Fiercely Flash
—Courageous and Compressed Writing
12-Week Flash Writing and Revision Course
Travel the map of micro and flash creative writing in fiction and nonfiction. Over twelve weeks we’ll learn about the flash form, read from inspiring authors and produce spontaneous writing from a prompt every week. Each prompt focuses on different elements of the writing craft from narrative arc to metaphor to finding inspiration. The entire course builds across the twelve weeks from the flash introduction to full competence in flash writing. By the end, you’ll have started at least twelve flash pieces and/or found inspiration for your longer works in progress.
This session will run from August 29th through November 24th (with one week off during the Writing Away Refuge Live Retreat). The classes will be once a week on Thursday evenings with makeup classes on Sunday mornings for those who prefer the weekend. You'll receive written materials and your Zoom logins each Monday to use as a guide/follow-up during your weekly class. The cost is $100 per month ($25 per 2-hour class) and can be paid monthly. The initial $100 is due at registration, and the last 2 payments are due October 1 and November 1. (Those wishing to pay in full at registration will receive a $50 discount and will enjoy the entire course for $250). Registration and pay links are at the bottom of the page.
**These classes are limited to 30 writers, so register ASAP to ensure your spot**
SPECIAL BONUS: ALL "GRADUATES" WILL ENJOY A ZOOM READING OF YOUR FAVORITE FLASH WRITING YOU COMPLETED FROM THE COURSE AND A GROUP “THINK” ABOUT THE BEST PLACES TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK!
​
**IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that our class times are in the Pacific Time Zone. We’ve allotted two hours, but the class length sometimes might be shorter depending on attendance and the generative writing in the second part of each class. You’re welcome to come on both Thursday and Sunday—the writing samples and generative writing prompts will be the same for the Thursday and Sunday classes.
-
Thursday evening primary classes are 6:30 PM--8:30 PM Pacific
-
Sunday morning optional classes are 8:00 AM—10:00 AM Pacific
Schedule and Course Description:​ THE BASICS OF FLASH WRITING
Week 1: Thursday August 29 or Sunday September 1 — What is Flash? (A discussion of genre and how to get started writing flash. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
Week 2: Thursday September 5 or Sunday September 8—A Complete Story (Narrative arc. What continues to make this form unique? Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
Week 3: Thursday, September 12 or Friday, September 13 (No weekend session because it’s a Writing Away Refuge pitch weekend!)— The People We Meet (Point of View and characterization—how to do more with less. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
​
Week 4: Thursday, September 19 or Sunday, September 22— Where Are We? (Making place come alive in your short writing. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
​
Week 5: Thursday, September 26 or Sunday September 29 — How do We Feel? (Writing sensory detail for greatest effect. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
Week 6: Thursday October 3 or Sunday October 6 — Translating Your Vision (Using figurative language such as metaphor, simile, imagery, etc. to bring readers into your world. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
​
Hiatus for the in-person Writing Away Refuge Retreat! October 11-15, 2024.
GENRES WITHIN THE GENRE: PRACTICING THE TECHNIQUES AND TYPES OF FLASH WRITING
Week 7: Thursday October 17 or Sunday October 20— Under a Rock (Hermit Crab and lists as techniques in flash fiction. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
​
Week 8: Thursday October 24 or Sunday October 27 — Say it Again? (Repetition and Anaphora in flash. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
​
Week 9: Thursday October 31 or Friday, November 1st (because of Writing Away Refuge Pitch Weekend) — Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery (Hannibal Lecter isn’t the only one who tried on someone else’s skin—we’ll try on other people’s techniques for size. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
Week 10: Thursday November 7 or Sunday November 10 — A Picture Paints 1000 Words—or Fewer (Writing from images, objects, and making lists. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
Week 11: Thursday November 14 or Sunday November 17 — Revision is “Re-VISION” (Googly eyes and ways to see your work anew. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
Week 12: Thursday November 21 or Sunday November 24 — Put it Out There (Places and Publishing in the world of flash. Second part of session: Reading—Prompt—Write Your Own Flash in Six Minutes!)
​
We’ll settle on our “Fiercely Flash Reading” date in the last few weeks of class. Like a graduation, we will invite people outside of the class to come hear the readings if we want. Group decision!
​
The full price for the 12-Week Course is $300. To register at the monthly rate of $100 in 3 monthly payments for the September 9—November 24 "Fiercely Flash—Courageous and Compressed Writing " Course, click the link below. $100 is due upon registration, and the remaining balance is due on October 1 and November 1. A confirmation email will be sent within 24 hours of registration. Be sure to check your spam folder as well.
**If you'd prefer to pay for the entire course in one payment at registration, you'll receive a $50 discount, making full price $250. **
​
​
​
Questions about our classes?
We're always here if you have any questions. Email is the best point of contact, but you may call if you prefer.
251-508-6145