SMALL WONDER: A FLASH NONFICTION CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Please note that this workshop is only open to K-12 educators.

In this generative creative writing workshop, we will explore the emerging sub-genre of Micro Memoir/Flash Nonfiction (FNF) by reading published work, by sharing craft essays on form, and by writing—every week in class—new work of our own. For those new to FNF, flash prose includes any non-lineated creative writing piece that keeps under 750-words (roughly 3 pages double-spaced standard 12-point font). Little but fierce, these pieces build stakes, provoke emotions, and pack the punch of a full-sized piece. Looking at the essays of FNF masters Jill Talbot, Chelsea Biondollilo, and Diane Seuss while arguing for (or against) the inclusion of Mark Twain, Maggie Smith and Claudia Rankine to the FNF canon, we’ll investigate what “flash” illuminates and find out for ourselves just how much macro one can cram into a “micro” piece. Each week, we’ll gather today for discussions that lead into writing prompts, ensuring that, no matter how busy your life is outside of Inprint, you will be writing, no matter what. This course is a great fit for those looking to build and boost a regular writing practice, to explore new forms, and to build a writing community here in Houston. The course will also include a discussion of the submission process, literary journals, cover letters, and publication. Be prepared to experience “economy of language” on a whole new level. All are welcome regardless of whether you’ve taken a creative nonfiction course before or are entering the genre for the first time.