessions over 6 months

Class size: Private

Prerequisites: An initial submission of 1,000-3,000 words of your writing is required for application.

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Creative Writing Program

UC San Diego

The program offers essential creative writing skills across various genres such as fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Students can choose electives to specialize and earn a professional certificate.

Website: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$5,585.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 15-30 months

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: A $0 application fee applies, and a $125 certificate fee is required for those pursuing the certificate.

How to Write Flawed and Interesting Stories

GrubStreet

Offers writing hours facilitated by instructors, includes prompts, and provides unlimited access during specified time slots.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/find-a-class

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$85.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 3 hour seminar

Class size: 50 Seats Max

Prerequisites: Adults only

Form & Content: Experimenting with Prose Structures with Ploi Pirapokin

Story Studio Chicago

This course encourages experimentation across genres, focusing on form, structure, and poetic devices to link disparate ideas in essays. It includes lectures, published examples, generative exercises, and revision tips, helping students develop unique essay beginnings.

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$315.00

Based in Chicago

Level: Intermediate

Length: 4 weeks, 1 session per week

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to Write for the Screen

GrubStreet

Engaging writing prompts, community interaction, and exposure to GrubStreet workshops. Ideal for new writers seeking inspiration.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

December, 2025

Price:

Free

Based in Boston

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 hour

Class size: 100 seats max

How to Write a Short Story

GrubStreet

This seminar focuses on developing essential short story writing skills, including character development, plot construction, pacing, and crafting impactful endings. It allows participants to explore narrative styles and helps them start their own stories through prompts.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

December, 2025

Price:

$85.00

Based in Boston

Level: Beginner

Length: 3 hours

Class size: 50 Seats Max

Beginning Writer's Workshop

ed2go

Some of the best works of fiction and nonfiction were crafted in a writer's workshop. This online course will help you write your own creative piece. Like a true writing workshop, you will learn literary techniques, peer review a classmate's work, and receive constructive criticism on your work.

Website: https://www.ed2go.com/courses/writing/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$190.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Self-paced over 6 weeks

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Online: Writing Short Stories

Writing NSW

This course focuses on key aspects of short-fiction craft, including character development, setting, story structure, detail usage, and revision techniques. Participants will engage in peer feedback, tutor feedback, and submit writing exercises throughout the duration.

Website: https://writingnsw.org.au/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$465.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 6 weeks

Class size: 24

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Creative Writing Course: Stories Short & True

Sydney Community College

A one-day workshop focused on writing short creative nonfiction stories inspired by personal experiences. Participants will explore narrative voice and themes from significant authors.

Website: https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

September, 2026

Price:

$199.00

Based in Sydney

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 session, 6 hours total

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Advanced Short Story Workshop

Literary Arts

The workshop focuses on reading, discussing, and critiquing short stories. It includes writing prompts, discussions on craft, and emphasizes revision techniques, helping writers refine their skills.

Website: https://literary-arts.org/

Categories: Short Story

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$445.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 8 weeks, 8 sessions

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: Participants should have two completed short stories ready for workshop, with each story being up to roughly 20 pages.

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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