Flash Memoir
Write Micro Creative Nonfiction
Next Session: September 2026
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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.
Registration for the February Session is Now Full
Join the waiting list Below
I’ll send you a quick tip for writing flash and notify you when course registration opens again!
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.
“I loved how each lesson layered on top of the others. The feedback was so clear and helpful.”
“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 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.”
“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.”
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.
Registration for the February Session is Now Full
Join the waiting list Below
I’ll send you a quick tip for writing flash and notify you when course registration opens again!
Use this form to ask me about the Flash Memoir Course:
Rachel is a luminous guide offering equal parts gentle prompts and discerning truths.
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.
Rachel Thompson is the truth.
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.
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?
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?
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.
This course runs twice per year. Join the waiting list to receive notifications for the updated course session calendar.
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.
Registration for the February Session is Now Full
Join the waiting list Below
I’ll send you a quick tip for writing flash and notify you when course registration opens again!