Faculty First Year Seminars 191CNS3 - Writing Flash Fiction

Reading a story in one sitting can be a powerful experience. Flash fiction (stories under 1,000 words) uses minimal space to maximal effect. In this course, we will look at writing by masters of the form, reading critically to study how the authors create character, scene, and conflict, in just a few words. We will learn techniques for generating ideas and write our own pieces of flash fiction, using revision methods to condense and polish our writing so that every word matters. Working with each other, we will practice strategies for giving constructive feedback and gain confidence discussing our own writing and ideas. Through weekly writing, reading, and editing assignments, we will establish a regular writing routine. Towards the end of the class, we will look at examples of flash non-fiction, one-sentence stories, and audio storytelling.

Freshmen Only