Featured Online Class on Writing Flash Stories

IN A FLASH: Tiny Stories with a Huge Impact with Kimberly Lee

DURATION: 4 weeks

LOCATION: Live Zoom Workshops

MEETING DATES: Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27

MEETING TIMES: 9am - 11am Pacific Time

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This month-long course explores flash fiction through excerpts from four celebrated collections: Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street, Maria Romasco Moore’s Ghostographs, Desiree Cooper’s Know the Mother, and Meg Pokrass’s Spinning to Mars. Selected passages will be distributed one week before each session, giving participants time to read the material independently.

During our Zoom meetings, we’ll discuss how each author approaches theme, employs literary techniques, and builds character and narrative within compressed forms. We’ll put this into practice with several in-class writing exercises based on creative prompts related to the readings. With supportive peer and instructor critique during each session, you’ll discover what elements of your writing connect most powerfully with readers.

You’ll also receive curated resources for continuing your flash fiction journey, including a guide to journals and magazines actively publishing in this form. In our second session, you’ll be introduced to SoulCollage®, a creative practice that will serve as inspiration for your writing. No artistic experience needed and you’ll receive a simple materials list when you register.

Format:
4 weeks for 120 minutes in person via Zoom each week: Fridays, 9am - 11am PST | 10am - 12pm MT | 11am - 1pm CT | 12pm - 2pm ET. Dates: February 6, 13, 20, and 27. The class will include in-class writing exercises and supportive peer and instructor critique. Classes will not be recorded.

I've enjoyed this class so much and am so sad that it's ending. The themes, the diversity of the materials, the creative processes, and the prompts have all engaged really me. I haven't written like this for years and it's just been great fun. — Danyelle O.

Thank you most deeply for this course. [T]his one has had a profound effect on me. You have a gift for finding and presenting information and thought-provoking materials that engage on a deep level. — Kaden S.

Kimberly has a very warm and delightful presence. Her creative writing workshop was filled with varied exercises. — Sinéad M.

Kimberly presented a variety of creative and original prompts, and I was motivated by her enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of writing. Her manner was very encouraging and her responses reflected her knowledge of the process. — Carolyn J.

CLASSES AT A GLANCE:

Class One: Explode the Moment
After reading excerpts from Sandra Cisneros’ modern classic House on Mango Street, we’ll mine our memories and explore how to “explode the moment” by employing all five senses and capturing the rich detail that adds meaning and metaphor to flash.

Class Two: Images for Inspiration & SoulCollage®
We’ll spend time with excerpts of Ghostographs, Maria Romasco Moore’s collection of flash based on vintage photos, then explore how images can be powerful inspiration for writing that both surprises and moves the reader.

Class Three: Exploring Character Relationships, Dialogue, and Interactions
Readings from Desiree Cooper’s Know the Mother will be the focus this week, followed by a study of how relationships can be explored in flash through the use of sharp, realistic dialogue and nuanced interactions.

Class Four: Mind Space: Random Observations, Current Obsessions, Pet Peeves, and Quirky Musings
We’ll conclude with excerpts from Spinning to Mars by Meg Pokrass, then witness how our random observations, current obsessions, overheard conversations, pet peeves, and quirky musings can result in entertaining yet thought-provoking writing.

Materials needed: All readings and multi-media resources will be provided via links and PDF documents. An easy-to-obtain supply list for Week Two will be given at the beginning of the course. Other than that, simply pen and paper, keyboard, or other preferred writing instruments/devices.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Lee, JD is the author of the gripping thriller Have You Seen Him. A versatile writer, editor, and creativity coach, she has a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. Kimberly is an Amherst Writers & Artists affiliate and serves on its board. She is a certified facilitator of SoulCollage®, Journal to the Self, and Guided Autobiography, and holds additional certifications from The Center for Intentional Creativity and Transformative Language Arts Network. Kimberly is a teaching artist with several writing centers and has led events at numerous retreats and conferences. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Arts & Healing Initiative, the Expressive Therapies Summit, The Huntington, and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Kimberly’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve Magazines. Kimberly trusts in the magic and mystery of miracles and synchronicity, and believes everyone is creative and has unique gifts to share. Connect with Kimberly on Instagram @klcreatrix or at KimberlyLee.me.

COST: $175, which includes four live Zoom workshops.

BUY NOW: In a Flash: Tiny Stories with a Huge Impact, by Kimberly Lee (4 weeks, starting February 6, 2026) Limit: 13 students. Early registration is recommended.

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Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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