Instructor: Len Leatherwood
Maximum Enrollment: 8
Class Term: 05/15/2023 - 05/29/2023
Tuition/Fees
SCN Member: $105
Non-Member: $160
Class synopsis
Have you read powerful pieces of flash fiction or memoir (1000 words or less) and admired how so much could be conveyed in so few words? If you'd like to learn more about and also practice a type of writing that is not only popular and marketable but will also bolster your writing skills in both fiction and nonfiction, then this 3-week intensive may be right for you.Class description
Over a period of 3 weeks, this course will give you the opportunity to learn about and write flash in class. For the first ten minutes, we'll have a mini-lesson in Flash followed by a 20-minute timed writing. Students will then have the option to share their work, and we'll discuss what we liked about each participant's piece. At the end of the three-week period, you potentially have three pieces that can be further developed and refined.
Class goals
Participants will: 1) Learn the basic principles of writing short-short fiction/memoir; 2) Understand more clearly the basic story elements required for effective storytelling;3) Create several first-draft fiction or memoir pieces; and 4) Have the opportunity to receive positive feedback on what worked in their in-class pieces.
Class communication method
We will meet for 3 week in a Zoom meetings from 4 - 5:30 Pacific Time on Mondays, have a mini-lesson in flash, write for 20 minutes, read, then receive feedback on what worked. Weekly readings will be provided via a group email to aid in learning more about Flash.Class outline
Week One: Basic Story Structure
This session will discuss basic story elements (setting, character, plot, etc.) as well as tips on how to effectively write flash fiction/memoir. Readings will be provided to help clarify this topic. Participants will write in class, share their writing, and receive feedback on what worked in the draft rough.
Week Two: Keeping it Concise While Conveying Resonance
This session will discuss the concept of succinctness and resonance in creating flash fiction/memoir. Readings will be provided to help clarify this topic. Participants will write in class, share their writing, and receive feedback on what worked in the draft rough.
Week Three: Loading-Bearing Sentences and Tips on Revision
This session will emphasize the “load-bearing” sentence of each piece as well as how to take the pieces written during class and effectively revise them. Readings will be provided to help clarify this topic. Participants will write in class, share their writing, and receive feedback on what worked in the draft rough.
Class time commitment
Time required: 1 1/2 hour Zoom meeting per week plus 30 minutes of reading a week. Students are not required to work on their stories outside of class, but certainly can if they wish.Instructor bio
Len Leatherwood, the Program Coordinator for SCN’s Online Classes program and current president of Story Circle Network, has been teaching writing privately to students in Beverly Hills for the past 22 years. She is a nationally recognized writing coach as well as an award-winning author. Len has published work in flash fiction and nonfiction and has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. Her blog, 20 Minutes a Day, can be found at lenleatherwood.com.
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