Flash fiction writing – short stories with Ruth Brandt

Creative writing and publishing

Ref: SWE12307

Suitable for all £273
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About this course

Learn how to write stories set in vivid worlds with memorable situations. Develop ideas then pare down words to produce concise, impactful stories.

Course Description

On this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to write a compelling piece of flash fiction and complete stories of fewer than 1,000 words. This includes: creating a vivid story world, using sensory detail, metaphor and imagery; exploring character movement and editing a piece where the feel, as well as the meaning, of every word matters. Through written exercises, you will explore each of these areas and discover how they can be used to write a story which is short on words, but long on depth.

You will be given advice about the process of submitting work to competitions and for publication.

Working in a supportive, encouraging environment, you will give and receive feedback on each other’s work and receive regular feedback and guidance from the tutor. The focus will be on making your flash fiction story as impactful as it can be. There will be plenty of time for independent writing in and around the inspirational college and gardens.

In the introductory first evening, you will discuss what flash fiction is with the tutor. At this session, you will be given an exercise to get started with flash fiction writing.

By the end of the weekend, you will have developed an understanding of the nature of flash fiction and written and edited several pieces. You will leave with increased writing skills, several completed flash fiction stories and the confidence to write more.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • If you use a laptop, you’re welcome to bring this.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Pen/Pencil
  • Notebook
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Ruth Brandt

Ruth Brandt’s short stories and flash fiction have been widely published. She won the Kingston University MFA Creative Writing Prize, and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Write Well Award and Best Small Fictions Award. Her short story collection No One has any Intention of Building a Wall will be published by Fly on the Wall Press in 2021.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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