Flash Your Writing – A Workshop

What can you do with 1,000 words? How about 750? Or 500? Try 250. A brief essay, lyrical prose, or piece of fiction can punch above its weight class in terms of the effect that can be packed into relatively few words. Another way to look at it is as the drop of water on a still pool that sends ripples widening from the center.

In this workshop, we will explore and experiment with the possibilities. From Virginia Woolf’s modernist “The Moth” (1,176 words) to Brenda Miller’s powerful “Swerve” (290 words) to postmodern experiments, we will use the work of others to inspire and teach us. We’ll distill the story and meaning of our writing by using compression and discernment. We’ll also consider examples of multiple flash pieces bundled to form a longer collage piece of prose.

No writing experience is necessary; in fact, this may be a good way to get you started. Experienced writers will be able to add to their repertoire and tune up their writing. You will write new work that you can perfect later.

Class size is limited so register by March 3 by contacting Linda at [email protected].

Linda Buckmaster is a poet, essayist, and fiction writer whose work has appeared in over thirty publications. Her essay, “Fallout,” has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize 2017, and one of her pieces was listed as a Notable Essay in “Best American Essays 2013.” She has held residencies at Vermont Studios Center, Atlantic Center for the Arts, and Obras Foundation, among others. Her hybrid memoir, “Space Heart. A Memoir in Stages,” will be published by Burrow Press in Fall 2018. She blogs at lsbuck1.blogspot.com.