Imagine...
The enjoyment you will have as you craft your collection of stories.
The thrill of breaking out of your writing comfort zone.
The thrill of sharing your stories with readers.
The joy of seeing your work in print.
Get your words into the world
It took me six years to write my first novel, mostly because I was working it all out on my own. I’ve built the course I wish I’d had: a clear path through ten genres, from your first idea to ten finished stories, with me beside you all the way.
What you get for £295
✓ 26 sessions, one in your inbox every other Monday, to work through whenever it suits you
✓ Two 30-minute one-to-one sessions with me by video call
✓ Ten finished short stories across ten genres, plus guidance on getting published
✓ A 14-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked
✓ One payment of £295 – about £11 per session
How this course will support you
This course will support you from the first to the last word of each of your stories, whilst nurturing your talent as a writer.
You will start by exploring the kind of writer you already are and then I will help you step out of your writerly comfort zone to try your hand at a total of ten different story genres, supporting you every step of the way.
The path I'll take you on ensures you won't just wander, you'll know exactly where you're going.
What other writers have said
"I would never have been able to achieve what I have without this guidance. There were many things about writing that I would never have thought of. The tutor is enthusiastic and encouraging. If you have always wanted to write, sign up for this course - it will be the best thing you have ever done!"
Adele, Harrogate
"This is a very informative and supportive course led by a knowledgeable and nurturing teacher. I looked forward to each session as an outlet for creativity I'd forgotten I had!"
Jo, Leeds
"An inspiring course. I honestly never thought I would be as motivated as I have been. This is all down to Maria! She really made me want to do it!"
Eve, Leeds
What you will learn
You will write in the following genres:
Flash fiction, supernatural, romance, science fiction, crime, children's, young adult, fantasy, historical and comedy.
You will spend two to three sessions on each genre, being supported to plan, draft, then edit, resulting in ten completed short stories by the end of the course.
You will gain new tools for your writer's toolbox:
Each block of sessions contains an emphasis on a particular writing skill.
Improving vocabulary, 'show, don't tell,' dialogue, characterisation, atmosphere, tension, pace, obstacles all writers face, defining your 'USP,' interweaving text, plotting and planning.
You will be supported to live as a writer:
Editing, presentation, outlets and options for publication, networking and promoting yourself as a writer.
Submission advice will be given so you're ready to market directly to your readers using the indie publishing option or you will be supported to go down the traditional route and submit to publishers, anthologies and competitions.
Is this the right course for you?
If you answer YES to one or more of the following questions, this course will be perfect for you…
Have you had several false starts with your writing?
Does your enthusiasm for a story wane halfway through?
Would your existing writing talent benefit from further direction and development?
Would you like to break out of your writing comfort zone?
Are you unsure where your writing talents should be focused?
Read on…
My risk-free promise
You will love this course and it will help you achieve your dream of writing a short story collection and being a published writer.
I am so confident of this that I offer a risk-free 14-day money-back guarantee.
Commonly asked questions
What if I’ve never written anything before?
Then this course is made for you. Session one starts at the very beginning, and the exercises build your skills one step at a time.
Will I really write a collection of short stories within one year?
Yes! If you follow my method of regular writing. Each session contains a warm-up activity and the inspiration and guidance to plan, draft and edit your story over three sessions.
You will learn about each genre and your writing skills will be developed.
Won’t I need a lot of discipline to get going?
Not discipline, more desire. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop. You will find yourself planning stories as you go about your life and noticing things more that you can use in your writing.
How will it fit into my lifestyle?
I send your course in 26 sessions to your inbox every other Monday at 8am (UK time). You decide when you complete the exercises, arranging your time when your writing will fit in with your other commitments.
Isn’t it isolating trying to work on my own?
Writing is a solitary activity, so later in the course, I provide information about networking as a writer, both online and socially.
What if I change my mind?
This course comes with a risk-free 14-day money-back guarantee.
What does it cost?
One payment of £295 inclusive of tax, which includes two 30-minute one-to-one sessions with me by video call. That works out at about £11 per session, for a whole year of support.
How will I know what to do with my book once I have written it?
You will not only know how to write a story in ten genres, but in the latter stages of the course, guidance is given around preparing and presenting your manuscript for submission to get it published along with guidance about independent publishing and traditional publishing.
How will I know if what I am writing is any good?
As you progress through the course, your stories will strengthen. Writing is a craft and the course will equip you to improve and be able to self-assess and edit until your manuscript is as polished as can be.
Will I get individual feedback on my writing?
This course does not include an individual critique service as this would increase the cost of the course significantly. However, this is something that can be provided on request. See the private consultancy question below if this is something you would like to add to your course.
The course is designed to develop your writing skills, and provide self-editing support.
Is additional private consultancy available?
You have the option to add one or both of the following to your course, as and when you feel they may help.
1. An additional 30–60-minute one-to-one session with me (by video call).
2. A detailed report which critiques a 500-word extract of your work in progress.
These services are by arrangement and will incur an additional fee.