Short introduction to writing flash fiction

Key facts

  • Cost: £95
  • Credits: 5

Summary

When it comes to creative writing, very often less is more. This is especially true for flash fiction completed in less than 1,000 words. These condensed prose works can create unforgettable characters, worlds, stories, sensations and meanings that linger long after reading. No wonder flash fiction is becoming a highly popular form of writing with a growing readership, dedicated competitions, publications and performances. 

Flash fiction is also fun to write. With fewer words, it is easier to experiment, play with new ideas and see where they go. It’s an ideal starting point for beginners but also a valuable way for experienced writers to hone their editing skills further as every word, space and punctuation mark counts.  

Join this brief 5-week practice-based course to get a short guide to what flash fiction is and how to write it.  With encouragement, support and guidance this course will discuss and decode inspiring examples, offer writing exercises to practise new techniques and the opportunity to share what you make. Overall, this course offers a welcoming first step or a reinvigorating new approach to writing tiny texts with big impact.  

Over a series of welcoming talks, close-readings and approachable writing exercises, our expert tutor will explain: 

  • The key features of short stories  
  • how to apply these ideas and techniques to your own writing  
  • how to share what you’ve written with others and improve with feedback  

You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars. 

Choose this course if you want to:  

  • learn the basics of how to write flash fiction well  
  • make use of writing exercises to come up with new ideas   
  • build your confidence by optionally discussing and sharing your writing with classmates and the tutor  
  • (for those who submit for assessment) improve with written feedback, how to reflect on your writing process 

Who is this course for?

Beginners, along with those developing as a writer. 

Anyone interested in: 

  • writing imaginatively and improving their short story or flash fiction writing skills 
  • Developing further creative writing skills and refreshing their practise 
  • finding a supportive writing community to share work and gain feedback  
  • The short story or flash fiction as a literary form 

Qualifications/credits

(optional) 5 credits at SCQF 7 / Level 1 

Can contribute towards the attainment of Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education (Creative Writing) 

Assessment

If you opt to take the course for credit the assessments are: 

  • One 750-1,000-word creative portfolio (75% of final grade) 
  • One 250 word self-reflective essay (25% of final grade) 

Mode of study

For 2023-24, there are two versions of this course on offer, both led by a tutor: 

  • One is delivered in-person on-campus via 5 x 2-hour classroom sessions 
  • The other is delivered live online via 5 x 2-hour Zoom sessions  

Course materials will be provided via our online learning platform Moodle 

Prospects

  • Can begin your journey as a writer and help you find a supportive community 
  • Can reenergise and refresh your existing writing practice  
  • Can begin your study of creative writing at university level  
  • contribute towards a Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education 
  • can inform your personal reading list and introduce you to some inspiring writing 

Find out more

The University holds open days throughout the year where you can meet with staff to discuss our short course provision. Find out more about University of Glasgow open days