Writing flash fiction: getting started

What is the course about?

This short course will introduce you to the skills needed to produce very short fiction. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and experiment with structure, point of view and language. At the end of the course you will have a clear understanding of the technical aspects of micro-fiction writing and devices used by writers to generate and build on ideas. You will also take away solid strategies to fuel your creative momentum into the future.

City Lit reserves the right to change course tutors from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor.

What will we cover?

We will use a range of workshop exercises for inspiration––drawing on experience, memory, imagination and place. Further exercises are designed to generate new ideas using poetry, songs, overheard conversations and images in order to quickly create pieces for development. There will be opportunities to share your writing in a relaxed and supportive workshop environment and you will receive plenty of constructive feedback from the tutor and your peers.

Please note: this course will include a 1-hour break.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Identify the characteristics of micro-fiction as opposed to flash fiction and longer short stories
- Respond to, assess and discuss pieces of writing (your own and your peers’) with sensitivity
- Recognise various creative writing techniques such as imagery, point of view, 1st person/3rd person narrative, rhetorical devices
- Apply the above in your own writing
- Produce several pieces of micro-fiction
- Experiment and have fun!

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course. You do not need to have any experience with creative writing though it will help if you are interested in reading and crafting very short fictions. You will need to be fluent in written and spoken English.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

In-class exercises including writing games; free-writing and experimental techniques for idea generation; small group discussion; tutor-led discussion.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day, regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs. Please bring writing materials.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You might be interested in City Lit's 'Flash Fiction' course, or in our wide range of courses geared towards short story writers.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.