Flash Memoir

Write Micro Creative Nonfiction

January 19-28, 2025

Write vivid, personal stories in fewer than 1,000 words

Unlock your creative potential and craft powerful flash memoirs with personalized feedback, engaging lessons, curated readings, and a supportive community, all designed to refine your voice and deepen your craft.

A person with arm tattoos and a bracelet holds a magazine open on their lap—only their lap is visible in the photo.
Rachel Thompson has yellow and grey hair and wears glasses and a blue dress with a green notebook and teal wall behind her in this portrait.

Hi, I'm rachel Thompson

I am a literary magazine editor (with Room), a published author, and the host of the Write, Publish, and Shine Podcast.

I am here to help ​you write and publish​ your ​most luminous work.

Flash Memoir Course

WHAT​’S IN THE COURSE?

The Flash Memoir course provides:

  • Unique, Not-Prosaic Prompts: Build writing prompts inspired by your own memories, sensory experiences, and personal perspective.
  • Craft Techniques: Learn to capture tiny details, strategically leave things out, and layer meaning to create vivid and resonant flash memoirs.
  • Feedback from an Editor: Receive thoughtful feedback on each piece you write during the course to help you refine and strengthen your work.

Begin each session by grounding yourself with mindful centering practices to access your writerly awareness.

Feedback & Support

1) Course message board​
I am available throughout the week in our course community—a private, secure group space (using Slack) where you can ask questions and get answers, plus interact with other writers. (Don’t worry if you haven’t used it before. I will help you navigate any technology that is new to you.)

2) Editorial Review of Your Submission
During the course, I read your submission and give you 1:1 editorial feedback, with concrete revision suggestions, and ideas to develop your writing further.

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Pricing Information

I offer a sliding scale pricing model. Please consider your current income, your past and future income, and generational wealth when choosing your tier:

All prices in USD and include applicable taxes.

Securely pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal account.

Sliding-Scale Pricing

I offer sliding scale pricing options to provide more access for writers who need this.

Support Tier 1 (15% price reduction)
For recently unemployed writers or writers experiencing reduced income and who do not have access to generational or personal wealth. Join Tier 1

Support Tier 2 (25% price reduction)
For writers who are experiencing financial insecurity and who also do not have access to personal or generational wealth and/or savings. Join Tier 2

ACCESS (30% price reduction)
Exclusively for writers on disability assistance or who are part of BIPOC and/or trans communities. If you are able, please choose another pricing level. Join Access

Here are Some Frequently Asked Questions About the Course…

What is flash memoir?

Good question!

Flash memoir is a form of creative nonfiction that tells a personal story in a very short space, typically under 1,000 words. Unlike traditional memoirs, which often delve into long, detailed narratives, flash memoirs focus on a specific moment, memory, or insight, distilling it into a concise and impactful piece.

The goal of flash memoir is to capture the essence of a moment or feeling, emphasizing emotional resonance rather than providing exhaustive details or a linear story. This form allows writers to experiment with brevity, intensity, and the power of language to create a compelling narrative that evokes reflection and emotion.

What writing experience do I need for this course?
This course is designed for writers who are eager to explore the flash memoir genre. No prior writing experience is required, but you should come ready to push your writing further and embrace feedback on your work. Whether you’re new to the genre or looking to deepen your practice, this course will guide you in crafting impactful, concise personal stories.
Will you provide feedback on my writing?

Yes! I give feedback on five works of flash memoir that you create in the course. I also answer questions about each assignment, your writing, and writing craft, in our private community channel.

When does the course start and end?

The course session starts on January 19 and ends on January 28, 2025. Each course session runs for ten days and writers can work at their own pace, with motivation to complete the assignments, including deadlines to submit their writing for my feedback.

How big is the course cohort?

To provide a more personalized and supportive experience, I cap the course at 12 participants. This group size allows me to offer individualized attention, and writers benefit from detailed feedback on their writing.

Together, we create a space where you can comfortably engage and grow as a writer. I do this in particular for my fellow introverts, to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

Since spaces are limited, secure your spot soon if you’d like to join my intimate and tailored course experience.

Use this form to ask me about the Flash Memoir Course:

Rachel is a luminous guide offering equal parts gentle prompts and discerning truths.

Deborah Johnstone

Pushcart Prize Nominee

Rachel deeply cares about helping emerging and established writers. She believes in building and cultivating writing communities—spaces for writers to meet, share work, get feedback, and grow.

Marlena Chertock

Author of Crumb Sized

Rachel Thompson is the truth.

Whitney French

Host of Writing While Black

Working with Rachel Thompson transformed my writing by opening avenues to publications, developing community, and furthering my commitment to craft. Rachel is a fantastic mentor.

Rowan McCandless

Author of Persephone's Children

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