Flash Memoir – personal writing from the heart

Instructor: Erica Goss

Dates and times: July 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23, 2021, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

For ages 13-17

Platform: Computer with Zoom

Supplies/requirements: Writing materials and access to a computer with Zoom.

Flash memoirs are non-fiction written pieces generally 1000 words or less. Although they can be about almost any subject, they are usually in-the-moment accounts. In this class, girls will learn how to write short, intense stories, using journal-writing and personal experience for inspiration.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction to Flash Memoir

First, we’ll define flash memoir as a genre of writing. They are short pieces that usually deal with a memory, trip, craft, or experience. Flash memoirs have become more popular lately. As a result, many people are writing and sharing them. Next, we’ll explore its principles to express ourselves through writing.

2. Journal-writing

Regular journal-writing, whether daily, weekly or monthly, creates an archive of material we can use for our own short compositions. We include journal-writing to give us topics for flash memoir.

3. Examples

Sharing the work of writers who practice writing flash memoir, for example, Beth Ann Fennelly, will result in a more complete understanding of the form. We’ll look at the website Brevity, which contains a treasure-trove of short pieces. These pieces are about everything from a first day in a new school to coming down with a mysterious illness.

4. Writing from the heart

Through sharing your journals, you’ll discover the stories you want to tell. For example, listening to others’ stories sometimes helps us connect with memories we thought we’d forgotten.

5. Conclusion and reading

You will share your work, what you learned, and have time for questions and comments.