Flash fiction is “short but not shallow; a reduced form used to represent a larger, more complex story; pithy and cogent, brief and pointed, and like the gist of a recollected conversation, it offers the essential truth, if not all the inessential facts.”*
In this four-week series, we’ll examine this popular genre using through the lens of excerpts from four acclaimed collections: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros; Ghostographs by Maria Romasco Moore; Know the Mother by Desiree Cooper; and Spinning to Mars by Meg Pokrass. Each week will involve a close reading of the writer’s work as it relates to themes, use of literary devices, and the development of character and plot.
This class will also be highly generative, involving numerous writing opportunities with imaginative prompts inspired by the readings. Week Two will also include a brief introduction to SoulCollage®, an expressive arts process through which we’ll create a small collage to use as a basis for writing. (No artistic ability required.)
Participants will receive weekly feedback as to what was strong and resonant in their work, as well as detailed suggestions to make the work more moving, memorable and impactful. Resources for furthering the exploration of flash fiction, including a list of publications seeking work in this genre, will be also be offered.