Flash Nonfiction Writing Workshop w/ Mira Ptacin

Flash nonfiction essays are extremely short—often 750 words or less (sometimes just six words)—true stories told concisely and movingly.

This dynamic micro essay form can lead to inspiring results, whether being used for reflective, memoir-like pieces or more urgent, in-the-moment pieces. Flash nonfiction essays can tackle the absurd and the profound, and are an invaluable method for nonfiction writers looking for a “side door” into stories that are too daunting to enter from the front.

Theme: RED.

This class will begin with a brief lecture by the instructor, followed by writing prompts—variations on the theme of red—and instructor-led group critiques. The writing prompts and exercises will be intended to liberate attendees’ creativity, provide literary distance and perspective, and open their eyes to possibilities that may not seem immediately obvious.

All levels welcome!

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Led by Mira Ptacin, the author of the award-winning memoir Poor Your Soul (Soho Press, 2016), which was named a best book of the year by Kirkus Books, where it received a rare “starred” review. She’s also the author of the genre-blending book of feminist history, memoir, and ethnography, The In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna (Liveright-W.W. Norton, 2019), which the New York Times lauded as the best book to read during a pandemic. Mira’s writing frequently appears in the New York Times, New York Times Book Review, Harper's Bazaar, The Atavist, Harper's, Poets & Writer's, LitHub, and more. She received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was editor-at-large of their literary magazine, LUMINA. Mira lives on Peaks Island, Maine, and is currently working on her next book.

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.

Parking is available at the Arts District Garage, which has entrances on Casco and Brown Street, with a rate of $5 per hour. Metered street parking is available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and other nearby streets. Free hourly street parking is available between Parris and Alder Street.

ACCESSIBILITY

To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator and a modular ramp available.

If you need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at cHJvZ3JhbW1pbmcgfCBtYWluZW1lY2hhbmljcyAhIG9yZw== or 207-773-8396.

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