Class Description
This one-day workshop will explore techniques for writing crisp, lean, and publishable flash fiction as well as examine all aspects of the form: What does it offer readers (and writers) that the satisfaction of longer narrative may not? What structural techniques do flash stories use to evoke character, conflict, place, and resolution in so few words, while often packing such a strong punch? How do we build narrative arcs from beginning to end in such small spaces? How do form and content work seamlessly towards the same goal? We’ll begin our exploration by looking at the one-sentence story and warming up with several short, fun exercises. The day will include a full craft presentation, handouts, group discussion, lots of writing prompts and time to write, as well as a look at a number of successful flash fictions in their entirety in order to investigate the strategies they use. Students will leave with an in-depth understanding of what makes a flash story successful, a knowledge of publishing and contest opportunities specific to flash fiction and nonfiction, as well as three first drafts of their own flash pieces. Open to all levels and genres.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!