Flash Memoir with Rachel Thompson - Writing Courses from Rachel Thompson

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.

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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.

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FLash memoir Student Stories

Natalie

“This course gave me a renewed sense of confidence and inspiration. I loved the supportive framework, clear feedback, and being able to work at my own pace. It was exactly the right length and depth to add a powerful new form to my writing toolkit.”

Ann Fischer

“The Flash Memoir course gave me a chance to get back to my writing. The 10-day format was just the right length to generate new work, and Rachel’s detailed, thoughtful feedback helped me feel confident in moving forward with revisions and submissions. I appreciated the flexibility of the lessons and prompts.”

This black-and-white photograph features a person with wavy, shoulder-length hair standing in front of a textured wall with abstract shapes, smiling softly and looking slightly to the left of the camera, and wearing a patterned coat with a herringbone design and a pendant necklace. The overall tone of the image is warm and approachable.

Laurel Parry

“The feedback I received emphasized the value of compressing scenes to develop the theme of the piece. I learned how to create a story from a single image or feeling, and the revision process became clearer. The whole experience helped me build momentum and make my writing more focused and resonant.”

A smiling person with shoulder-length silver-gray hair sits on what appears to be a covered porch or deck. They are wearing sunglasses pushed up on their head and a patterned sleeveless top. Behind them, wooden railings and cabin-style buildings are visible with mountain scenery in the background.

Andrea

“The course created a really positive, supportive space. I appreciated the readings, which provided great examples of what works in published work. It was also valuable to receive personalized feedback to refine my writing and learn new literary techniques.”

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