Creative Writing

The Art of Less: Flash Fiction & Nonfiction

Writing doesn’t have to be long; it just needs to be precise. This six-week course examines the art of writing flash fiction and nonfiction and how flash differs compared to other writing styles. By studying the work of published flash authors, students will learn about and practice using the essential elements of flash including compression, focus, intensity, and strong endings. Each session will include an artistic analysis, structured writing task, and peer feedback in a low-pressure environment. Weekly writing assignments will provide students with instructor and peer feedback and an opportunity to develop a writing practice. Students will emerge with a set of tools that can be used in writing short or longer pieces and a small portfolio of flash pieces. Whether you are a beginning writer curious about writing within a short form or an experienced writer wanting to try something more concise, this course will give you the confidence to experiment with brevity.