DISCOVERING EKPHRASTIC FLASH FICTION...

Over the past year, I have been drawn to ekphrastic writing, creating flash fiction inspired by visual art. Poets have long enjoyed finding inspiration in other artforms, whilst novelists create ekphrastic work too; amongst the most famous are The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (original artist – Carel Fabritius) and Girl with The Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (original artist - Johannes Vermeer). 

Canada's famous Group of Seven...

CANADA’S FAMOUS GROUP OF SEVEN 

But my interest in ekphrastic writing was sparked when I stumbled across a beautiful coffee-table sized book of flash fiction created by Canadian writers, entitled The Group of Seven Reimagined. 

So, who were the original Group of Seven? 

A century ago, seven artists formed what was to become Canada’s most famous art group. They travelled the rugged landscape, on foot, on horseback, by canoe, capturing the country's wild beauty in a way that had never been done before. Find more information about the artists and their work here... The Group of Seven. 

But back to writing and The Group of Seven Reimagined, which is a vibrant flash fiction anthology, created by contemporary writers, each story inspired by one of the original paintings... I wanted to try something similar. 

A beautiful anthology inspired by Canadian artwork...

EKPHRASTIC WORKSHOP OFFERED ONLINE 

That’s when I spotted an online ekphrastic flash fiction workshop, focusing on animals, being run by top flash fiction writer, Meg Pokrass, as well as the founding editor of the Ekphrastic Review, Lorette C Luzajic. 

During the workshop we were given seven thought-provoking paintings from around the globe (a mix of classical and modern), along with interesting information about the artists and the inspiration behind their work. I produced four new flash pieces in four days, and received helpful feedback from Meg and Lorette, as well as the other participants. It felt great to try something new and learn more about art. Meg and Lorette’s next ekphrastic writing workshop begins on the 22nd April 2022... The Write of Spring. 

The Write of Spring - an ekphrastic flash workshop
(available online)

ART HISTORY 

With my interest in artists and artwork awakened, I signed up for a series of online art history workshops, taught by Kristine T G Hardeberg, focusing on Impressionism. 

Why the Impressionist period? 

Well, it was a time when many artists (authors, designers, painters, musicians) spent time in the cafés of Paris, as well as exploring the French countryside, and I feel that impressionism shares much with flash fiction. Both provide a slightly blurred snapshot in time which relies heavily on implication, requiring the reader/viewer to bring their experience to the artform. 

I’ve loved discovering more about artists such as Manet, Monet and Cassatt. About their lives, their loves, their muses, their struggles, their friendships. But, perhaps more importantly, I’m being introduced to new artwork that is planting seeds of story ideas for me to nurture and grow. 

For a flavour of Kristine’s workshops, head over to You Tube where she introduces art pioneer, Berthe Morisot and her moving piece, The Cradle. 

So, do you have a favourite artist or piece of artwork to share? Or has artwork inspired your creative life in some way? 

Until next time, happy reading (and writing)!

Rae x

FLASH FICTION TUTORING

Something that constantly surprises me about writing are the unexpected turns that take your work in a whole new direction. As those who have read my last few blog posts will know, this year, for me, has been about shorter pieces. Mostly focusing on both learning about and writing flash fiction. I have even been lucky enough to have pieces published by the likes of the Bath Flash Fiction Award, Retreat West, Cranked Anvil Press, the Romantic Novelists’ Association magazine and Ellipsis Zine (to name a few). 

M:ADE 

So, I was delighted when M:ADE (Moray, Arts, Development, Engagement) asked if I would consider offering a series of flash fiction workshops, working with visual artist, Lynne Strachan of Curious Cranberry, as well as filmmaker, Jason Sinclair of Poppycock Films. The initial hope was that our workshops would be delivered now (in the autumn), but due to the pesky virus, we are now looking towards spring. 

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME 

However, that initial enquiry was quickly followed by a second, when a young student, interested in developing flash fiction writing as a skill for her Duke of Edinburgh award, asked if I could help. For those outside the United Kingdom, not familiar with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, it is a voluntary scheme for young adults, which helps them develop new interests and talents. 

COULD I TUTOR? 

As an enthusiastic believer in lifelong learning, of course I said ‘yes’ to both... Then the doubt set in. Did I know enough? Who did I think I was offering flash fiction workshops? What if what I offered wasn’t good enough? Or worse, boring! Could I make flash fiction writing fun? 

There was only one way to find out. I set about creating timetables, researching what should be included, remembering the focus of the M:ADE project, as well as the interests of my young Duke of Edinburgh student. The good news is that once I’d pulled material together, I had far more lesson plans than I needed.

A month on, and I love discovering new writers, sharing stories, focusing on writing craft with my Duke of Edinburgh student. Preparing the weekly sessions, hearing a young person’s creative ideas is inspiring. I’m learning loads too! 

WHAT'S NEXT?

So far, these sessions have all been in-person, but over the past couple of years, I’ve attended numerous online workshops and masterclasses. Who knows, maybe one day I will develop an online class too! 

There is still so much I need to explore about flash fiction – writing in different genre, attempting humorous pieces, how to create an anthology and, perhaps in time, write a novella-in-flash etc. It’s a form that encourages experimentation and pushes literary boundaries, meaning it is an exciting community to be a part of. 

That’s the beauty of a creative life, there are always new ways to stretch and grow. So, has your creativity taken you along an unexpected path? And if so, what did you learn? 

Happy creating!

Rae x

FLASH FORWARD WITH FLASH FICTION

Hello!

It's all about flash fiction this week, as I'm thrilled to share that I was recently listed in two flash competitions. One piece, The Promise of Snow, will be included in a Bath Flash Fiction anthology, due to be published in December. I have posted more about flash fiction  - what it is, why writing flash is like completing a jigsaw puzzle - over on my blog.

Flash Forward with Flash Fiction...

However, today I plan to share competitions and magazines that invite submissions from flash fiction writers. Some competitions are themed, whilst others are open to most styles and genre, but always check the rules before submitting. Most charge a fee for entering. So whether you are a seasoned flash fiction storyteller, or a newbie like me, or it is a form you wish to try, hopefully at least one of the places listed below will inspire.

Bath Flash Fiction Award

BATH FLASH FICTION AWARD

The Bath Flash Award offers great prizes for flash fiction - £1000 (1st), £300 (2nd), £100 (3rd) and £30 (for two commended writers). Also, those longlisted have the opportunity of seeing their work in print, both online and in an end of year anthology. The competitions sets a 300-word limit and the next round closes on February 7th 2021 - so loads of time to get started on those drafts and have a go!

FLASH 500 COMPETITION

The Flash 500 is a quarterly competition that allows a more generous count of 500 words. The next closing date is a bit closer, on the 31st December, but perhaps entering is a nice excuse to grab some well-earned me-time, away from festivities, to polish that prize-winning piece?

Writer's Forum Magazine

WRITERS' FORUM MAGAZINE

The Writers' Forum magazine runs a monthly flash fiction competition (or short short writing, as they prefer to describe it) with the winner being awarded £100 and published in the next month's magazine. A runner-up is also selected and their piece is printed too. This comp is usually themed and issues a tight deadline, to help stop procrastination. The count expected is between 490 and 510 words. Check out the latest issue for details.

MSLEXIA MAGAZINE

Mslexia magazine runs regular competitions for subscribers. Their latest Flash Challenge is to tell a complete story in 250 words, and the theme is TEMPTATION. Whilst the deadline is 11th January, 2021.

CRANKED ANVIL FLASH FICTION COMPETITION

The Cranked Anvil competition runs quarterly and, if you are quick, you may be able to meet their next deadline of 30th November. Your story should be no more than 500 words in length.

RETREAT WEST THEMED FLASH FICTION PRIZE

Retreat West offers another quarterly themed competition, looking for pieces of up to 500 words. December's theme is BRIDGES, and entries must be with them by 29th December.

GROWTH OF FLASH FICTION

These are only a selection of the places open to flash fiction writers (there are loads more) and I would love if you would share others in the comments. It is a form that is growing in popularity with both readers and writers, and also a fun way to explore potential longer pieces too.

But in the meantime, good luck and happy (flash fiction) writing!

Rae x