Flash and Micro Fiction Intensive in Reading, MA | Writers' Collaborative
Writing Short: An Introduction to Flash and Micro Fiction
This intensive serves as an introduction to short fiction forms. We work through compression, implication, and the art of writing short. You'll walk away with a handful of complete stories.
- Format
- Intensive
- Length
- One session. Six hours, lunch provided.
- Where
- In person, Reading, MA
- Tuition
- $225
Description
This intensive serves as an introduction to flash and micro fiction for writers new to short fiction forms. We begin with the forms themselves, working down from “sudden fiction” to “flash” to “micro,” and the accepted lengths of each. Then, we explore compression: the techniques that make a short piece rich despite its length. You'll write a complete story and workshop it with the group. We conclude with a discussion on revision and the publishing options available to flash and micro fiction writers.
No prior writing experience is required.
Upcoming Sessions
Registration closes 48 hours before a session begins.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterSaturday, November 21, 2026
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterWe add new dates regularly. Additional dates will be announced soon.
Session Breakdown
Three lessons, two exercises, and a workshop component. Lunch included and provided on-site.
Arrival and Opening Writing Exercise
We open the session with a brief writing exercise.
Introductions and Initial Thoughts
Our opening discussion on writing short.
Lesson One: How Short Is Short?
Short forms are measured by wordcount: sudden fiction at 1,500, flash at 1,000, micro at 300, and the six-word story at six words. We work through the anthologies that set those thresholds, from Robert Shapard and James Thomas to Jerome Stern, and you'll learn what each form can do.
Exercise One: Down the Tiers
You'll write a single story three times, at three lengths, cutting as you go.
Lunch
On site, provided.
Lesson Two: Compression
We work through the techniques that make a short piece rich despite its length: opening with momentum, utilizing subtext and white space, and making the title carry weight.
Exercise Two: The Charged Moment
Working from a prompt, you'll use compression techniques to deliver a complete story in under 1,000 words.
Workshop
Small groups. You'll read your story aloud and receive feedback from the other writers, who will tell you what landed, what they filled in themselves, and where the compression left them behind.
Lesson Three: Revision and Submission
We discuss revision techniques specific to short fiction. Then we review the journals, contests, and annuals that publish short work and what to expect from the submission process.
Beyond the Intensive
Further reading, your resource packet, and a Q&A.
Session content and sequence may vary.
What You'll Leave With
- ✓ An understanding of short fiction forms and what distinguishes them
- ✓ Techniques for compression
- ✓ Several complete stories, from six words to flash length
- ✓ One workshopped piece
- ✓ A resource packet with further reading and exercises
Before You Register
What to bring, how registration works, and our cancellation policy.
What to Bring
Nothing needed. You're welcome to bring something to write with and take notes.
Who It's For
Any writer at any stage, in any genre. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, this is for you.
Registration
48 Hours Ahead
Registration closes 48 hours before the session starts. Register using the button in Upcoming Sessions above. Members and non-members register the same way; the only difference is that members receive 20% off.
Cancellations
What Happens If a Session Can't Run
Unfortunately, we sometimes need to cancel due to extreme weather or insufficient enrollment. When a cancellation is necessary, we'll notify you.
- ✓ You'll be credited the amount toward another course or intensive at a comparable price.
- ✓ If it was canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you may request a refund instead.
If you need to cancel a session you've registered for, let us know and we'll issue a credit toward another offering of comparable value.
Membership
Members Receive 20% Off
Writers' Collaborative members receive 20% off every course and intensive, along with workspace access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every writing group, and all our weekly programming.
Not sure if this intensive is for you? Give us a call at (781) 663-2800 or email info@writersclc.com. We're happy to discuss with you.