A live, eight-week online course equipping you with all the skills you need to write compelling fiction – whether you’re a total novice, a dedicated writer, or simply desire community, deadlines and momentum.
Meet Your Instructor, Joanne Bell
As a former university Creative Writing Teacher, Joanne Bell brings a wealth of knowledge to her classes. Her short fiction, essays and poems have been published in literary magazines and anthologies worldwide. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the Agora Books work in progress prize, she has filmed spoken word for the BBC, and she was selected for Edinburgh International Book Festival’s emerging writer program. She is also the founder of Write to Thrive, soulful space for self-exploration through writing.
What Will You Learn?
Week 1: The Power of Storytelling
Step into the world of storytelling with an inspiring deep dive into the role fiction plays in our lives—especially the short story. This session is your creative playground, designed to spark ideas, awaken your imagination, and set the foundation for your writing journey.
Week 2: The Anatomy of a Story
Every great story follows a rhythm—the story arc. In this module, you’ll master the essential structure of compelling fiction, ensuring your plot unfolds in a way that keeps readers hooked. You’ll also explore narrative voice and learn how to choose the right one to bring your story to life.
Week 3: Crafting Unforgettable Characters
The best stories are driven by characters we love, root for, or love to hate. This week, you’ll discover the techniques behind creating rich, three-dimensional characters—ones that feel so real, they stay with readers long after the last page.
Week 4: Integration & Writing Deep Dive
This is your space to reflect, apply what you've learned, and dive deeper into your own writing. You’ll have dedicated time to develop your story, with guided exercises and personalized feedback to keep your momentum going.
Week 5: The Art of Atmosphere & Setting
Some stories transport us so vividly, it feels like we’ve stepped inside their world. This module teaches you how to craft immersive settings, build tension through place, and use atmosphere to elevate your storytelling.
Week 6: Theme & Symbolism—The Heart of Your Story
By now, you have a strong draft in progress. This week, we’ll explore how to layer meaning into your work through theme and symbolism, adding depth and resonance. You’ll also experiment with different ways to end your story—ensuring it leaves a lasting impact.
Week 7: The Art of Revision—Polish & Perfect
The magic of storytelling isn’t just in the writing—it’s in the rewriting. This module will guide you through the essential techniques of self-editing, showing you how to refine your work, strengthen your prose, and “kill your darlings” like a pro.
Week 8: The Writing Showcase
It’s time to celebrate your work! In this final session, you’ll have the chance to share your story or some of your favorite snippets with an audience to receive feedback and take pride in everything you’ve created.
Short stories are the perfect gateway into writing, whether you're a seasoned pro or someone looking to gain momentum. They offer a complete, immersive storytelling experience without the commitment of a full-length novel.
In just a few pages, you can experiment with voice, character, and theme, building confidence and refining your craft. Short stories help you gain momentum, finish what you start, and develop the discipline of storytelling—one powerful piece at a time.
What Makes This Course Special?
Optional In-Person
Writing Hours
If you're in Lisbon, you can join our optional weekly Writing Hours at Fable every Tuesday evening—a dedicated space to write, share, and connect with fellow writers in a supportive, creative environment.
Personalized Feedback
on Your Writing
Receive thoughtful, constructive feedback from an experienced instructor to refine your story, strengthen your voice, and elevate your writing to its full potential.
Gain Momentum in a Community of Writers
Writing is better with company. In this live course, you'll surround yourself with a global community of like-minded creatives, stay motivated, and build confidence through shared inspiration and encouragement.
Where does this course take place?
This course is entirely online. Once you enroll, you'll get a link to join the weekly Zoom calls where you'll learn from the instructor, Jo Bell, and meet your fellow students.
However, if you live in/near Lisbon, you are also welcome to join the Weekly Writing Hours at Fable on Tuesday evenings. This is an optional part of the program, but a nice way to meet other writers and students in the course.
When does it take place?
The course meets on Mondays from 19:00-21:00 Lisbon time (GMT timezone), and begins on April 21. If you'd like to know what time this is in your timezone, we recommend this website. It meets weekly for 8 weeks, with the exception of Week 4 (May 12) as this is your Integration Week.
What experience level is this course for?
No matter where you're starting from you're going to learn something and gain momentum from this program. All levels welcome.