Creating Memorable Characters in Short Fiction with Laura Elvery

Learn how to craft believable, well-rounded characters in your short stories

Join Laura Elvery, one of Australia's best short story writers, in this unique writing course all about character in short fiction.

Writing great characters in short stories can be difficult – how do you build believable, interesting, well-rounded characters in so few words? This practical and hands-on course will teach you how to populate your stories with original characters who will move and engage your reader. Through a series of writing exercises, insights from your tutor and examples from other writers, you'll discover how to create and sustain characters in your short stories.

You'll learn:

  • how to generate short story ideas from character
  • to focus on details (rather than description) to build character
  • how character can be a jumping-off point for plot and setting
  • how characters can be built but also ‘arise naturally’ in short stories

The course is designed to take you 4-5 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

Read an interview with Laura on character in short fiction here.

"Laura's course hit the sweet spot for me: advice, reminders and practical 'how to' application (and a good length). I Iiked the variety of the reading examples, which led onto the very do-able exercises. They were definitely useful, and I can absolutely see myself referring back to my notes and applying to my current (stuck!) projects and helping with future writing ideas."


"Laura has an excellent grasp of the subject matter and some incredible tips for generating story ideas, developing interesting characters, and thinking about who should populate a story. The reading list is also very interesting and helpful. This course is a great way to practice and improve your short fiction writing."


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Laura Elvery
Laura Elvery

Laura Elvery is an award-winning writer from Brisbane and the author of two short story collections, Trick of the Light (2018) and Ordinary Matter (2020). Laura has a PhD in Creative Writing and Literary Studies, and her work has been published in Overland, The Saturday Paper, Griffith Review, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings and The Big Issue fiction edition.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction
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  Part One: Voice and Conflict
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  Part Two: Details Not Description
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!