Course Catalog

Writing: Flash Fiction & Short Short Stories

Diane Frank Flash fiction is a universe on one page – a journey that begins, travels and resolves in a brief moment of time. Short Short Stories present a glimpse into a door that opens, shines and closes. For writers of memoir, fiction and prose poems, this workshop introduces the cutting edge of a new genre – with minimal use of language for maximum impact. Each session includes a provocative writing exercise, the “Writer’s Toolbox” with techniques from poetry and fiction to help your writing become more expressive, and a reading/feedback circle. You will be given techniques to access your inner wisdom, vision and intuition, and express it with power and beauty. Each writer will take a significant step in their creative process and writing skills including: Each writer will take a significant step in their creative process and writing skills, including: * The skill of writing with minimal use of language for maximum impact. * Understanding the genres of flash fiction and short short story. * The creation of new writing in the genre of flash fiction and short short stories. * The ability to use these skills in other forms of self-expression. * Learning to use an intuitive writing process, which will deepen the writers’ depth of expression. * Development of a powerful and personal writing style, with fully-rendered images and telling details. * Writing that speaks to the heart, emotions, intellect, body and soul. * Honoring the wisdom of the Wise Woman / Wise Man / Tribal Elder voices in written language. * Enhanced self-esteem for each writer, knowing that their creativity has value to themselves and to others. * More confidence in their writing process and style. Week 1: Introduction to the genre, the “Writer’s Toolbox”, structure around writing and feedback We’ll also discuss the relationship of writing and time and have our first writing session and feedback. Weeks 2 through 5: Each week will begin with a reading of flash fiction, a prose poem, or a short short story, chosen from Rhapsody of Fallen Objects by Robert Scotellaro and No Boundaries by Robert Scottelaro. After a discussion, there will be 20 minutes of writing with one on one attention, then feedback (praise and suggestions). Diane Frank is an award-winning poet and novelist. She lives in San Francisco, where she dances, plays cello, and creates her life as an art form. Blackberries in the Dream House, her first novel, won the Chelson Award for Fiction and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Her new book, River of Earth and Sky: Poems for the 21st Century, features more than 100 poets, with the poems they would most like to be remembered for.

This class is not available at this time.

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