Our class will focus on flash form, compressed prose writing between 250-1500 words.  Flash form emphasizes brevity while maintaining complexity and depth, a combination that presents a challenge to both readers and writers.  Students will have the chance to write fiction or nonfiction or try both. Flash form is an excellent way for students to master important prose writing techniques -precision in language, focus on narrative arc, and attention to significant/necessary detail among them. We will work on specific techniques while also discussing the fundamental questions of all prose writing – How is a compelling story made? How do we make meaning from our lives and our experiences and observations of the world around us? How can we best learn from feedback and critique? How do we shape our writing so that it engages other people? There is an increasing readership of flash forms, and growing opportunities to submit and publish. In our class, we will examine flash form technique, using examples of published writing to illustrate concepts. Each session will include guided writing prompts and time in class to generate material.

Deborah (Professor Emerita at College of DuPage) has a PhD in English from New York University.  She has published her fiction, essays, book reviews, memoirs, flash fiction, poetry and academic work in a variety of magazines, journals and anthologies. She has taught a variety of writing classes in fiction and creative nonfiction, composition, professional writing, and various literature and film studies classes. She has taught at New York University, Loyola University, Oakton College and College of DuPage.  Deborah loves teaching writing and literature classes and is excited to return to teaching at The Clearing this year!