In the last few years, the very short story has gained popularity around the world. Known in Italy as microstorias, in Denmark as kortprosa, in Germany as Kurzestgeschichten, and in Bulgaria as mikro razkaz, these small tales use moments and details to capture the macro in the micro.

In his introduction to Sudden Fiction International, author Charles Baxter describes these short-short stories as existing “between poetry and fiction, the story and the sketch, prophecy and reminiscence.” But what makes a successful short-short? How do you tell the difference between an anecdote and a tale? How do you capture a place or a person with just a few lines? More important, how do you give your story meaning and emotion, narrative and suspense, in only a few pages?

This class will explore the world of flash fiction by reading short-short stories from around the globe, discussing the styles and techniques of different authors to help you find your individual voice as a writer. Whether you’re interested in the real or the surreal, the humorous or the serious, this course will teach you the fundamentals of great fiction and help fine-tune your skills as a writer. We’ll do so through a wide range of methods, including readings, discussions, in-class exercises, reading responses, outside writing, and workshops. Whether you’re passionate about writing and literature already or you’re just becoming interested in fiction, this class will nurture your skills as a reader and a writer. The only requirement is curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Course Requirements:

Primary readings will be selected from Short-Form Creative Writing, edited by H.K. Hummel and Stephanie Lenox. Additional readings provided via instructor on Canvas.

Class Format:

A note on format: this class will be remote, though most of the sessions will be synchronous “live” discussions. There will also be some asynchronous elements for flexibility. However, you will need to be available during our scheduled days and times.