In this 4-week course, you will learn some of the elements that create a suspenseful short story. Each week, you will focus on a new element for your story with the goal being that you complete one thrilling short story by the end of the course. We will discuss creating a suspenseful mood, pacing, conflict, compelling characters, foreshadowing, and editing. We will use google slides during the discussion, and you will be given some time to practice your writing and share ideas during each lesson. You will also be given a review sheet at the end of the first three classes to help you work on your short story. The fourth class will be primarily for sharing and receiving feedback. If you finish your story before the fourth class, then you are encouraged to post it to the discussions board or send it to the teacher for feedback. Whenever you receive feedback it will primarily be for the elements we have discussed in class. Spelling and grammar may be addressed, but not emphasized. This class is built to encourage creativity, so you will never be pressured to share your ideas, but it is recommended for the best benefits. 

The first 3 class meetings will follow this basic schedule pattern:

10 minutes: Reviewing goals and sharing new ideas from the previous week.
20 minutes: Learn the new element of thrilling stories through google slides and discussion
10 minutes: Writing practice
10 minutes: Sharing writing ideas

The fourth class will give students opportunity to share their stories with each other and receive feedback for editing. 

The focuses for each meeting:

Class 1: Learn the characteristics of suspense, and discuss the mood for your story. 
Class 2: Focus on character development and conflict.
Class 3: Discuss foreshadowing and ways to build tension. 
Class 4: Read your story and receive feedback. 

Get $3 off my classes with coupon code MCELRSPRING3 until May 31, 2023. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/Lauren-20210830 and enter the coupon code at checkout.