It is a common misconception that writing a short story is easier than crafting a longer form piece of fiction: though they have fewer words, as a writer you have less time and space to capture the imagination of your readers with memorable characters, a gripping plot, and dialogue that sings.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible; in fact, as this practical two-day workshop with award-winning author Stuart Evers will demonstrate, you may already have the necessary tools to begin your own stories: if you have the curiosity, the drive, and the application, you’ll be able to spot the genesis of a great story.

Over two days, put your creativity into action and learn about the key elements of an impactful story, from point of view and narrative tension, to building conflict and then resolving it. Under Stuart’s expert guidance, you will be privy to some essential writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly, how to use prompts to develop your skills, and how to begin crafting your short story from scratch.

As well as building on tech, you will also unlock a vault of confidence that will culminate in you writing your very own short story during the class, and will ultimately see you continue developing your newfound skills long after the workshop has ended.

Course content

• The key elements of a great short story
• Writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly
• Finding your voice as a writer
• Using prompts to develop your skills
• Creating a storyline from scratch
• Character development
• Choosing the right point of view for your story
• Building narrative tension, mood and pace
• Story conflict - and resolution
• Examples of great short stories - and what makes them work
• Practical writing session - write your own 500+ word story during the class
• Q&A

Tutor profile

Stuart Evers’ first book, Ten Stories About Smoking, won the London Book Award in 2011, and his highly acclaimed novel, If This is Home, followed in 2012. Your Father Sends His Love (2016) was shortlisted for the Edge Hill Short Story Prize and has been praised by the likes of Teju Cole, Ian Rankin and Eimear McBride. His most recent publication, our this year, is The Blind Light. His work has appeared in three editions of the Best British Short Stories, as well as Granta, The White Review, Prospect, and on Radio 4.

You will be sent a link to the webinar 2hrs before the start time of 10am (GMT). Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

10am GMT | 11am CET | 2am PST | 5am EST

All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website