Learn to Write Flash Fiction



Overview

Flash fiction is usually defined as a complete story in 1000 words or fewer. A form in which plot takes a back seat to character and mood, and in which word choice is crucial. As author Nuala O’Connor says, ‘Punchy, succinct and surprising, the best flash will shift the reader’s heart but also keep it beating hard'.

Short enough to write in a single day, flash is an agile, innovative form that has established its place in major literary journals.

During this fast-paced, two-day, fully online workshop we will:

  • Read and deconstruct two pieces of outstanding flash fiction, to see how they tick
  • Work with the building blocks of character, setting, conflict, beginnings and endings
  • Leverage our use of poetic devices and sensory detail
  • Learn techniques for revising and editing
  • Discover where to submit our flash fiction

There will be plenty of discussion, tips and techniques, blocks of writing time and constructive feedback – and you will leave with one or more pieces of flash fiction, ready for polishing and submitting for publication.

This workshop is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced writers who wish to explore this form in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 14 November 2023.

Programme details

All times UTC (GMT)

Friday 17 November

2.00pm  We'll convene online.

2:15pm  How do they do that? A quick critical reading of two prizewinning pieces of flash, examining authors’ techniques.

2:45pm  Making a start and shaping your story: establish your piece’s setting, tense, characters – and above all, theme. There will be props and prompts to inspire you, or you can write to your own idea.

4:00pm  First revision: adjusting flow and language, expanding and contracting, and creating the second draft

5:00pm  End of day. You'll have overnight and the next morning to work on your piece.

Saturday 18 November

2:00pm  Refining: this session will dig deep into word choice and sensory detail.

3:30pm  Beginning the polishing process: we’ll look closely at the title, and at first and final sentences.

4:15pm  Where and how? We’ll explore competitions and publishers for flash fiction – and hone your submission strategies.

5:00pm  End of workshop

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £90.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Ms Gail Anderson

Gail Anderson is a writer of short forms: flash fiction, short story, creative non-fiction and poetry. Recent writing has taken first prize in the Edinburgh Award for Flash Fiction, Reflex Fiction, The Writers’ Bureau, Winchester Writers’ Festival, and the Scottish Arts Trust Story Awards. Twice shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, and three times nominated for the Pushcart Prize, her work appears in journals such as Ambit, Mslexia, Popshot and The Southampton Review. 

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

IT requirements

The University of Oxford uses Microsoft Teams for our learning environment, where students and tutors will discuss and interact in real time. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

If you have not used the Microsoft Teams app before, once you click the joining link you will be invited to download it (this is free). Once you have downloaded the app, please test before the start of your course. If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, you will also be offered the option of connecting using a web browser. If you connect via a web browser, Chrome is recommended.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support