Finnian Burnett is a writer whose work explores the intersections of the human body, mental health, and gender identity. They are a recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts grant, a finalist in the 2023 CBC nonfiction prize, and a 2024 Pushcart nominee. Their work appears in Blank Spaces Magazine, Reflex Press, The Daily Sci-Fi, Pulp Literature, CBC books, more. Their two novellas-in-flash, The Clothes Make the Man and The Price of Cookies, are available through Ad Hoc Fiction and Off Topic Publishing.

Learn more about Finnian in our Meet the Teaching Artist series.

In this class, you will hone your flash skills by creating rich characters, nailing point of view, and mastering experimental forms.

Flash fiction, or very short stories, contain vivid worlds in tiny packages. In this generative writing workshop, participants will learn about point of view and how to subvert it, character-based approaches to writing flash, revision tools, and idea generation for flash fiction stories.

We’ll also discuss experimentation in flash, using unusual story forms to create unique pieces. We will read stories germane to each topic, discuss the impact and effectiveness, and use those points to craft our own stories. Everyone will be invited, but not obligated to share their work in a safe, positive, and supportive environment.

Participants can expect to leave the course with at least eight first draft flash fiction stories, and the tools to generate more.

Flash fiction pieces will be presented each week to read in class.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Week 1: Generative Writing, the structure of flash
• Week 2: Conflict and Character
• Week 3: Point of View
• Week 4: Experimental Forms
• Week 5: Subplots and Layering
• Week 6: Titles and Revision

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

• Students will produce a story each week focusing on point of view, character, experimentation, and story prompts.
• Participants can expect to leave the course with at least six drafts and one revised story.
• Participants will leave with a better understanding of internal motivation, dialogue, and plot, and how these aspects of craft differ in flash fiction as opposed to other writing forms. 
  

TESTIMONIALS:

"Finnian's flash fiction workshop has been an excellent experience! In addition to learning different aspects of writing flash fiction, I truly enjoyed getting to know Finnian as a person. Their warmth, their friendliness, and their ever-smiling demeanor were a bonus I didn't know I was signing up for. "Flash Fiction for Everyone" is an apt title emphasizing Finnian's ability to make every single participant feel respected, heard, and included. With close to fifty students, it was amazing how they could talk to points from the presentation slides and simultaneously read and respond to every single attendee's chat message! A course for beginners, experienced writers, and everyone in every sense of the word, indeed!"  — former student

“It was a privilege to work with Finnian. They are an amazing teacher—generous with their material, skillful in their presentation, enviably astute in their listening, and spot on with their feedback.”  — former student 

"Finnian is awesome! They are a great teacher--dedicated to their craft—lots of good material. I feel more prepared to write better flash fiction after this class."  — former student

"Loved it. Finnian's passion for flash is infectious. Their step-by-step manner of building upon each lesson is very straightforward and actionable."  — former student

"Finnian is the bomb. Excellent, clear teaching. Concrete examples and exercises."  — former student

"Great session with an awesome balance of teaching, examples, and writing! Finnian is a great teacher; thank you!"  — former student

"I love how inclusive, empathetic, and generous Finnian is. They are definitely one of my favorite teachers. I learned a lot about how to think about my writing. Thank you!"  — former student

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE: