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Writing short prose—commonly called “flash”—can look deceptively easy at first glance. We might think, So few words! I can snap that out in no time at all.

Yet when we try compressing a full story into such a small frame, while still offering readers a resonant, coherent experience, we discover that the very short form is a singular challenge. Yet it is a fascinating challenge as well, and a powerful way to strengthen our writing at any length.

If you are drawn to flash—fiction or nonfiction—but struggling with the unique hurdles that come with a tight word count and narrowed focus, this webinar explores what works, what doesn’t work, and various ways to break out of your usual writing ruts.

Noted essayist and teacher Dinty W. Moore, who has been working with flash writers for over 25 years as editor of Brevity magazine, will use examples from published authors to guide us through the common struggles and numerous joys of writing brief, offering prompts and “nudges” to propel your flash projects to the next level.

This webinar will address questions such as:

• How can something so small be so powerful?
• How much editing is too much, or too little?
• Does a sentence work differently in a very short essay or story than it might work in something longer?
• How do images work in flash?
• What are the most common mistakes writers make when attempting flash prose?
• Where can I publish my flash?

After class, all students will receive supplementary handouts with tips and examples; a list of markets (for flash memoir and flash fiction); and helpful writing prompts.

Who this class is for

• Writers who are interested in learning the flash form, either fiction or nonfiction.
• Writers who have been working on flash pieces and want to push their work in new directions.
• Writers who write longer forms but wish to bring the vivid concise, high impact qualities of flash into their novels or memoirs, short stories or essays.

Who this class is not for

• Writers who aren’t interested in close reading and revision

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
• Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Fee: $25

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use Otter AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

All students receive the following

• Access to the live class. After roughly 45 minutes, the instructor will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 60 minutes.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Supplementary handouts with tips and examples; a list of markets (for both flash memoir and flash fiction); and helpful writing prompts.
• Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.