Schools: Talks and Resources

Drs Peter Blair and Ashley Chantler, directors of the International Flash Fiction Association and tutors on the University of Chester’s BA (Hons) Creative Writing, are happy to give talks and workshops on studying and writing flash fiction and short stories.

Talks and Workshops

Sessions have included: what a strong flash is and what a weak flash is; ‘top tips’ for young authors of short fiction; advice on drafting, editing, and proofreading; other practical exercises that help students develop their critical and creative-writing skills.

Ideally, the sessions will take place on Chester’s Exton Park, so students get a flavour of university life – a meeting with current BA students and a campus tour can be arranged.

Visits to local schools might be possible.

Contact Peter and Ashley: flash.magazine@chester.ac.uk 

Resources

From Peter and Ashley’s Flash: The International Short-Short Story Magazine, here are some flashes for students, for them to be inspired by, discuss, and learn from.

Teachers and students may also find interesting ‘Flash: The Shortest Short Stories – A Guide’, published by the University’s online magazine C.E.L.L.Mates.

Recommended Books

  • David Swann, Stronger Faster Shorter: Flash Fictions, edited by Peter and Ashley. Multiple copies are available at a discount; email them for information.
  • Vanessa Gebbie, Nothing to Worry About: Flash Fictions, edited by Peter and Ashley. Multiple copies are also available.
  • Sudden Flash Youth: 65 Short-Short Stories, edited by Christine Perkins-Hazuka, Tom Hazuka and Mark Budman.

For younger readers (aged 9+) and listeners:

  • Louise Cooper, Short and Scary! A Book of Very Short Scary Stories.
  • Louise Cooper, Short and Spooky! A Book of Very Short Spooky Stories.
  • Kevin Crossley-Holland, Short! A Book of Very Short Stories.
  • Kevin Crossley-Holland, Short Too! A Second Book of Very Short Stories.
  • Maggie Pearson, Short and Shocking! A Book of Very Short Shocking Stories.
  • Maggie Pearson, Short: Christmas Stories.

The National Flash Fiction Youth Competition

Teachers of creative writing might be interested in the annual National Flash Fiction Youth Competition.

Stories must be no more than 360 words (including the title) and be by current Years 11, 12 & 13 students, or Higher/Advanced Higher students, aged 15–19 and studying in the UK.

Entry is free.