Description
Flash fiction is a short story that is typically just a few hundred words long but with a distinct beginning, middle and end. The most famous example—dubiously attributed to Hemmingway—reads ‘For sale: baby shoes. Never used.’ In each class of this session, the instructor will share a prompt (a sentence, word or picture) then start a 20 minute timer. The whole class will write their respective stories impulsively, from sheer instinct. At the end of the period, attendees will have the option of sharing their work with the group and receiving feedback from the instructor. This method has been tested by the instructor over many years in flash fiction groups. The time pressure and low stakes (no Nobel worthy literature is expected) tends to free people from self-doubt and endless edit-loops and even offers catharsis. Past writers have found release and insights into their own minds as they inadvertently explored hidden thoughts and feelings through fictitious characters and settings. The instructor will provide writing tips and guidelines and in every class discuss one key aspect of writing such as setting, description, voice etc.
Chandreyee Lahiri is the instructor.
