Writing Short Impactful Nonfiction
Join Karim Lakhani and learn how to compose impactful and creative pieces of non-fiction under 500 words, known as flash writing. The imperative of brevity compels lucid and inventive writing.
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Description
Come and learn how to compose impactful and creative pieces of non-fiction under 500 words, known as flash writing.
In an era of brief attention spans and twitter enthusiasts, flash essays (short-shorts) are sought after by publishers. A flash is not a vignette but rather constitutes a complete story or essay written with extreme economy of language. Normally under 1000 words, and often under 500, flash is a rewarding form to master.
In this course, you will read and write evocative flash memoirs and personal essays for class discussion and become familiar with the craft elements that make these pieces memorable. Expect to begin work on several flash essays and to complete one such essay for group critique.
Who should attend?
Individuals with a habit of reading and an interest in writing, with little or no experience in writing. Those who can write in wordier formats, looking for a new mode of expression.
Expected learning outcomes
- Learn how to create a story in miniature
- Become familiar with the craft elements that promote powerful writing
- Understand the arts of implication and understatement that brevity recommends
- Appreciate the tense relationship between creative nonfiction and fiction
Course outline
- What is flash creative nonfiction?
- Craft elements: Translating emotions into words
- Writing about grief and loss
- Writing about love and longing
- Writing about human folly and social injustice
- Publishing your writing
