Crafting Endings in Short Fiction with Cate Kennedy

Learn how to successfully land your short story

Join one of Australia's most beloved short fiction writers, Cate Kennedy, in this practical writing course on crafting your short story from start to finish.

In fiction, we often talk about the importance of your opening sentence in grabbing the reader's attention. But a story's ending is just as important as its beginning. Your final paragraph, sometimes even your final few words, determines what your reader will take away, how they will feel when they reach that final white space at the end. This course is designed to assist with story structure and developing an ending that will stay with your reader.

You'll learn:

  • How to build narrative tension and breathe life into your story
  • Common stumbling blocks in short fiction writing and how to avoid them
  • How to keep your reader engaged and invested
  • How to show not tell through setting, dialogue and action
  • How to successfully 'land' your ending

The course is designed to take you 5-6 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.

"Short stories have always been a bit of a mystery to me, but this course has given me so much understanding. I get it now."

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


Cate Kennedy
Cate Kennedy

Cate Kennedy has published two short story collections, a novel, three volumes of poetry and a memoir about working as a volunteer in Latin America. She works as a writing teacher and advisor on the faculty of Pacific University’s MFA in Creative Writing Program in Portland, Oregon, and received her PhD in Creative Writing from LaTrobe University in 2021. When she’s not puzzling over a story or poem, she likes gardening, reading and listening to music. She lives in Castlemaine in Victoria.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome
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  Part One: Getting the Show on the Road
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  Part Two: Getting to the Big Fork in the Road
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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!